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.

To begin with, the third person narrator describes how Phoenix feels as if “there is chains about my feet” when she has to walk uphill and fight the urge rest as she musters her strength to conquer the hill (Kirszner & Mandell, 2012, p.388).

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

field.

Minutes later, she experienced the two most harrowing moments of her journey when she unexpectedly encountered a dog and was fell into a ditch. Unable to stand on her own, Phoenix lay in the ditch without fear or desperation, knowing she would eventually rise and her journey would continue. After being assisted to her feet by what initially appeared to be a kind Caucasian hunter to resume her journey, the moment turned dark as he pointed his gun at Phoenix and asked “doesn’t the gun scare you?” (Kirszner & Mandell, 2012, p.391). And with the fortitude and experience of a survivor, Phoenix replied “no sir, I seen plenty go off closer and for less than what I done” (Kirszner & Mandell, 2012, p.391). Which garnered a smile from the hunter and allowed her to resume her journey to town. In conclusion, Phoenix was a fitting name for Eudora Wetly’s protagonists, given she (Phoenix) continually demonstrated her indomitable determination and unerring inner beauty as she resolutely pursued her quest to obtain medication for her ailing grandson.