A Worn Path by Eudora Welty
"A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty, is the tale of the unstoppable love and care of a grandmother for her grandchild. It tells a story of sheer determination as Phoenix Jackson makes a long journey into town to get medicine for her chronically ill grandson. She strives forward despite frequent obstacles in her way that include her own failing health and the grandchild's slim chance of survival. Phoenix Jackson is "an old Negro woman" who continues forward over barriers that would not even be considered a hindrance for the young. This is a journey, which she has taken before, and now "the time come around" she must travel it again. She begins her journey to town on "a bright frozen day in the early morning" in December. Phoenix Jackson is "very old and small ", and walks like the "pendulum in a grandfather clock" ever so carefully with her "thin, small cane made from an umbrella." The description of Phoenix Jackson at the beginning of this story gives the reader a glimpse of how difficult this trip is going to be for an elderly woman such as her. The description "Her eyes were blue with age. Her skin has a pattern all its own of numberless branching wrinkles" are indications of Phoenix Jackson's old age. She supports herself with a
In addition, she faces a barbed-wire fence, which is not easy for anyone, but she gets through, again telling herself that "she could not pay for having her arm or her leg sawed off. " She tells the nurse "he not able to swallow. " Not even these words from the hunter could make Phoenix give up, always getting herself out of a predicament, and having her grandson as a reason to keep going. " When old Phoenix reaches "to take it there was just her own hand in the air," and nothing else around. So the time come around, and I go on another trip for the soothing medicine. Eventually, a hunter and his dog happen upon her and pull her out of the ditch. you take my advice and stay home, and nothing will happen to you. She asks "He isn't dead, is he?" Phoenix responds with, "No missy, he not dead, he just the same. When Phoenix reaches her destination, the reason for her mission is given. He tells her that she is too old, and even tries to scare her with his gun. " This just adds to her difficulties. Then, she goes downhill but soon finds herself tangled with a bush, and she does not want to rip her dress. " She sits down to rest "when a little boy brought her a plate with a slice of marble-cake on it. Her perseverance in the face of tremendous obstacles is admirable considering her age and declining health.
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