Societal Issues In A Worn Path

Building Respect for a Character, as a Result of Societal Issues in

Eudora Welty’s “A Worn Path” Martin Luther King, Jr. once said “Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase”. People should determine the importance of that step, as well as how the impact of society can affect them. Consequently, they must move forward and be proud of the determination they have to succeed. There are many obstacles that can stand in someone’s way and dim the light of their willingness to prevail. In Eudora Welty’s “A Worn Path”, it is evidently demonstrated how societal issues can intensify the reader’s observation and respect for the character, Phoenix Jackson, in her determination and perseverance to fulfill her commitment to her grandson. “A Worn Path” takes place in Natchez, MS, and was published in 1941. Evidently, The Great Depression ended in 1939. Society was still in a recovery period. The context of the story offers great detail to lead the reader to believe that Phoenix Jackson is poor. Her clothing is described as a long dress, that was to the tops of her feet and her

This statement is made by the nurse with hints of a negative tone; there was a sense of aggravation from the nurse. This is clearly an act or form of stigmatization based on society’s views of a person’s age and even potential handicap. “Often society is not very accepting of illness and disability and the person affected becomes stigmatized as a result.” (Mittan, Robert, PhD). Consequently, Phoenix wasn’t suffering from hearing loss, but simply a state of confusion and memory loss. She had forgotten the reason for her long journey. Due to the stigmatization of society during this time, the reader sees this as even more triumphant for Phoenix, when her memory returns and she explains to the nurse, the reason for her