A Worn Path Character Analysis Essay

In the short story “A Worn Path” author Eudora Welty creates a character who seems to be suffering from hallucinations and must embark on a long and challenging journey to obtain one thing, medicine. The story takes place in late December as she goes through nature to get into town and meets some interesting people along the way. The main character is an african american who goes by the name of Phoenix Jackson and while her age is never revealed we can assume she is quite old. If I had to characterize Phoneix i would say that she is disrespected. When Phoneix arrived to the medical center she was treated rather poorly by the attendant who said “ A charity case, I suppose,” and to “ Speak up, Grandma”,”. The rather rude attendant also proceeded to cry “ Are you deaf?”. This is a display of disrespect as the attendant did not listen to Phoenix nor did she respectfully ask her why she was there or what it was that she needed. When characterizing Phoenix I would consider her determined. When traveling through the woods Phoenix yells at the animals “ Out of my way, all you foxes, owls, beetles, jack rabbits, coons and wild animals!” showing that she is not going to let anything get in her way. Phoenix mentioned the log laying over the creek and said “

When Phoenix sat down to rest she imagined a little boy bringing her a piece of marble cake and went to take it but there was nothing except her own hand in the air. Phoenix can also be declared delusional as she believes her grandson is still alive while most evidence states otherwise. The nurse at the doctor’s says some convincing things such as “ The doctor said as long as you came to get it, you could have it” and “ It’s an obstinate case” and asked if he was dead. The tone the nurse uses when asking these questions or making these comments is almost as if she’s waiting for Phoenix to accept the death of her grandson once and for