A Worn Path

Eudora Welty
Plot
The short story "A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty is about Phoenix Jackson, an
old African American woman who lives in the south with her grandson. She
needs to make the long trek into town to get medicine for her grandson.
Walking with a cane, she stumbles along her path because she does not see
very well. At one point she thinks she sees a boy, but no one is there. Then a
dog spooks her, and she falls into a ditch. Luckily, a white man finds her and
lifts her out. He accidentally drops a nickel while they're talking, so Phoenix
points out the dog to distract him, which he goes to check out, so she reaches
down and pockets the money. He returns and points the gun in her face, which
does not frighten her, before allowing her to pass on.

She makes it to town where she asks a woman carrying packages to help tie her
shoe. Then Phoenix walks into a building where one of the nurses recognizes
her. The nurse asks how her grandson is doing, but at first Phoenix doesn't
answer. Finally, her memory returns to her, and she explains that due to him
swallowing lye a few years back, his throat will sometimes close up, and he
struggles to breathe. Therefore, she has left him at home while she comes to
fetch more medicine to help him. All they have left is each other, and she has
hope that he'll be okay.

One of the attendants offers to give Phoenix a few pennies as it is

Christmastime. Phoenix tells her to make it a nickel. She plans to take her two
nickels and buy her grandson a paper windmill.
Setting

It was December -- a bright frozen day in the early morning. This is how the
author starts her story. This first line is one of many references to the setting of
A Worn Path.

The author uses the setting in this story not only to convey how hard the trip is
for Phoenix Jackson but also how life was in the South. It could also reference
the many struggles of black Americans in the early 1900s. For example, the
Civil Rights was a long and Worn Path. The hardships she came across along
the way made her life more interesting. As the author writes in the story, old
people talk to themselves. The trips down the worn path give Phoenix many
things to talk to her self about during the long journey. The exercise keeps her
strong and the love for her grandson keeps her on the right path. 
Characterization of the Character

Phoenix
Phoenix Jackson is persistent and direct in her goal to get the medicine her
beloved grandson needs. Although she is old and walks with a cane, there are no
obstacles on the long path that will stop her. She maintains her pleasant demeanor
despite the racism and lack of compassion she encounters. She holds onto hope
that her ill grandson, her only living family, will survive.

Attendant
The presumably white attendant at the doctor's office assumes Phoenix is a charity
case as soon as she enters, which suggests the attendant is racist. She gets irritated
with Phoenix when the old woman doesn't answer her questions quickly enough.
After she learns the real reason for Phoenix's visit, she seems to feel sorry for the
old woman because she offers her a few coins.

Hunter
The hunter is an arrogant man who tells Phoenix what to do and where to go. He
has no compassion or respect for her. The hunter is a man who acts like he owns
the place and everyone in it. Although he helps Phoenix out of a ditch, he doesn't
offer any other help and lies about not having any money to give her. He makes
fun of elderly black people, revealing his racism and contempt. He laughs as he
points a gun at Phoenix for no reason, without fear of repercussions. He assumes
she will submit to his abusive treatment.
Nurse
The nurse is familiar with Phoenix and her grandson's case. She is efficient if
lacking in compassion. The nurse fulfills her job by asking about the grandson's
condition and by giving Phoenix the medicine for which she has come such a far
distance. But the nurse does not offer any additional care or concern for Phoenix
herself facing such a hard journey home. She also displays callousness when she
announces the case to be "charity" and the boy's injury to be "obstinate."

Symbolism

Journey

 The journey of Phoenix along the worn path is a symbol of the path
of life.

The Uphill and Downhill Phases of the Path

 correspond to the beginning of life towards its prime and deadline

towards death

The Obstacles

 The obstacles that Phoenix meets throughout the trip are

equivalent to the trials and tribulations of life.

The Thorny Bush

 The thorny bush is a symbol of the deceptive dangers that appear

harmless.
The Scarecrow

 The scarecrow is a symbol of the deceptive dangers or

unjustified physiological fears that hinder our advance.

The Slice of Cake

 The slice of cake on the plate is a symbol of the unfulfilled joys

of life. The marble cake can also be symbolic of the blending of
blacks and whites that was not fulfilled.

The Maze in the Corn Field

 The maze in the corn field is a symbol of the confusion,

uncertainty, and loss of direction in life in which can happen to
any people.

The Snake

 The snake can be a symbol of temptation.

The Windmill

 The windmill can be a symbol of the cycle of life that

is repeated.
Theme

 Love can become so deeply ingrained in the human heart that it becomes a
habit that exists beyond conscious thought or reason.

 Unselfish love inspires courage, compassion, and sacrifice.

 Racism breeds arrogance and cruelty and illustrates the ignorance of those
who marginalize other human beings.

 The human spirit can endure, despite the forces of nature and society that
would destroy it.

 Even deeply flawed human beings are capable of kindness and generosity.

References:
https://www.kibin.com/essay-examples/an-analysis-of-the-importance-of-
setting-in-a-worn-path-by-eudora-welty-6NbUDSfd
https://www.coursehero.com/lit/A-Worn-Path/character-analysis/