"A Worn Path" Discussion

I just read "A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty and I have some things to discuss.

First of all, the title is significant because it refers to the path taken many times by the main character, named Phoenix, to get medicine for her grandson. She knew the path very well and had been taking it constantly for 3 years for her grandson. Sometimes the trip would take so long that Phoenix would forget what she came for.

Next, Phoenix is an appropriate name for the protagonist because the phoenix bird from mythology symbolized some of the same things as Phoenix. In Greek Mythology, the phoenix bird lives a very long time, which relates to Phoenix, who was also very old. Phoenix birds also had new birds take their place when they died, which is like Phoenix's grandson, who will have to take over going on the path once Phoenix dies.

One motif I found is about birds. Every time they're mentioned, it's only one bird. Also, when they're mentioned, it's when  Phoenix does something for her grandson, such as steal a nickel or get medicine for him. There was also a dove and a buzzard. They seem like two choices, life and death, or good and bad. This motif contributes to the meaning by giving us hints of what's going to happen next or hints of Phoenix's past.

Another motif I found was her shoelaces. At first they mentioned them being untied as she walked through the forest and on her path. But once she gets to city, they're mentioned again, and a city person ties them for her. They symbolize how she is from the country and how she has to change to be acceptable in the city. It ties the two parts of the story together, unifying it.

Her journey back is symbolic because it shows selflessness, going the whole way to get medicine and a present for her grandson. It's also symbolic of courage because she is willing to do whatever it takes to get the medicine for her grandson.