Literary Devices In A Worn Path

In Eudora Welty’s “A Worn Path,” there are several literary elements used to reveal the theme, such as setting, image, and characterization. In the first two paragraphs alone, there is an abundance of literary devices to paint the scene for the reader.
Throughout the excerpt, we are given great detail about the setting which helps us get to our central theme. The passage starts with “a bright frozen day in the early morning. Far out in the country,” this image helps us understand the setting to understand what the main character, Phoenix Jackson, “a very old, and small,” “negro woman,” undergoes on her journey. “The woods were deep and still,” this helps us envision the setting around her as she is walking along the path in the “dark pine shadows.” “The oath ran up a hill.” “She mounted a log and shut her eyes.” These all help paint the environment around her as she walks.

Another device used to help find the central theme in the excerpt: characterization.

We learn many things about our main character throughout this passage. “An old negro woman,” “Her Name was Phoenix Jackson. She was very old and small and she walked slowly.” Throughout the passage there is a repetition of ‘old’ which amplifies the fact that she is elderly. “The path ran up a hill. ‘Seem like there is chains about my feet, time I get this far,” “trembling all over, she stood free, and after a moment dared to stoop for her cane.” “But she sat down to rest.” Through the use of characterization, we understand how hard this journey is for this elderly woman who undergoes several struggles along the

way.
The central theme of this excerpt is that of perseverance. Regardless of the age of Phoenix, and of her struggles of “a bush caught her dress,” or “putting her right foot out, she mounted the log and shut her eyes. Lifting her skirt, leveling her cane fierily before her like a festival figure in some parade, she began to march across.” Despite the terrain, the heat, the obstacles, she persevered to get to her destination, without tearing her dress.
Theses literary devices such as setting, image, and characterization help amplify the theme throughout the passage. It symbolizes that regardless of the circumstances, one must keep moving forward. Even with roadblocks along the way and one must close their eyes or rest, always keep pushing forward. This journey which Phoenix undergoes symbolizes one person’s journey in life toward goals. Regardless of the setbacks, keep pushing to get where you want to go.