A Worn Path-Symbolism

    Life is often referred to as a journey, an adventure, a pilgrimage. Some sort of voyage to find ourselves and create our own life long morality. For some of us, our journey leads us to a soul mate or a dream job. But for others the journey may not be about where they are going, rather the things that they overcame to get there. Phoenix Jackson, the main character in the short story "A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty is an elderly woman who travels a great distance to get medicine for her sick grandson. Throughout this quest Phoenix has to deal with a multitude of obstacles that not only make her trip less enjoyable but also much more difficult. This physical journey into town is not only a representation of her determination but also that of her entire life. During this period in time life was not easy for an African American person. The obstacles in her trip represent all the obstacles she must overcome in her life time: her race, other peoples opinions and her aging body. In the story there is mention of a hill that Phoenix must climb. This hill is symbolic of her journey through life. It is all uphill and hard going but once you reach the top, the end of the hardships, and you look back on what you have conquered that is the true meaning of life. Phoenix made it through life despite all of the difficult times she had to endure. She kept going "until her feet knew where to stop" and that is all most people can strive for in a lifetime.