The Theme of Determination in “A Worn Path” by Eudora...

Everyday people encounter challenges that stand in their way of achieving their goals, but with sheer determination most accomplish their mission. In the short story â€Å"A Worn Path† written by Eudora Welty, Phoenix Jackson, the main character, has a mission to complete while confronting many challenges. One way to convey this idea is with the literary use of theme. The theme of a literary work is defined as the central idea, concern or message about life that an author wishes to convey to his/her readers. There can be more than one theme in a literary work. One of the major themes in Eudora Welty’s short story â€Å"A Worn Path† is the sheer determination that Phoenix Jackson conveys via her actions. This short story centers on the†¦show more content†¦Just like Phoenix Jackson, this story’s main character, most people find their way through challenges, time after time, because of their strong sense of determination. One of the first chal lenges that Phoenix encounters along her journey is the wild animals of the woods. Phoenix does not want anything, even â€Å"mother nature† preventing her from accomplishing her mission. As Phoenix Jackson begins her journey, she talks to herself and warns: Out of my way, all you foxes, owls, beetles, jack rabbits, coons and wild animals!...Keep out from under these feet, little bob-whites†¦Keep the big wild hogs out of my path. Don’t let none of those come running my direction. I got a long way. (1) With this statement, the author clearly depicts Phoenix’s determination to continue down this path despite the challenges of the wild animals. She is determined not to let anything come between her and getting to town for her grandson’s medication. Phoenix may be old and worn, but her determination motivates her to continue. At the beginning of the story, Phoenix is described as â€Å"Her eyes were blue with age. Her skin has a pattern all of its own numberless branching wrinkles†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (1). This description helps to verify that Phoenix is very old and this will be a difficult trip for a woman of her age. Therefore it is with sheer determination that Phoenix faces another challenge--having to cross a creek by walking over a log. This activity is a difficultShow MoreRelatedEssay on Theme of Determination in A Worn Path 637 Words   |  3 Pagesâ€Å"A Worn Path† is a short story written by Eudora Welty. It is based on an elderly African-American gra ndmother named Phoenix Jackson, who goes for a walk to the town of Natchez on a cold December morning to get some medicine for her ailing grandson. This story speaks of the obstacles Phoenix endured along the way and how she overcame them. The theme, central idea or message that the author wishes to convey to his or her readers, in â€Å"A Worn Path† is one of determination. Phoenix Jackson is determinedRead MoreA Worn Path Analysis944 Words   |  4 PagesThe short story A Worn Path, is around an old African American woman named Phoenix Jackson who makes an arduous trip into town needing prescription for her sick grandson. Amid her outing she talks resoundingly to herself in an urging way to bear the troublesome trek. She has made this trek commonly some time recently, yet this one appears to be essentially harder to oversee. After her daring endeavors and love for her lone grandson, she is effective at recovering the solution. Shockingly, the creatorRead MoreA Worn Path By Eudora Welty Essay1481 Words   |  6 PagesA Worn Path (1940) On an everyday basis people are encountering challenges that stand in their way of them achieving their set goals. However, with determination the vast majority will accomplish the mission they have set out to conquer. 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Having to commute in such difficult conditions, Phoenix endures through the dense and tiresome woods, stretching from the countr yside to the town. After persevering through the long journey to her destination, Phoenix arrives at the building and receives the medication she needs. Welty concludes the storyRead MoreEssay on Love Conquers All in Eudora Weltys A Worn Path590 Words   |  3 PagesLove Conquers All in A Worn Path      Ã‚  Ã‚   Love is a strong force. Love can make a person do strange and sometimes heroic things. Eudora Welty introduces us to Phoenix Jackson in A Worn Path, a story about the love that a woman feels for her grandson. Through the actions of Phoenix Jackson, the reader learns that love can conquer anything. This theme is demonstrated through Phoenixs determination, her ability to overcome obstacles, and her reaction to the employees at the clinic.    PhoenixRead MoreAnalysis of a Short Story a Worn Path by Eudora Welty1163 Words   |  5 PagesAnalysis of a short story â€Å"A Worn Path† by Eudora Welty. Lit.1 Characters: Phoenix Jackson : Is the protagonist of the story. She is described in vivid colors, suggesting her lively nature: she wears a red rag in her hair and her skin is described as â€Å"yellow,† â€Å"golden† and â€Å"copper.† Her age is indicated by the way she moves — slowly, in small steps, with the assistance of a cane — and by the wrinkles on her face, which form â€Å"a pattern all its own . . . as though a whole little