Noble Eightfold Path

In the short story, “A Worn Path”, the author Eudora Welty made the main character Phoenix Jackson a symbol of the mythical phoenix bird. They are alike because they both live for a long time; they both symbolize a rebirth; they both go on a journey in order for their “rebirth.” Each and every similarity shows that they are connected in some way, shape, or form. The author purposely made many similarities between the two because Phoenix Jackson is an allusion to the mythical Phoenix bird. Though…

Through the course of the short story “A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty, Phoenix Jackson had several moments or opportunities along her way to abandon her mission. Phoenix’s first moment or opportunity was when her skirt was entangled with a thorn bush and she could not let her dress get torn. According to the quote of Welty (1940), " Her eyes opened, their widest, and she started down gently. But before she got to the bottom of the hill a bush caught her dress. Her fingers were busy and intent,…

The Biographical Approach to understanding Eudora Welty’s “A Worn Path” Seventy seven years ago, America was at war with European countries, fighting in the appalling and depressing World War II. Segregation in the south was slowly disappearing, and with the men at war, women became the fuelers of America’s thriving economy. Eudora Welty, a white, independent, and middle aged woman has the voice people want to hear during the harsh times. Swanson stated that “In addition to her many short…

referred to as Jiva. Once you enough good karma is collected as a male, Moksha can be achieved. This is what causes the release of the eternal soul to Brahman, reaching liberation of Samsara and achieving Moksha. Moksha is the ultimate goal of the Hindu paths, though a good deal of religious activity is also devoted. (Van Voorst, p.83) Hinduism has brought life and hope once the cycle of Samsara is broken and returned to Brahman. It has influenced a peaceful society in its regions and has…

As suggested by the title of this piece, A Worn Path can be interpreted as a story of a journey that has been previously traveled by the character. Phoenix even lends understanding to this concept when she provides evidence of her knowledge of the path. While traveling she thinks to herself, “Up through the pines….Now own through oaks.” (850) This statement clarifies that Phoenix is completely aware…

Phoenix Jackson is as worn down as the path she travels. She conquers many obstacles in her journey to get her grandson his medicine. The difficulties endured include racism, her old age, and poverty. The short story, “A Worn Path,” was written by Eudora Welty in 1940. The main character is Phoenix Jackson. She is described in the story as an African American woman from the south who is very old, frail, wrinkled and small. The story takes place in the 1930’s, many years after slavery…

taking advantage of them and then by burning their house, murdering a child who was not even old enough to walk. Through symbolism, Welty is able to give a new meaning to this story. There are many symbols that Eudora Welty has included in A Worn Path. One of the main symbols shown throughout the course of the story is how Phoenix was related to the mythological phoenix bird who sets itself on fire but rose from its own ashes. She made the journey to town every time her grandson needed…

A Worn Path by:Eudora Welty; The Aspect of Hidden Life What is the theme of “A Worn Path? I believe the theme of “A Worn Path” is and explaining how, where, and when it develops in the story. To start off, I think that the overall theme of “A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty is “Life is a hidden aspect known only to those that know each other. This theme is developed as Phoenix goes on her journey and it is revealed to us that she goes through everything for her grandson, the hidden part of her…

Analysis on the story“A Worn Path” Eudora Welty in her short story, “A Worn Path” talks about an old lady living in a time period when racism is widely practiced and out of control. Phoenix Jackson is a grandmother to an ill grandson and her only purpose of living is to provide medicine to her grandson. Her strength of love towards her grandson is unconditional, which makes her do insane things just to make him survive. The main purpose of this short story is to say that our love to our people…

and equality for any race, gender, or wealth class defines social justice. Three short stories that symbolize social justice are “Saboteur,” “A Worn Path,” and “The Lesson.” In the story “Saboteur” the antagonist is a police officer who treats the protagonist unjustly. The social justice issue being portrayed is inequality. In contrast, “A Worn Path” is a story of an elderly African-American woman who is on a quest. While on her quest, racism is illustrated as the social issue. Lastly, “The…