What does it take to be a leader? How could we accomplish a task that would otherwise be impossible? Can we learn this from literature? Since 1940, the critics have said that, “'A Worn Path' goes far beyond its regionalism because of its remarkable fusion of various elements of myth and legend, which invest the story with a religious meaning that can be universally felt.”(enotes) When a sensible writer like Eudora Welty assumes a non-intrusive role in narration, many elements of a fiction story can turn into vivid clues and symbols in the creative mind of the reader. The simplicity and objectivity of Welty's descriptions allow the readers to fully visualize the characters, style, and setting of the story, empowering them to interpret and evaluate the key elements from their own perspective. We learn all this through Phoenix's personality, the different trials and places she encounters, and the secondary characters of this story.
Today, as I read “A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty, my mind focuses on the singular personality of its main character - Phoenix Jackson, an old and small lady ready to prove that leadership can abide in low places and teach us all big important lessons. Our main character is “an old Negro woman with her head tied in a red rag”(Welty 615). Based on Welty's description, “she [Phoenix Jackson] wore a dark striped dress reaching down to her shoe tops, and an equally long apron of bleached sugar sacks, with a full pocket: all neat and tidy” (615). In other words, she was an ordinary person entrusted with an extraordinary task that went far beyond the limitations of her very advanced age. As the story evolves, we realize that this woman's unfailing strength comes from within,
making her persistent and agile before the thorny bush, self-encouraging and protective when going through the barbed-wire fence, but courageous and stoic when dealing with the white hunter. In studying her character, we cannot overlook Phoenix's deep love and sense of responsibility when it comes to her grandson. Some readers have interpreted this feeling declaring that; “The only thing that keeps her [Phoenix Jackson] from giving up is the love she has for him [her grandson] and the fact that all they have in this world is each other.”(123HelpMe) In my opinion, all these traits make our main character an exceptional leader in spite of her otherwise insignificant and fragile appearance.
In “A Worn Path”, Welty uses symbolic language, masqueraded under her dexterous writing abilities. The different settings or places old Phoenix goes through become a symbol of the many trials and tests we all experience in life. Images such as “Up through pines” (616) and “Now down through oaks” (616), remind me of the mountains and valleys we all face in life. Likewise, the “thorny bush” (616) suggests travails and suffering always ready to hurt and leave scars. Even the sentence, “Through the maze now, she said, for there was no path” (617) pronounced by Phoenix when crossing the field of dead corn, suggests the need of pushing forward, making a way even when it seems to be no way. That speaks of Phoenix's great determination to achieve her goal, regardless of the circumstances and challenges implied. The “easy place” (617), on the other hand, suggests a break, a temporary relieve in life. This place offers her an opportunity to relax and recover strength before resuming her journey. The “big building"
(620) Phoenix visits on Christmas represents a time and place for provision, which may also be a symbol of Christianity and the spirit of Christmas. The “medicine” (620) Phoenix receives for her grandson is reckoned as charity, and comes with a small Christmas gift - a nickel. These two details make this building (i.e., the doctor's office) the only place in which our main character actually receives something without having to strive for or steal it.
Some of the secondary characters of this fiction story carry a symbolic image themselves. The “black dog” (618) Phoenix meets right after crossing the swampy part appears to be a messenger of her death foretold. That dog surprises her in a time when she is not ready, and makes her fall into a ditch where she is also visited by a dream. This passage is particularly significant. Phoenix is extremely old and fragile. She has come a long way, but she is not ready to die yet. Additionally, the “white hunter” (618) shows up as a potential rescuer and executor, another test to her faith and character, another difficulty she has to endure as she approaches her objective. This white hunter resembles Satan and his ability to disguise himself through his physical appearance and acts of random kindness. His purpose is to deceive Phoenix, to make her desist and return home. First, he is helpful and friendly. Later on, he tries to kill Phoenix, and finally departs from her after ironically saying, “But you take my advice and stay home, and nothing will happen to you” (619). In spite of everything, her response to him is always clear and up front. When threatened, Phoenix stoically “stood straight and faced him” (619). Phoenix
boldly sustains her purpose when she emphatically says, “I bound to go on my way, mister” (619). I particularly enjoy the way she deals with the white hunter, showing calmness and decisiveness because she knows exactly what she wants and ought to do in life.
In “A Worn Path”, old Phoenix Jackson represents a true leader and the only responsible adult in her family. Her actions are constantly motivated by love and determination. The story demonstrates that Phoenix does not need to be rich, beautiful, educated, or a certain color to make the best out of her life. She already has what it takes. She is a great woman, a caring grandmother who pushes her own limitations and needs aside to bring faith and joy to a grandchild her senile mind would otherwise overlook or forget. So, what does it take to be a leader? How can we make the impossible turn into reality? I would say it takes all those amiable qualities we see in old Phoenix along with the ability to endure and believe that it will happen, that our dreams will come true, regardless of our circumstances.
With her non-intrusive narration, Welty makes room for genuine and spontaneous appreciation of her work as if she were telling us that there is no right or wrong. I truly enjoyed reading “A Worn Path”, and being reminded to meditate on life, faith, and leadership once more. It is definitely a great story, a great piece for literary analysis.
