Eudora Welty’s “A Worn Path” is a story that reflects the tales of the Phoenix. Throughout this story many symbols and recollections of the phoenix is present. The phoenix is a bird, large and gold in color. This bird is most famous for its abilities to appear and disappear, and its ability to heal. The phoenix is also known for its strong will and determination to travel when it’s close to death. In “A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty, Phoenix Jackson mirrors the fabled creature of the same name, actions, and description. The name, Phoenix Jackson, is the first eye catcher, it is the first sign of what she symbolizes. The fable of the phoenix is well known a lot of people have heard of it. A phoenix composes many characteristics, the phoenix protects and heals just as Phoenix Jackson does in the story. A lot of things that Phoenix Jackson does in the story closer ties into the significance of her name. The name Phoenix is full of meaning and it is well known in Egyptian mythology. In “A Worn Path” Phoenix Jackson is on a mission to acquire medicine that is supposed to heal her grandson, the medicine is vital to his survival.
Phoenix Jackson’s actions resembles closely to those of the legendary phoenix. Phoenix Jackson’s mission is to travel a long way to get medicine to heal her grandson, the phoenix’s job is to heal, also. Phoenix is not afraid to travel the long way, she exhibits bravery just as the phoenix does. In “A Worn Path” Phoenix Jackson gives off an almost animalistic feel. She makes this trip so regularly that she can do it with her eyes closed. Off of instinct, she knows where to go like an animal. This is a trait that has been found in numerous animals. These actions also refers to the phoenix because the tale of the