A Worn Path
In the story by Eudora Welty, “The Worn Path” Phoenix Jackson is a complex character who defies a stereotype in a symbolic way. Welty's story describe Phoenix as the o;d lady who had to travel miles a day in order to prove to the other characters that her grandson was not dead. Having to prove that her grandson was not dead Phoenix had three traits of characteristics. She was loving, determined, and persistent. These traits help her to overcome being stereotyped and ultimately her overcoming these stereotype made her symbolic in the journey, her name, and the time frame in which the event happen.
As phoenix made her way to the town to get medication for her grandson who had swallowed lye two to three years ago (274). …show more content…

The theme also brings out guiltiness. Lets consider when Phoenix enter the doctor's office, the attendant approach by asking her “are you deaf”(274). It seems like even the attendant herself have experience a similar path as Phoenix because of her impatience towards her. Being patience to others around you mean a lot as it describe your character.
Finally, Phoenix have being symbolic to many different things as she go on her errand. Firstly, lets consider her name, it tells a lot about her. Phoenix name as stated by James, “The Encyclopedia Britannica describes the phoenix as a fabulous bird connected with the worship of the sun especially in ancient Egypt and in classical antiquity. It is known to Hesiod, and description of its appearance and behavior occur in ancient literature sporadically, with variations in detail, from Herodotus account of Egypt onward. The phoenix is said to be as large as an eagle, with brilliant scarlet and gold plumage and a melodious cry. Only one phoenix exist at any time. It is very long- lived ; no ancient authority gives it life span of less than 500 years; some say it lives for 1461 years. As it ends approaches the phoenix fashions a nest of aromatic bough and spies, set it on fire, and is consumed in the flames”(64). The bird phoenix job is to be protective in like manner, the character Phoenix was to protect her grandson who