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. The description "Her eyes were blue with age. Her skin has a pattern all its own of numberless branching wrinkles" are indications of Phoenix Jackson's old age. She supports herself with a

As she begins her journey, she talks to herself and warns "Out of my way, all you foxes, owls, beetles, jack rabbits, coons and wild animals!...Keep out from under these feet, little bob-whites", because as she says, "I got a long way." She is determined to go down that path despite anything that might come between her and getting the medicine for her grandson. This shows that her body may be worn out, but the attitude that she takes and desire that she has in order to get the medicine for her grandson are not. In addition, her shoelaces "which dragged from her unlaced shoes" adds to the chance of her falling on the path.

Walking across a log with her eyes closed is another daring thing she attempts. After safely crossing she says "I wasn't as old as I thought." She sits down to rest "when a little boy brought her a plate with a slice of marble-cake on it." When old Phoenix reaches "to take it there was just her own hand in the air," and nothing else around. Throughout the story, she exhibits signs of senility and delusions including her meeting of a scarecrow which she initially thinks is a man.

Phoenix Jackson encounters many adversities along her journey, but somehow manages to get through them. Her perseverance in the face of tremendous obstacles is admirable consid

Some common words found in the essay are:
Phoenix Jackson's, Phoenix Jackson, Jackson Negro, Eudora Welty, phoenix jackson, medicine grandson, journey town, begins journey, phoenix reaches,
Approximate Word count = 864
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)