Whether the obstacles are natural or human, Eudora Welty describes multiple struggles throughout “A Worn Path.” Along the worn path, Phoenix Jackson comes into contact with hills, thorns, a hunter, and a maze. These elements symbolize the difficulties everyone is faced with on a daily basis. The worn path is the path of life everyone is traveling everyday. Determination allows people to have success through challenging times. The first trial Phoenix faced during her journey was a hill where the path elevated. “Something always takes ahold on this hill—pleads I should stay (56).” The hill represents the tough situations people have to overcome. By climbing the hill, Phoenix showed great perseverance that propelled her to reach the top and continue on her way. Down the hill and through the oaks, thorn bushes snagged at Phoenix’s dress. “Thorns, you doing your appointed work. Never want to let folks past—no sir. Old eyes thought you was a pretty little green bush (57).” The torn bushes that stalled Phoenix’s expedition signify circumstances that hold people back. Because she does not recognize that the bush had thorns, she thought it was harmless. The bush was misleading Phoenix and became a deceptive obstacle during her travel. …show more content…
“Through the maze now (58).” The corn maze symbolizes uncertainty and confusion in life. Being lost in a maze is similar to making a decision and not knowing which choice will have the better benefit. In the cornfield, Phoenix saw a figure that she thought was a human. When she got closer it was realized that the object was a scarecrow. Phoenix saw the scarecrow and her mind immediately jumped to conclusions. This incident represents psychological fears people have about reaching a goal. The imagined fear often restrains people from