A Worn Path1

A detailed Summary of A Worn Path1

"A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty, is the tale of the unstoppable love and care

of a grandmother for her grandchild. It tells a story of sheer determination

as Phoenix Jackson makes a long journey into town to get medicine for her

chronically ill grandson. She strives forward despite frequent obstacles in

her way that include her own failing health and the grandchild's slim chance

of survival. Phoenix Jackson is "an old Negro woman" who continues forward

over barriers that would not even be considered a hindrance for the young.

This is a journey which she has taken before, and now "the time come around"

she must travel it again. She begins her journey to town on "a bright frozen

day in the early morning" in December. 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."

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

Eventually, a hunter and his dog happen upon her and pull her out of the

she gets through, again telling herself that "she could not pay for having

of survival. Phoenix Jackson is "an old Negro woman" who continues forward

As she begins her journey, she talks to herself and warns "Out of my way,

that her body may be worn out, but the attitude that she takes and desire

Approximate Word count = 1910
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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