Phoenix Jackson In Eudora Welty's A Worn Path

Phoenix Jackson, is the fabulous literary name assigned to the protagonist in “A Worn Path”, by Eudora Welty. Her use of Phoenix as the primary character’s name was symbolic and likely had a dual meaning. To start, as defined by Collins Dictionary, when someone is described as a phoenix, it means they repeatedly return after seemingly “disappearing or being destroyed” (Collins Dictionary, n.d.). Second, the British definition of phoenix in the Collins Dictionary, refers to “a person or thing of surpassing beauty or quality” (Collins Dictionary, n.d.). Therefore, both definitions accurately encapsulate the character’s inner beauty and dogged determination.

Embarking on her walk to town to get medication for her ailing grandson on a cold December morning is a journey fraught with risks and danger for a woman of Phoenix’s age and condition. And yet, she fearlessly embarks on the journey determined to walk miles back and forth to town utilizing the Natchez Trace trial (NPS.gov, n.d.). While the Natchez Trace trial is a well-worn path as a result of being travelled for hundreds of years by imported and emancipated slaves, Civil War Soldiers, and westward explorers the trial was not without significant obstacles and danger. Subsequently, there were instances along her journey that would have dissuaded a less determined individual from completing their journey.

After reaching the top of the hill and starting her slow descent she faces two more obstacles, a thorn bush that catches her dress and she is compelled to carefully crawl under barbed wire fence. Upon concurring these obstacles, Phoenix was as feisty and spirited as ever, taking a moment to dance with a scarecrow she encountered in a corn