Character Analysis of Phoenix Jackson in “The Worn Path” Essay Example

pressing forward.

Phoenix must be admired for her brave gestures. Her decision to enter the forest alone took a great deal of courage. Phoenix never hesitated, even in the face of adversity. She came upon a scarecrow that she thought was a ghost. She never became fearful. “She shut her eyes, reached out her hand, and touched a sleeve.” (Welty 4) At one point in the story, the hunter pointed a gun in Phoenix’s face, but she showed no fear or emotion. There was no explanation of why the gun was pointed at her. Considering the story setting and time frame, we could assume it was because she was a black woman. The text stated that Phoenix stood straight and faced the hunter. “Doesn’t the gun scare you?’ he said, still pointing it. “No sir, I seen plenty go off closer by, in my day, and for less than what I done, she said, holding utterly still.”(Welty 7) While the hunter was distracted, Phoenix skillfully reached down and picked up the nickel that fell out of the hunter’s pocket. She eased it into her apron pocket. It really was unsafe for Phoenix to be walking all alone in the woods. She could have been attacked by animals or even shot by someone. The hunter told tried to discourage her by telling her to go home. The text states that she told the hunter, “I bound to go own my way mister”. (Welty 7) Phoenix did not give it a second thought and continued on her journey.

Phoenix’s sacrifice for her grandson was admirable and it showed how much she loved him. It is safe to say that

Phoenix would do almost anything for him, even if it means risking her own health. It was a cold winter morning when Phoenix started on her journey to get her grandson’s medicine. “It was December -- a bright frozen day in early morning.”(Welty 1) Phoenix had some unpleasant experiences and encounters with animals and people on her journey. She never once thought about turning around or complaining, even after she came face-to-face with the big dog and fell into the ditch. Phoenix’s own mental health appeared to be failing after she arrived to see the nurse for her grandson. When the nurse asked, “Now, how is the boy?” Phoenix was not able to speak for a moment, according to the story, “Phoenix only waited and stared straight ahead, her face very solemn and withdrawn into rigidity.”(Welty 9) Phoenix had made the trip to get medicine for her grandson for the past three years. It was obvious she loved her grandson. He was all the family she had left in the world. Therefore, she devoted her time and energy to making sure he had the medication he needed. Phoenix’s love for her grandson was reflected once again when she decided to buy him the windmill for Christmas, with the coins she had collected. Phoenix’s focus was always her grandson’s needs and desire, it was never about her.

Today’s world centers so much on “self”. “The Worn Path” revealed many unselfish acts and was a true picture of unconditional love. It provided a lesson to all about life’s daily struggles and sacrifices. Phoenix is a great inspiration, despite the obstacles she continued to experience, she kept pushing. Although

she knew her grandson would never fully recover, she made sure he was as comfortable as possible. Therefore, she was dedicated to making the trips to town when he needed more medication for his throat. She never made excuses or let the fact that she was old, hinder her from doing what she needed to do.