Obstacles and Pursuing the Goal in The Worn Path - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages A worn path tells a tale of the undying love of this woman and her devotion that pushes her towards her goals. A worn path tells a tale of the undying love of this woman and her devotion that pushes her towards her goals. This old woman named Phoenix Jackson encounters many challenges along the way to get her grandson medicine as she walks through the woods to town. Some of the challenges she faces include thorny bushes, dogs and barbed wires among others. She is out on a mission to get medicine for her grandson. The grandson had swallowed lye which caused damage and swelling of the grandson’s throat. For this reason, Phoenix Jackson had to face the obstacles and trials of the journey to town every time it was necessary (Gretlund& Karl-Heinz, 112)
Phoenix Jackson in the story “a worn path” appears as a character who can endure difficult situations for her undying love for the grandson. She symbolizes a character of stamina, perseverance, and determination even while facing hardships or even death (Gretlund& Karl-Heinz, 112). These qualities have been noted from her willingness to go for the long journey to the city and back on foot despite all the hardships. Her name Phoenix also has a mythological significance which means an Egyptian bird symbolizing resurrection. Christian symbols are also evident in the story where it has been set during a Christmas season leading to some critics relating her journey to the city and back with that of religion.
Her undying love for her son, selflessness, and sacrifice in this narrative is also interpreted to represent the Christian values of kindness, giving and self-sacrifice. The story also shows phoenix directly conflicting with the since the society dominated by white people do not respect her situation or have no respect for her situation (Champion, 58). This occurs despite the story’s symbolic use of language and the imagistic nature of the story. A hunter in the forest assumes she is headed to town to see Santa Claus and the nurse doesn’t offer any sympathy for her sick grandson. ...Download file to see next pagesRead More