Character Analysis: A Worn Path
Malerie Martin
ENGL-2103-M03/ Literary Interpretation
Dr. Robertson
3 November 2016
Continue On: A Hopeful Journey
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Life's a journey, not a destination.” In the story “A Worn Path”, Phoenix, an elderly black woman takes it upon herself to challenge her inner strength to a long, interesting journey to town. In life we know that every individual is different and the way we chose to handle certain situations in our life is different as well. There are two kinds of people in this world. There are ones who let their challenges and obstacles define who they are and there are others. These are ones who accept challenges handed to them, learn from their mistakes, and find ways to grow. No obstacle in life is too big …show more content…
Her heart offered kind love and sacrifice, she decided to travel by walking across town to receive medicine for her grandson. Phoenix was faced and had to overcome physical barriers. The physical barriers that challenged her included: the stream she had to cross, the barbed wire fence she climbed through, the briers she had to escape, the maze of a dead corn field she worked through, and the scarecrow she passed. At first thinking it was an actual ghost. In order for Phoenix to complete her journey she was to overcome each of these obstacles. In this time period being an elderly black woman was not a life many would pick for themselves. Phoenix, must overcome abstract forces, following physical barriers. Her competition is herself, speaking in terms of her age and frailty. Although she is very old and nearly blind, her spirit is strong. Phoenix’s body is not as strong and responsive as it once was when she was young. The first event attempting to set Phoenix back was when she was surprised by the hunter's dog. In response she defends herself with her cane, hitting him before she loses her balance and falls into a ditch. At this point in time we are introduced to the antagonist, the hunter. The hunter actions are deceiving. At times the hunter would have you believing her cared
ENGL-2103-M03/ Literary Interpretation
Dr. Robertson
3 November 2016
Continue On: A Hopeful Journey
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Life's a journey, not a destination.” In the story “A Worn Path”, Phoenix, an elderly black woman takes it upon herself to challenge her inner strength to a long, interesting journey to town. In life we know that every individual is different and the way we chose to handle certain situations in our life is different as well. There are two kinds of people in this world. There are ones who let their challenges and obstacles define who they are and there are others. These are ones who accept challenges handed to them, learn from their mistakes, and find ways to grow. No obstacle in life is too big …show more content…
Her heart offered kind love and sacrifice, she decided to travel by walking across town to receive medicine for her grandson. Phoenix was faced and had to overcome physical barriers. The physical barriers that challenged her included: the stream she had to cross, the barbed wire fence she climbed through, the briers she had to escape, the maze of a dead corn field she worked through, and the scarecrow she passed. At first thinking it was an actual ghost. In order for Phoenix to complete her journey she was to overcome each of these obstacles. In this time period being an elderly black woman was not a life many would pick for themselves. Phoenix, must overcome abstract forces, following physical barriers. Her competition is herself, speaking in terms of her age and frailty. Although she is very old and nearly blind, her spirit is strong. Phoenix’s body is not as strong and responsive as it once was when she was young. The first event attempting to set Phoenix back was when she was surprised by the hunter's dog. In response she defends herself with her cane, hitting him before she loses her balance and falls into a ditch. At this point in time we are introduced to the antagonist, the hunter. The hunter actions are deceiving. At times the hunter would have you believing her cared