Analysis: A Worn Path

In Eudora Welty’s short story “A Worn Path”, the story begins with the main character Phoenix Jackson taking, in her perspective, a long journey. Phoenix has to walk the entire way, and because of her age-she is “the oldest person she knows”- it is a difficult one (Welty). However, it becomes obvious that the walk is purposeful and the reason is important. She is single minded in her determination to complete the task. The author explains that Phoenix can almost take this walk with her eyes closed. Phoenix is comfortable with the journey, and from previous times, she remembers the obstacles she had to watch out for or avoid, such as sneaking past a “two-headed snake” or wild hogs charging at her or a steep hill (Welty). It is winter this time, but that is irrelevant. It is something she must do.

“A Worn Path” is a tale of unselfish love. It is a lesson of endurance and determination. Phoenix has a grandson who swallowed some lye three years prior and she is going to get his medicine. “We are the only two left in the world,” Phoenix explains to the nurse (Welty). This is what compels Phoenix as she takes her cane and walks across a river, through the woods, and through an open cornfield. She even falls into a ditch after she is startled by a dog who tries to attack her. Despite this, she unconsciously knows that she will fulfill her task of getting the medicine her grandson needs. Her age is significant throughout the story and the author uses it to substantiate what a hardship traveling is for her. When she finally reaches her destination, a medical clinic, she momentarily forgets why she is there. But then she remembers her grandson and vows never to forget him again (Welty).

The path Phoenix was willing to take is one of undying love for another human being. It is a story of personal sacrifice and never becoming too weary, physically or mentally, to do what must be done. The worn path is also indicative of Phoenix’s worn life. She is old, but not lost; she knows the path to take. Though her body is weary, her soul and character are not.

Work Cited

Welty, Eudora. "A Worn Path." Arp, Thomas R., Greg Johnson. Perrine's Story & Structure An Introduction to Fiction. 13. Boston: Cengage Learning, 2011. 181-188. Print.