A Worn Path
The short story, “A Worn Path,” written by Eudora Welty was very inspirational. The short story is about an elderly, black woman name, Phoenix Jackson, which walks from her home to the city of Natchez, Mississippi. The journey on the worn path to Natchez was for her sick grandson. While on her journey, in the face of danger, she displays courage, wit, and self sacrifice. Like many folktales, “A Worn Path,” shows that a poor, physically weak country woman can become a hero if she uses courage, wit, and faith in god to achieve her goals. Phoenix Jackson is a very determined person who is full of life. She has set out her journey over mountains, through fields, and across the creek, with one purpose in mind, to retrieve the soothing medicine that will give life to her only grandson. Even though Phoenix is near death, she displays bravery, love and slyness that will help her dying grandson. Phoenix Jackson displays a great deal of courage also. For example, Phoenix Jackson passes by wild, dangerous animals to reach the town. During the season of bulls, she looks out for bulls that could trample her. She prays that she do not run into poisonous two-headed snakes slithering among the trees of the forests in the summertime. In addition, huge buzzards look down on Phoenix Jackson, just waiting for her aged body to collapse. She does not take any form of defense to protect her from the bulls, snakes, and buzzards. All she has against those beasts art her quick wits. Also, Phoenix Jackson shows courage when she crosses a log bridge with her eyes shut tight. By remembering the physical conditions and age, it is clear that Phoenix Jackson has the spunk and guts for this journey.
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