A Worn Paths
"A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty, is the tale of the unstoppable love and careof a grandmother for her grandchild. It tells a story of sheer determinationas Phoenix Jackson makes a long journey into town to get medicine for herchronically ill grandson. She strives forward despite frequent obstacles inher way that include her own failing health and the grandchild's slim chanceof survival. Phoenix Jackson is "an old Negro woman" who continues forwardover 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 frozenday in the early morning" in December. Phoenix Jackson is "very old andsmall ", and walks like the "pendulum in a grandfather clock" ever socarefully with her "thin, small cane made from an umbrella." The description of Phoenix Jackson at the beginning of this story gives thereader a glimpse of how difficult this trip is going to be for an elderlywoman such as her. The description "Her eyes were blue with age. He
When Phoenix reaches her destination, the reason for her mission is given. Walking across a log with her eyes closed is another daring thing sheattempts. This storyreminds the reader over. As she begins her journey, she talks to herself and warns "Out of my way,all you foxes, owls, beetles, jack rabbits, coons and wild animals!. " At one point, she is startled by a stray dogand falls into a ditch. She asks "Heisn't dead, is he?" Phoenix responds with, "No missy, he not dead, he justthe same. So the time come around, and I go on another trip for the soothingmedicine. Old eyes thought you was a pretty littlegreen bush" However, she manages to free herself from the thorn bush. Throughout the story, sheexhibits signs of senility and delusions including her meeting of ascarecrow which she initially thinks is a man. Keepout from under these feet, little bob-whites", because as she says, "I got along way. At that pointthe man says, "you must be a hundred years old, and scared of nothing. After safely crossing she says "I wasn't as old as I thought. This showsthat her body may be worn out, but the attitude that she takes and desirethat she has in order to get the medicine for her grandson are not.
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Acceptance Essays
