Essay about A Worn Path - Eudora Welty - 577 Words

Phoenix Jackson in Eudora Weltys A Worn Path has been compared to the mythological phoenix because of her birdlike qualities, and its also been noticed that Phoenix possesses many of the same characteristics as Christ. But, what hasnt been addressed is the fact that Eudora Welty didnt just leave the symbolism to Christ alone. Welty also included many biblical allusions as well. Phoenix Jackson is not only symbolic of the mythological bird that rose from the ashes of its own demise or simply a Christ figure comparable to the Son of God, but she is also a biblical hero facing temptation and trials along her journey and succeeds unharmed and steadfast in her faith. Since Weltys tale is such a simple one, readers are forced to find†¦show more content†¦Many connections can be made between the unwavering Phoenix Jackson and the Son of God. Phoenixs cane being described as limber as a buggy whip (3) symbolizes the whip used on Christ during His crucifixion. The chains about her feet (5) symbolizes the burden of the cross and the thorns or thorny bush (8) represents Christs crown of thorns. But evidence can be found relating Phoenixs status as a biblical character as well. The old woman waited, silent, erect, and motionless just as if she were in armor (84) is reminiscent of the armor of God that Christians must adorn to be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11) and the parting her way (28) brings the awesome sight of Moses parting the Red Sea to mind. Another example would be Phoenixs comment to the nurse that she and her grandson are the only two people left in the world (93) is suggestive of Adam and Eve being the only two people in the world after Creation. More subtle clues suggest the whispering (21, 28) of fields being the deceptive whispering of temptation that Satan uses to lure us away from Christ. In fact, the black dog tripping Phoenix and Phoenix feeling the dog sitting nearby laughing shows are Satan revels in mocking our fall from grace after he has tempted us into sin just as he tempted Phoenix to steal. Like other biblicalShow MoreRelatedA Worn Path By Eudora Welty Essay1702 Words   |  7 Pages A Worn Path Research Paper The introduction of historical figures, events, and documents sparked in the twentieth century. Documents such as, the Declaration of independence, Bill of Rights, United States Constitution, and the Gettysburg Address are some examples of historical documents. These documents carry such a heavy meaning that the blood and gore that were included are often ignored. Although when the Civil Rights movement is mentioned, there are judgments that are made and accusationsRead MoreA Worn Path By Eudora Welty1707 Words   |  7 PagesMichelle Andrews Dr. Goss ENGLISH 1102 9 February 2016 A Worn Path In the Eudora Welty’s ‘‘A Worn Path’’, there is a distinct description of characters that live in the era of segregation and the great depression. Because Welty is a native of the south, this story is based from the experiences during her life. Her struggles are relived in the characters of not just â€Å"A Worn Path† but also a lot of her other stories. She uses hidden messages in her stories and includes deep meaning in the simplestRead MoreA Worn Path By Eudora Welty944 Words   |  4 Pagesones you love? In â€Å"A Worn Path,† by Eudora Welty, the reader is taken on Phoenix Jackson’s, the main character’s, journey to the doctor’s office to obtain the medications needed for her ill grandson. Having to commute in such difficult conditions, Phoenix endures through the dense and tiresome woods, stretching from the countryside to the town. After persevering through the long journey to her destination, Phoenix arrive s at the building and receives the medication she needs. Welty concludes the storyRead MoreA Worn Path By Eudora Welty Essay1481 Words   |  6 PagesA Worn Path (1940) On an everyday basis people are encountering challenges that stand in their way of them achieving their set goals. However, with determination the vast majority will accomplish the mission they have set out to conquer. In the short story â€Å"A Worn Path† written by Eudora Welty in 1940, Phoenix Jackson, the main character has a mission in which she is trying to complete when she is faced with many challenges. This short story is centered on the challenges that are faced by an elderlyRead MoreEudora Welty a Worn Path12166 Words   |  49 PagesA Worn Path by Eudora Welty Copyright Notice  ©1998−2002;  ©2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design ® and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.  ©2007 eNotes.com LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this work covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, Web distribution or information storageRead MoreEudora Welty a Worn Path12173 Words   |  49 PagesA Worn Path by Eudora Welty Copyright Notice  ©1998−2002;  ©2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design ® and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.  ©2007 eNotes.com LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this work covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, Web distribution or information storageRead MoreA Worn Path By Eudora Welty1495 Words   |  6 PagesIn the short story â€Å"A Worn Path,† the author, Eudora Welty uses mythical, religious, and spiritual symbols as well as the setting to help the reader understand an old African-American woman’s life. Welty also uses the symbolism to represent the hardships old woman has faced during the old woman’s life. The old African-American woman’s name is Phoenix and is on a journey to town as the readers are taken on jou rney through her life. Welty also uses fine details and sentence structure in addition toRead MoreA Worn Path By Eudora Welty879 Words   |  4 PagesIn the short story A Worn Path by Eudora Welty she focuses on the journey of an old woman heading into town. She uses ridiculous amounts of imagery which really make the story come to life. I believe this short story to be about a woman that has gotten so old, she has cataracts and it seems, the air of a wise woman. Speaking of wise women, it also shows that she really has grown up on this path- even in her old age, her stumbling blindness she knows the characters of these woods, and the ways inRead MoreA Worn Path By Eudora Welty1441 Words   |  6 Pagesargue that â€Å"A Worn Path† by Eudora Welty mirrors that of a slave narrative while at the same time illustrates the racism that blacks faced while on their journey to equality. Great descriptions are used to illustrate Phoenix Jackson. In the beginning, Welty states that Phoenix has her head tied in a red rag with a dark striped dress reaching down to her shoe tops and an equally long apron (274). Kevin Moberly notes in his article, â€Å"Toward the North Star: Eudora Welty s ‘A Worn Path’ and the SlaveRead MoreA Worn Path By Eudora Welty762 Words   |  4 PagesStrongest Will Survive Is it true that younger people in better health and conditions will always complete a task better than an older not so well fit person? In these two short stories â€Å"A Worn Path†, by Eudora Welty, and â€Å"To Build a Fire†, by Jack London, shows us how true that is. The protagonists in â€Å"A Worn Path† is named Phoenix Jackson who is an older black women living in Natchez, Mississippi in the 1930s. The protagonists is a man unnamed in â€Å"To Build a Fire† traveling in the Yukon. In both of