Caracter of Phoenix Jackson
“A Character of Phoenix Jackson. ... It tells a story of sheer determination as Phoenix Jackson makes a long journey into town to get medicine for her chronically ill grandson. ... Phoenix Jackson is "an old Negro woman" who continues forward over barriers that would not even be considered a hindrance for the young. ... Phoenix Jackson is "very old and small ", and walks like the "pendulum in a grandfather clock" ever so carefully with her "thin, small cane made from an umbrella." (Gunton 83) The description of Phoenix Jackson at the beginning of this story gives the reader a glimpse of how difficult this trip is going to be for an elderly woman such as her. ... Her skin has a pattern all its own of numberless branching wrinkles"(Welty 160) are indications of Phoenix Jacksons old age. ... (Di Consiglio 431) On the other hand, Phoenix Jackson’s character has some historical meaning. Phoenix Jackson witnesses the Southern blacks transformation from slave to citizenship. In Weltys "The Worn Path," Phoenix Jacksons thoughts and perceptions, as well as her encounters with other characters, illustrate the theme of impending black equality and amalgamation in the South after the Civil War. ... Like Phoenix, they endured an endless struggle, if not against scurrying hogs, then against the thorny bush that "never want to let folks pass".