Welty refers back to an ancient mythical creature with the name of her character. She names the lead Phoenix, after a mystical bird whom would burn into flames at the end of its life and then rise again from its own ashes. The name is quite significant because

of the character's age and condition. Phoenix Jackson is described as, "...very old and small and she walked slowly..." (Welty 59). It is clear that Phoenix has little time left yet she has risen once again to complete a goal. Welty's choice in such a name displays the overcoming of physical and mental hardships to finish what she has set out to do.

An author traditionally uses the weather to describe situations or conditions the lead character may face. The use of spring months displays a rebirth of the spirit or favorable conditions, and the winter months mean quite the opposite. Welty sets the mood with the first three words, "It was December"(59). December represents the end; when the grass is dead, leaves no longer hang from the limbs of the trees, and old age becomes most evident. Cold

Some common words found in the essay are:
December59 December, Worn Path, Phoenix Jackson, Phoenix Authors, Welty Phoenix, Eudora Welty, Eudora Welty's, welty symbols, lead character,
Approximate Word count = 544
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)