There are many times that you expect her to give up and go home, but she never does. All of the obstacles she faces in the story, such as the creatures, critters, even plants, serve as symbols of things that can interfere throughout life, but one must continue the struggle and fight for the goals they are trying to accomplish. The journey Phoenix faces would have been difficult for a person of any age, and it is unimaginable that a woman as old and frail as she would be physically capable of making such a long journey. She proves that, though she is old and seems unable, she accomplished her goal with the great mindset and determination she has. She faces many obstacles while on her journey, almost as though even nature is fighting against her, but with her strong determination, she carries on and does not lose spirit. It is unclear in the beginning for what the lady is on such a difficult mission, but the last part of the story makes it clear. The main character is a very old, weak, poor, and tired African American woman. The story is based in the old south several years ago during the cold month of December. Phoenix's journey to the city could be symbolic of her life's journey, which would have been filled with challenges as well.“A Worn Path” The setting in the Eudora Welty’s “A Worn Path” plays a very important role in the make-up of this story. Similarly, a person could be living in "a worn path", that is, going through the same routine over and over. It's noteworthy, though, that being worn isn't the same as being smooth. Phoenix Jackson uses a worn path for her trip to the city. In fiction, a journey is often seen as a parallel for the figurative journey of life.
What is the symbolic significance of the protagonist's name? Phoenix copes with all of these slights as she keeps her eye on completing her trip.ġ.