A Worn Path

Love enables people to do many things. Phoenix Jackson, an older African American woman, embarks on a journey to the hospital to get medicine for her grandson. She encounters obstacles, while on her trip to the hospital. These obstacles may symbolize the struggle and trials that African Americans went through during this time period. Phoenix Jackson is a true symbol of perseverance. Eudora Welty names the protagonist Phoenix to represent the Egyptian bird, which usually represents resurrection. In mythology, a Phoenix's tears having powerful, pure healing abilities. The struggle that Phoenix, the main character, went through was in order to provide for her grandson.