Eudora Welty was born in Jackson, Mississippi, on April 13, 1909. Her career began in June 1936 with the short story "The Death of a Traveling Salesman." In the short story "A Worn Path," Welty writes about an old woman named Phoenix Jackson who makes a periodic journey into town to obtain medicine for her ill grandson. Welty's simple plot is enhanced by the effective use of characterization and setting to emphasize Jackson's determination and love for her grandson.
             Phoenix, an old Negro grandmother represents the ancient Egyptian myth of the Phoenix bird and its rebirth. The legend of the Phoenix comes from Egypt, and states that after five hundred years, the Phoenix rose from the ashes and experienced a sort of rebirth or renewal. In addition to symbolizing immortality, the Phoenix also possesses the power of endurance and nobility. Phoenix Jackson's journey parallels that of the legendary Phoenix because she is determined to get medicine for her grandson even though the journey stretches her physical and mental limitations. While she was passing the furrow, she says, "A pleasure I don't see no two-headed snake...It took a while to get by him, back in the summer" (Welty182). Some of her other obstacles also includes going to the other side of the creek using only a log as a bridge, passing through a barbwire, going down a hill, and going through a thorny bushes. Also, like the Phoenix, Phoenix also represents death and rebirth because after her difficult journey and self-sacrifice, she brings her grandson life, just like the Phoenix bird resurrects itself after its journey to the Temple of the Sun.
             In addition, Phoenix's determination and love for her grandson is shown to the readers by focusing on her character traits. Phoenix is a poor black woman, "Her eyes were blue with age. Her skin had a pattern of numberless wrinkles..."(Welty181). The fact that she pers...