In "A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty, an elderly woman travels along a worn path to town. We learn she makes this journey frequently to get medicine for her chronically ill grandson, who swallowed lye a couple of years before. Phoenix Jackson's journey along the path to town is symbolic of the path through life.
The first symbol Phoenix comes across is at the beginning of her journey. " She got to the bottom of the hill a bush caught her dress. Her fingers were busy and intent, but her skirts were full and long, so that before she could pull it free in one place it was caught in another" (Welty 2). My interpretation of the quote is that there will be things in life that will try to hold you back, but if you struggle long enough you will be able to break free of them.
At a creek, Phoenix comes across another symbol of the journey through life. "At the foot of this hill was a place where a log was laid across the creek" (Welty 3). My interpretation of this quote is that there are going to be obstacles in life that you need to overcome because there is no way around them.
Phoenix Jackson comes across one last symbol at the end of her journey. Phoenix comes across a man on the way to town and he says, "But you take my advice and stay .
Blais 2.
home, and nothing will happen to you" (Welty 6). "Don't live and you can't die" (Issacs 18). My interpretation of this is that there are going to be people in your life that will try to tell you that you are to old or not good enough. They will tell you that you shouldn't even try because you might fail.
This whole story is symbolic of this old woman's journey through life. The only way she made it through is with her pride and determination. You have to be able to overcome any obstacle in life if you want to achieve your goals.
.