Analysis Essay
Caitlin Turvin
ENG101-22
November 6, 2014
RD Analysis Essay
Paths and Hurdles
Henry Ford once said, “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” In Eudora Welty 's short story "A Worn Path,” a figure of an old African-American woman, Phoenix Jackson, emerges. As she makes her way toward town in a path she seems to have taken many times before, she has to overcome many obstacles. She represents struggle, but most of all she represents determination. Every move she makes seems to be a slow, gradual move towards her goal. The story gives insight to the persistence and boldness of Phoenix Jackson’s life to emphasize the struggle in other people’s lives.
The mood of the story is very slow. Just like Phoenix, it moves as she moves. As Phoenix Jackson walks slowly and carefully through the woods and fields on her way to town, she speaks slowly and boldly to herself. This highlights her assurance to herself and her persistence as she moves toward her goal. The gradual movement in the story stresses the woman 's perseverance and incredible effort towards an intent she sees fit for such a journey.
Throughout the story, harsh weather, distance, and people represent obstacles. She first has to persevere through a frozen December morning. Then she has to travel from far out in the country behind the ridge to the city of Natchez, Mississippi. Last she comes in contact with two people who basically made her doubt why she came in the first place. Although the hunter shows her somewhat kindness; he represents a barrier within the story. The hunter tries to make Phoenix Jackson rethink her journey. In spite of the fact that she is worn out, she does not subdue; "I bound to go to town, mister . . . the time come around" (Welty 440). Also, the receptionist at the doctor’s office represents oppression and prejudice as she presumably labels Phoenix Jackson as a "charity case."
Phoenix Jackson 's strenuous journey does not go uncompensated. The
ENG101-22
November 6, 2014
RD Analysis Essay
Paths and Hurdles
Henry Ford once said, “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” In Eudora Welty 's short story "A Worn Path,” a figure of an old African-American woman, Phoenix Jackson, emerges. As she makes her way toward town in a path she seems to have taken many times before, she has to overcome many obstacles. She represents struggle, but most of all she represents determination. Every move she makes seems to be a slow, gradual move towards her goal. The story gives insight to the persistence and boldness of Phoenix Jackson’s life to emphasize the struggle in other people’s lives.
The mood of the story is very slow. Just like Phoenix, it moves as she moves. As Phoenix Jackson walks slowly and carefully through the woods and fields on her way to town, she speaks slowly and boldly to herself. This highlights her assurance to herself and her persistence as she moves toward her goal. The gradual movement in the story stresses the woman 's perseverance and incredible effort towards an intent she sees fit for such a journey.
Throughout the story, harsh weather, distance, and people represent obstacles. She first has to persevere through a frozen December morning. Then she has to travel from far out in the country behind the ridge to the city of Natchez, Mississippi. Last she comes in contact with two people who basically made her doubt why she came in the first place. Although the hunter shows her somewhat kindness; he represents a barrier within the story. The hunter tries to make Phoenix Jackson rethink her journey. In spite of the fact that she is worn out, she does not subdue; "I bound to go to town, mister . . . the time come around" (Welty 440). Also, the receptionist at the doctor’s office represents oppression and prejudice as she presumably labels Phoenix Jackson as a "charity case."
Phoenix Jackson 's strenuous journey does not go uncompensated. The
Cited: Welty, Eudora. "A Worn Path." Web.