

The story A Worn Path by Eudora Welty tells about the trip which an old Negro woman Phoenix Jackson. Most of the characters seem to problematize her age and poverty more so than her race, but when the hunter (the most threatening character) appears in the story, there is a confrontation centering on race. A Worn Path by Eudora Welty: Theme and Symbolism. There’s also ageism, classism, and you could even make a case for sexism. Racism is only one of the many –isms Phoenix is up against. Once she arrives into town, she realizes rural ways won’t cut it in the big city. Phoenix faces certain obstacles because of her age, race, gender, and class that others of different ages, races, or genders might not face or might face in different ways. Jackson experiences life as a poor, old, black woman in the Deep South, which is a very specific experience, distinct from those of say, white people or people with money. Then we discover, also at the end, that she does it to help her grandson. Then we discover, at the end, that she does so monthly. Throughout the story, the reader wonders why Phoenix Jackson would make this journey. Phoenix’s tireless commitment to make this journey every month demonstrates what determination and love can help one accomplish. Here are some themes you may wish to discuss.
A WORN PATH BY EUDORA WELTY THEME FREE
Check out this free lesson plan for Dead Man’s Path.


She does not flinch in the face of these potentially dangerous situations because of her love and dedication to her sick grandson. Some of these obstacles include her old age, the cold weather, ditches & hills, thorns, wild animals and a hunter with a gun. The setting affects the action in this story by placing obstacles in Phoenix’s path. ” Phoenix not only made this journey once, but she does in numerous times, so much so, that the people there know her. She makes these trips just as regular as clockwork. “She doesn’t come for herself- she has a little grandson. The main narrative elements of any piece are narrator/point of view, characters, plot/structure, setting and theme. She was a selfless woman whose spirit could not be broken. She proved this on a number of occasions throughout the story. Phoenix Jackson’s feeble mind and body was no obstacle to the insurmountable devotion she felt toward her grandson. By using the actions of Phoenix, and the setting of the story, Welty helps show us an example of love, perseverance, and dedication. His love for her is what keeps him going, so if he has to read the same story every day until the day he dies, he is completely fine with that.

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