Symbolic References in A Worn Path by Eudora Welty

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Recommended: The use of symbolism in the novel

Symbolism, it can be used for many things, such as expressing meaning, feelings, or emotions through an object by the author. It can be simple things that can show such emotion. Even flowers can have symbolic references, such as Roses. A rose symbolizes romance and love. A Lillie may stand for beauty of temptation. But not all symbols may have a positive reference to it. Example “These emotions are holding me down as if chains her tugging at my every move”. This shows that the character of this situation is being held down by chains that are giving her a hard time and or trapped because of these symbolic chains. Many other objects colors may come into play other short stories or articles seen. Seasons dates can be considered symbols as well. February is a symbol of love because of the holiday Vanlentines Day which is full of romance and love. Others may have their own symbols that can be infered on their own to show their grief or extacy at that time. Symbols may be located everywhere just like in this short story by Eudora Welty. Many have a big impact on what the author is trying to address to her readers young and old all races around the world.
In the short story, “A Worn Path”, Phoenix Jackson a blind African American woman. Who travels to the city of Natchez for her sweet young grandson who has a terminal illness that can not get better. Her destination is to the all Negro clinic that is downtown where she can be given medicine as charity. On her journey to the city she travels up and over many obstacles as her own strength to move on due to her old age. Her vision for which she is blind, white folk’s racists animals along the way, and nature itself may hold her back from her trip. But none of these obstacles slow her...

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...ll come together and live united like the author and the character Phoenix wishes for. In conclusion symbolism is key throughout the short story “A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty.

Works Cited

123 helpme Editors. “symbolism in ‘A Worn Path’.” 123helpme. N.P., n.d. Web. 17Mar 2014.

Beller, Michelle. “’A Worn Path’ by Eudora Welty: symbols and Themes.” Yahoo, voices. Yahoo, inc. 29 Nov 2008. Web. 17 Mar 2014
Cummings, Michael J. “’A Worn Path’ Study Guide”. Cummingsstudyguides. N.p. 2011. Web. 17 Mar 2014

Schnaila.”symbolism in ‘A Worn Path’.” College Essay Help and Ideas. N.P. 5 Mar 2012. Web. 17 Mar 2014

Welty, Eudora. “A Worn Path.” Heritage of American Literature. Ed James E. Miller. Vol. 2. Austin: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich., 1991. 1274. Print.

Word Press Editors. “An Analysis of Eudora Welty’s ‘A Worn Path’.” WordPress. N.P. 12 Apr 2013. Web. 17 Mar 2014

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