A worn Path
Everyday people encounter obstacles that stand in the way of their goals. Phoenix, in “A Worn Path”, by Eudora Welty, has a mission to accomplish, but many things stand in her way. When she finally makes it, she has conquered her goal for that day. She also has a long-term goal, which is to make her grandson happy and well. Her walk to town on the path symbolizes her entire life, and the lives of everyone else. Everyone sets goals for themselves, but in the way of completing those goals, stand obstacles. When people realize your dream and overcome those obstacles, they triumph. Phoenix, on this journey, has many dreams, obstacles, and triumphs. Foremost, Phoenix Jackson has many dreams throughout the course of her journey. The gold seal she sees is symbolic of her most important dream, and represents all people’s goals. It is attached to a document on the doctor’s door, which she sees after climbing the long flight of stairs. “She entered a door, and there she saw nailed up on the wall the document that had been stamped with the gold seal and framed in the gold frame, which matched the dream hung up in her head” (638). The gold seal and frame not only represent her goal, but also show she i . . .
‘What’s your name? We must have your history, you know. She could have simply turned back but is driven by her love for her grandson, and her desire is to get his medicine. In addition, getting the medicine was ultimately for her grandson’s happiness. In this excerpt, Phoenix receives a nickel as charity from the nurse and she responds, “ I going to the store and buy my child a little windmill they sells. “The dream hung up in her head” is to get the medicine needed for her grandson’s health. Phoenix does this throughout the story, and people sacrifice things for ones they love every day. When Phoenix steps into the office, she is in awe that she has made it, and appears to blank out for a few seconds. This is the greatest triumph of all, and the fact that this triumph is for someone else makes it remarkable. The fact that they have no one left but each other drives her to make him happy no matter the circumstances. `I know you old colored people! Wouldn’t miss going to town to see Santa Claus!’” (637). Instead of buying food or something to drink for herself after such an arduous journey, she buys him a present. Furthermore, along her journey and on the road to fulfilling her dreams, Phoenix faces many obstacles. I’ll march myself back where he waiting, holding it straight up in this hand” (639).
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