How Is Phoenix Jackson A Stock Character

In the short story, “A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty the concept of characterization examines the relationship between Phoenix and her grandson. Phoenix Jackson is a stock character in the story. A stock character is a stereotypical person whom audiences readily recognize from frequent recurrences in a particular literary tradition. She is a major character that does minor things. She represents a grandmother who is willing to do anything for her grandchild. Phoenix shows immense bravery throughout the story many times. She was pointed at with a gun and she took on other obstacles that an elderly person wouldn’t. She is treated with disrespect as well, when she arrives at the clinic. Through her actions, we learn of Phoenix Jackson’s devotion

Her character is portrayed as old Negro woman with no common sense. For example, “She was very old and small and she walked slowly in the dark pine shadows, moving a little from side to side in her steps, with the balanced heaviness and lightness of the pendulum in a grandfather clock” (86). The author makes Phoenix seem illiterate by not completing her sentences or sounding as if she doesn’t know what she’s talking about. As this quote shows, “I in a thorny bush,” she said. “Thorns, you doing your appointed work. Never want to let folks pass, no sir. Old eyes thought you was a pretty little green bush” (87). There she is captured talking to herself. Old Phoenix isn’t and idiot though she knows exactly what she’s doing and why she’s doing it in the beginning of

She finally cares about her appearance enough to stop a young woman with tons of presents in her hand to tie her shoe. “Please, missy will you lace up my shoe?” she held up her foot (90). And the woman very kindly ties her shoes tightly. As old Phoenix enter the hospital she’s immediately insulted by the attendant. For example, “A charity case, I suppose” (90). A nurse came along and remembered what she came there for before and asked her questions about her grandson but Phoenix completely forgot. “My grandson. It was my memory had left me. There I sat and forgot why I made my long trip” (91). Even though Phoenix nearly forgot why she traveled her grandson is always the reason she continues to