A Worn Path By Eudora Welty: An Analysis

Our culture values youth and strength over the wisdom of the elderly. However, in Eudora Welty’s “A Worn Path,” the reader gets a taste of how although youth vanishes, wisdom does not. In the story, an elderly woman named Phoenix travels the long journey to get medicine for her grandson, who died several years before the story begins. Her mind is failing, and when she meets other travelers as well as obstacles along the way, she stops to make conversation, even when the “traveler” turns out to be a scarecrow. She clearly made the journey many times before, as often her instinct is the only thing guiding her. Throughout Phoenix’s journey, her surroundings have aged and her mind has aged, but her dedication and perseverance keeps her going. From the beginning of the story, the author makes it clear that Phoenix’s path has deteriorated over the

In Matthew 12, Jesus himself gives us the greatest commandment of all, to love God and love others over ourselves. Throughout the turmoil of life – the trials, the burdens, the unexpected circumstances – we often forget this calling. In Eudora Welty’s “A Worn Path,” a woman with nothing left goes on a journey solely for the purpose of helping her grandson. She gives everything she owns and faces seemingly endless trials for him, despite the fact that the grandson died several years earlier. Her mind and body failing, she perseveres not for herself, but for another who she believes needs care. This dedication and unfailing love touches the reader in a personal way, and leaves the reader on the verge of tears, knowing that if she discovered or could comprehend the truth, she would lose her will to live. In this day and age, culture regards older generations as no longer valuable – as lacking the fire of youth. Phoenix’s value is not in her strength, youth, or sharpness of mind, it resides in her heart, and she holds on to it until the end of the long journey of