worn path
...d and conditions the story is going to be held in. Phoenix is an elderly women who's life maybe coming to an end and maybe that's why Welty chooses December as the time period. It symbolizes struggle and the end of life in which makes Phoenix's journey to town even a more difficult trip. At her age it is amazing that she has the strength and memory to remember the trip she has made so often. Her walking keeps her strong but the love for her grandson is what keeps her on the right path. The path that Phoenix walks is probably the biggest symbol within itself. The title "The Worn Path" already tells us that the main character has walked this path before and that there is a journey involved. At Phoenix's age every time she walks this path it becomes a different one because she runs into different adventures every time. From tying her shoes or walking through a thorn bush, everything she experiences makes her path a lot more difficult and more amazing every time. The path symbolizes life and it's up and down adventures that we come across and must overcome to succeed. We know that in life people have to overcome some hurdles and once they have it makes them feel like they have completed another step in their journey. The path also symbolizes Phoenix's struggle of growing up as a black women in a white society, which could explain why she is so strong and used to adversity. Phoenix has overcame many hurdles but the question is how many more hurdles and how much time does she have to do so. Phoenix's name itself is a major symbol in the story because it refers to the mythological bird that burns into flames and later returns to be reborn from its own ashes. The name is very significant because of her age in the story and her health condition. Every time...