Blog Entry One: A Worn Path

Often authors introduce characters in fiction stories as complex, human-like people. The central character in "A Worn Path", named Phoenix Jackson, shows exactly how intriguing one single person can be through her actions, possessions, and thoughts.

The author, Eudora Welty, reveals a great deal about her character through her clothing and name. A phoenix is a bird often attributed with flames. This suggests that Phoenix Jackson, despite her old age, is a fiery woman. Her attire consists of a red rag, a black dress, and shoes with untied shoe laces. The red rag further strengthens the notion of her fiery personality. The untied shoe laces could suggests that she probably does not care for such a trivial matter. The black dress is an interesting article as it denotes mourning for the loss of a loved one. It is also revealed that Phoenix is a black woman.

Phoenix's actions and thoughts also show much about her character. She speaks to inanimate objects and sometimes blames them for her short comings. She seems to have a constant worry of getting her dress torn which means that it has value to her. One incident in the forest tells much about her psychological health as she imagines a little boy handing her some cake. Another incident occurs in which she crosses a log that is suspended over a lake. For an elderly woman to do an action as dangerous as that shows how determined she is to get to her destination, which is revealed to be a town that is very far away. Through all these events, it becomes more apparent to the reader that Phoenix is a strong willed woman with some mental health issues.

Toward the end of the story, it is revealed by a nurse that Phoenix went to town to get medicine for her grandson. The nurse alludes that Phoenix's grandson is dead, but Phoenix denies this and asks for the medicine.

The author placed much emphasis on Phoenix's character and revealed a shocking truth toward the end of the story. Her use of character disclosure made this an enjoyable yet emotional story to read with great depth for the length that it was presented in.