Review of Eudora Welty’s a Worn Path

In Eudora Welty’s “A Worn Path” Phoenix age, low class living, well-being, and fearfulness are told through the details of her skin, her cane, the condition of her shoes, clothes, her health, her faith and determination as she ventures on her path to get medicine for her grandson who swallowed lye. The story is well told with characteristics from colors, to symbols, to perceptions, to objects, to drastic events that are both illustrated and perceptive, leading us to certain additional historical things of the story.

The colors are used to emphasize the depth and broad aspects of the story to tell us a journey taken by a poor black woman. The Phoenix can symbolize rebirth, beating life challenges from the ashes of the past, and victory of life over death. The Phoenix is the symbol that I think played a big factor in A Worn Path. It’s clear that Phoenix is up in age from the descriptions of the wrinkles on her face to the dirty worn out shoes on her feet. Also, the story mentions that she walks with a cane.

The cane can be described as a weapon against hazardous situations and nuisances she knows she will encounter on her way. Phoenix body is perceived as not the strongest old body a black poor woman could have but rather a weak one but still strong enough to venture on the journey. Phoenix body and mind – begs that she stop her path. Her perseverance is clearly sought out in the simple fact that she doesn’t quit. No matter what obstacle Phoenix came up upon she never deviated from her from her path.

The ending of the story is very interesting as not only does the reader become aware of Phoenix’s journey to help her grandson. It is through awareness that the reader realizes that Welty may be further discovering the theme of love. No matter the struggles that she has had to overcome. Phoenix has been selfless with her only goal being to help her grandson and get him the medicine he needs.

In conclusion, we have the idea of struggle, sacrifice, determination, perseverance, selflessness and love in Eudora Welty’s “A Worn Path”. Symbolism has great meaning and different themes that can relate in society today. The worn path is told in the story to show the trials and problems that can happen in everyday situations. Eudora made it clear that the story is all about looking past those fears and struggles and keep moving forward no matter how hard, scary or dangerous the situation is.