Worn Path
"When reading short stories many authors include symbols in their work to make the story have deeper meaning. Short stories are written like journeys, they include many different types of symbols that vary with the time, location, and the names of characters. In Eudora Welty's "The Worn Path" we are introduced to Phoenix Jackson, an elderly lady who is the protagonist of the story. Eudora Welty incorporates many symbols like the physical setting, the path itself, and Phoenix's name to help the readers understand the characteristics of Phoenix Jackson and her lifestyle.
From the beginning of the story we are introduced to the first symbol, "It was December -a bright frozen day in the early morning"(256). December is in the winter and is known to be a cold month where most plant and animal life are non existent or coming to an end. The weather usually describes the type of mood and conditions the story is going to be held in. Phoenix is an elderly women who's life maybe coming to an end and maybe that's why Welty chooses December as the time period. It symbolizes struggle and the end of life in which makes Phoenix's journey to town even a more difficult trip. At her age it is amazing that she has the strength and memory to remember the trip she has made so often. Her walking keeps her strong but the love for her grandson is what keeps her on the right path.
The path that Phoenix walks is probably the biggest symbol within itself. The title "The Worn Path" already tells us that the main character has walked this path before and that there is a journey involved. At Phoenix's age every time she walks this path it becomes a different one because she runs into different adventures every time. From tying her shoes or walking through a thorn bush, everything she experiences makes her path a lot more difficult and more amazing every time. The path symbolizes life and it's up and down adventures that we come across and must overcome to succeed. We know that...
View Full Essay