A Worm Path by Eudora Welty

A Worn Path is written by Eudora Welty. This story is set in the pine woods of Natchez Trace in the Mississippi (pg58, line 22). The setting starts off in "early and frosty December morning, far out in the country..." (pg52,line1) . In my opinion, this indicates that Phoenix lives fairly far from Natchez, and she needs to walk in such cold weather to town is difficult for her. Besides that, the time period is early 1900's because the use of nickel and also reference that many struggles of black Americans.

The theme in this story is duty and responsibility. Old frail Phoenix loves his grandson and has a sense of duty to take care her grandson. Thus, she is willing to take the arduous and treacherous journey to get the medicine for her only grandson. Her path to town is "worn," suggesting that she has travelled it many times on the same mission--it is her duty to do so, no matter how far or unpleasant it may be. Because she is the only person her grandson has to rely on (pg59, paragraph13).

The protagonist in a worth path is Phoenix Jackson. Phoenix is an old, frail, responsible, and nearly blind African American woman who attempts to proceed on a long journey through the woods to Natchez.This is because she need to go to town to pick up soothing medicine for her sick grandson who has swallowed lye (a strong alkaline substance used in making soap) several years ago (pg59, paragraph10-11). One of Phoenix's characteristic that impressive me is she is brave and not afraid of obstacles. For example, she is tough enough to make through the hills where pines and oaks grow. In addition, when the hunter points the gun towards her face, she remains unflustered (pg57, paragraph4-5). Besides that, Phoenix showed her determination with a sense of urgency to the hunter (pg56, line11). Even though she is old, she is determined to complete her journey to the clinic on a freezing day. Her determination leads her to overcome the frailties of tiredness and old age and deal with physical hardship, racism, and wallop her dignity to get the very best that she can for her beloved grandson. This makes me realize that we have to cherish our beloved one and appreciate what we have.

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