A Worn Path: The Death Of The Hired Man

Modern Era Essay

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. This is true for the Great Depression era. Literature written during the Modern Era demonstrates how life during the 1920s and 30s were hard for many people who had a low class career or for those who were mentally strained from the shortcomings. But for those who had a positive outlook on life, the dirty thirties weren't all that bad.

Stories and Poems written in the Harlem Renaissance period like Richard Cory and Miniver Cheevy show that life was both mentally and socially difficult even for wealthy white males. “He was rich--yes, richer than a king--And admirably schooled in every grace: In fine, we thought that he was everything To make us wish that we were in his place. And Richard Cory, one calm summer night, Went home and put a bullet through his head” (Robinson 882). This is also true in Robinson’s Miniver Cheevy,

In “The Death of the Hired Man,” Silas works hard, bailing hay out on the farm

everyday for just enough money to buy some tobacco. Physical straint is also shown through segregation and racism. These characteristics were still deeply rooted in the south wore down many African Americans. In “A Worn Path,” Phoenix Jackson is a old African American lady that faces many difficulties, including staunch racism. “Phoenix stood straight and faced him. Doesn't the gun scare you? He said, still pointing it. “No, sir, I seen plenty go off closer by, in my day, and for less than what I done, she said, holding utterly still” (Welty 1004).

While times were hard for the majority, there were a small few that found happiness in the troubling economy. This is shown in “Lucinda Matlock” which states, “What is this I hear of sorrow and weariness, Anger, Discontent and drooping hopes? Degenerate sons and daughters, Life is too strong for you--It takes life to love Life” (Masters