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Characterism And Symbolism In Welty's A Worn Path

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In the work, “A Worn Path, “Welty has developed a short story that uses characterization, symbolism, imagery, and conflict in a hero’s journey. Phoenix says “Thorn bushes and barbed-wire fences, log bridges and hills are major barriers for her.” (Welty, Edora 2/5) As Phoenix pursues this heroic challenge she acknowledges the temptation and fear built in her crossing a deep forest in the health condition she is found in. Welty gives the character the willingness having an ambition to conquer her journey. Upon many other Phoenix Jackson was well aware of what she was approaching making her build fear. However crossing the first threshold of overcome the first obstacle in the journey Phoenix acknowledges her hero’s journey has just yet begun. Roaming amongst the forest she states that no wild animal shall approach her from any direction. “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”. (Welty 275). Once she followed the path running up the hill Phoenix over view of things became at ease.” After she got to the top she turned and gave a full, serve look behind her where she had come. “Up though pines,” she said at length “Now down through oaks.””(Welty 275) Stumbling upon more natural …show more content…

Welty creates a story that contrasts the cruelties and injustices of human nature with the balance and order of nonhuman nature. Readers are left to wonder what kind of medicine can provide healing to the world Phoenix journeys through. (Claxton, Mae Miller 74) Once you conquer one quest another one comes in line to make you be a better you, as for Phoenix she decides to buy her grandson a windmill showing love towards her grandson allowing a new journey to

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