Character Analysis Of Phoenix Jackson In Eudora Welty's A Worn Path

Phoenix Jackson was on old, small, negro woman who live far out in the country. She was poor, uneducated, and her vision is bad. Phoenix wore a long, dark dress and an apron made of sugar sacks. She also wore a red rag on her head, she had wrinkles in her face, and the shoes she wore were unlaced. She carried a thin umbrella that she used for a cane. After reading Eudora Welty’s “A Worn Path,” we see Phoenix Jackson as an old woman who lives life in her own reality. Phoenix Jackson has a grandson whom she cares for. The child swallowed some lye years ago and Phoenix travels a worn path to town in order to get the child’s medication. Phoenix sets out on her journey and begins to talk to herself. Phoenix said, “Out of my way, all you foxes, owls, beetles, jack rabbits, coons, and wild animals! Keep out from under these feet, little bob-whites… keep the big wild hogs out of my path. Don’t let none of those come running my direction. I got a long way.” Phoenix speaks aloud to let it be known that she is not going to let anything stop her from reaching town. Phoenix path takes her through many obstacles that she must go against to get to town. An example is, she come to a hill that she must go up. She said, “Seems like there is chains about my feet, time I get this far.” Phoenix looks at the hills as though …show more content…
She traveled this path many times and while on her way she talks to herself and the things around her. Phoenix had to face several obstacles in order to get to town. People look at Phoenix as an old senile woman who does not know any better. Phoenix is able to travel this path and overcome these obstacles because even though she talks to herself and the environment that is just the way she sees life. She may have had her moment in the doctor’s office where she was confused and could not speak but her purpose for going came to her. Phoenix set out to get medication for her grandson and that is exactly what she