Phoenix Jackson Character Analysis

Throughout history individuals are characterized based on their gender, race and age. Decades ago, Americans were criticized based on their physical characteristics rather than their qualities. In the past, people were stripped of their rights because they might have been a woman, African American, or older in age. Since then mindsets have changed, now people have been given back their rights. In the short story, “A Worn Path,” by Eudora Welty, the protagonist Phoenix Jackson is faced with many difficulties on her journey, but she overcomes the harsh judgments from nurses and an arrogant white hunter. Because of Phoenix Jackson being a female, African American, and older in age, she is faced with many difficulties that involve prejudice and

This short story takes place in the south in the late 1930’s and during this time it is better to be a white male. Jackson was the exact opposite, which makes her a target of prejudice. During Jackson’s journey to get medicine for her grandson, she comes in contact with a white hunter. The hunter, while being very rude to her, pulls a gun on her. He asks her “Doesn’t that gun scare you” (3). Jackson is a woman and the hunter immediately assumes that a gun will scare a woman. Also, by pointing a gun at Jackson’s face, he is trying to prove his superiority as a white male. The hunter is trying to show Jackson that she is less than him by trying to frighten her. Also, in the story, Jackson’s social class affects how others view her. Jackson is walked a long way to get medicine for her Grandson and when she enters the doctors office she is called a charity case by a nurse “A charity case, I suppose,” said the attendant who sat at the desk behind her” (3). One glance at Jackson gives the attendant the idea that she is poor and in need of charity. Just after a few words given by Jackson, the attendant was so quick to judge. Also, throughout the story, Jackson puts together any money she can find just to buy a gift for her