The Character of Phoenix Jackson in Welty's "A Worn Path".
Phoenix Jackson is Eudora Welty's main character in "A Worn Path." Phoenix is an old, somewhat mentally disoriented Negro woman. Most of Phoenix's character traits are displayed during her walk through the forest but Phoenix's most significant trait, that of her devotion and loyalty, is not revealed until the end of the story. Phoenix's main character traits are her ability to focus on the task at hand, her bravery, and her devotion to her grandson.
Although Phoenix is very old and deteriorated mentally, she is still able to focus on the things which are important to her. Phoenix knows that she must make a difficult journey through the forest in order to get her grandson his medicine and she does. Phoenix encounters many hardships on her journey but does not deviate from her mission. She climbs a difficult hill, gets stuck in thorns, is attacked by a dog, and a man with a gun advises her to head back home but Phoenix's feet lead her to the city. Another example of Phoenix's determination is when she steals the nickel from the armed man in the forest. Welty describes a very different Phoenix from the one we have encountered earlier, a Phoenix whose "Deep lines in her face went into a fierce and different radiation." When Phoenix is focused on the nickel nothing can disturb her not even a nearby dogfight and gunshot. These examples show that, although Phoenix is old and delusional, when there is something important to be done her determination allows her to focus. .
Another very dominant character trait Phoenix possesses is her bravery, which at times makes her rather reckless. Phoenix's walk in the forest, which leaves her exposed to wild animals and the elements, is an extremely brave act for a woman of her age. Yet Phoenix is rather careless because she does not wear the proper clothing for the journey. We are also told how Phoenix crosses the creek on a log with her eyes closed.
