A Worn Path

The setting of the story starts out in the wilderness as an elderly black woman, Phoenix Jackson, is walking along with her handmade cane. Phoenix Jackson is the protagonist of the story and the antagonist in the story is society. She has taken this journey so many times that her mind is free to wonder because her feet know the path by pure instinct. During Phoenix's long, rough journey the author, Waltey, gives the reader insight to what is going on inside Phoenix's head; making the point of view third person omniscient limited. Finally, Phoenix makes it to her destination; Natchez. The reason she takes this journey is to get medicine for her grandson who has been ill for quite awhile. As she is waiting to get medicine for her grandson, an attendant treats her as if she is inferior; which is symbolic of how all black women were treated at that time. Finally she is treated with some compassion by a doctor who gives her the medicine for her grandson. Phoenix takes the medicine and begins her long journey back home. This shows that even though Phoenix, and other women like her, faced many hardships, they still had to let it go and move on with their lives.
I though it was interesting that the author chose not to tell the reason for Phoenix's journey until nearly the end of the story. It kept me wondering what she was doing and if she even had a reason for taking such a long journey. In the beginning, Phoenix seemed a little odd to me; talking to animals and dancing with a scarecrow. Later on, however, I realized that she was making the best of a hardship that she faced in life. I think it's amazing that a lady as old as Phoenix would have the motivation and energy to make such a treacherous journey as often as she did. Her heart was pure; she did it out of pure love for her grandson.