A Worn Path,” written by Eudora Welty, won the O. Henry Prize in the year of its first publication. It is a short fiction story that has withstood criticism and become a classic work of realistic Southern literature. The story follows an old woman named Phoenix Jackson as she journeys through the woods, enduring pain and suffering to obtain medicine for her grandson. Enriched with symbolism, mythological and political elements, as well as religious approaches reflected in the writing, “A Worn Path” is a complex work of fiction.Despite contemporary critics stumbling over racial discrepancies, the writer aims to show deeper concerns of dedication, eagerness to serve, and struggle in a simple yet skillful tone and style using plain language.
The first evident thing in A Worn Path” is a tone that seems simple, but it is just a deceitful impression. As the reader progresses through the story, they discover that it is rich in symbolism and hidden meanings. The story extends beyond the scope of the Old Natchez Trace and represents a remarkable combination of legend and symbols. Even the title of the writing conceals an idea about every human’s life, as they navigate through thorns and various obstacles towards something that may bring healing and life to themselves as well as others. It is called “worn” because it is an everyday journey that must be undertaken; it represents a constant craving for action and a sense of life itself. Without a path, man loses meaning in life and reason to live.
On the other hand, the old woman’s name, Phoenix, is a symbolic representation of the bird from Egyptian myth. This very Phoenix was able to rise from the ashes every 500 years. Therefore, after destruction, it found strength to rise up and live again. This very symbol was the core principle of the woman’s life. She knew that her grandson, who is unable to help himself, needs someone to support his living. If she does not find enough strength to reach town and get medicine for him, she will lose him. But we are the only two left in the world [and] he is going to last” (Welty, p. 69).
Since A Worn Path” is written in the third person point of view, the story’s style allows readers to observe all characters from a distance and evaluate them, just as others who could see her were able to do. This comparison provides an opportunity for readers to uncover the true meaning of a simple paragraph. Welty uses direct comparisons or similes throughout the story to help readers uncover another idea. From the very beginning, readers encounter an image of Phoenix Jackson: “Her skin had a pattern all its own of numberless branching wrinkles, and as though a whole little tree stood in the middle of her forehead” (Ibid, p. 64). The tree with all its leaves and roots represents longevity; even if it falls, it will give sprouts to keep living.
Later on, when Phoenix comes across a scarecrow, she finds a coat and inside that an emptiness, cold as ice” (Ibid, p. 65). The author leaves room for the reader’s imagination to interpret the scarecrow as a symbol of fear in our lives. As we journey through deserted fields or undiscovered territories, we may encounter things that frighten us. However, upon closer inspection, we realize that these objects are artificial and empty.
The log is another obstacle on Jackson’s path that forces her to act “like a festival figure in some parade.” Overcoming it leads Phoenix to say “I wasn’t as old as I thought” (Ibid, p. 65). Therefore, any obstacle no matter how enormous must be accepted with a festive mood. If we do not give up and overcome it, we will remember that God will not give us more than we can bear.
The limitation of space does not prevent the description of other symbols and their application to real life. Another issue in the story is setting, which depends on two variables: time and place. Considering that the story was written in 1941, the age of the old woman may vary from 80 to 100 years old since she says, I never did go to school, I was too old at the Surrender” (p.69). This fact may astonish readers who can realize the difficulties this woman has faced on her journey and during December.
In Worn Path,” the setting plays a significant role. The author notes that Phoenix Jackson “lives far back off the Old Natchez Trace” (p.69), and even a young hunter comments on how difficult it is to get to town from there. Phoenix’s journey through the forest is full of obstacles, including wild animals (“out of my way, all you foxes, owls, beetles, jack rabbits, coons and wild animals” (p.64)), thorns, logs, ditches, streams and barbed-wire fences. Despite these challenges, Phoenix persists in her journey out of self-sacrifice for her grandson.
The contrasts in Phoenix’s character throughout the story depict the constant hardships and battles of everyday life. The old woman was tested by a thorny bush and a log, frightened by a scarecrow, but when a hunter pointed a gun at her, she stood straight and faced him. He exclaimed: You must be a hundred years old and scared of nothing” (p. 67). When this white hunter taunts her by assuming: “I know you old colored people! Wouldn’t miss going to town to see Santa Claus!” (p. 66), Phoenix holds still and answers his questions with self-esteem.
The contrast between the conversation with the hunter and the silence with the attendant must be based on the impatient tone of voice or rude words such as what seems to be the trouble with you?…Are you deaf?” (p. 69). These words clearly convey racial and age discrimination, but despite this attitude, Phoenix Jackson could pass it with dignity and steadfastness. Even when the attendant offers her a few pennies, she stiffly accepts them without any word of gratitude or humbleness. Upon receiving medicine and a nickel, Phoenix only imagines her grandson again and is going to make another trip to a shop to buy a little windmill. With slow steps, she goes on – an old woman named Phoenix Jackson who has already lived a long life yet still sacrifices it for her dearest one who warms her feelings and keeps her inner flame burning – her grandson is her craving for life and new paths to walk.
Works Cited:
- Welty, Eudora. A Curtain of Green: and Other Stories. Harcourt; 50th Anniversary edition. 1991.
