Tuesday, February 17, 2009

THE CONFLICT OF PHOENIX IN “A WORN PATH”

In the story “A Worn Path,” by Eudora Welty, Phoenix, the main character, makes a journey to the city in order to obtain medicine for her grandson. Although at first this journey seems simple, it becomes evident as the story progresses that Phoenix faces several challenges, such as her age, her socioeconomic standing, and her occasional lack purpose, all of which will serve to form the conflict she faces during the story.
From the beginning of the story, the setting is described as being harsh; country terrain in the middle of a cold December make up the path Phoenix must follow. In this way, the name of the story accurately describes the physical aspect of the path. Moreover, the path is seen as arduous even by the hunter, a young man who is supposedly full of life and energy. When Phoenix tells the hunter she is going to the city, he emphatically responds: “Why, that’s too far! That’s as far as I walk when I come out myself…” Therefore, it is clear that Phoenix’s old age plays a crucial role in her journey. She occasionally has to stop to rest, and she usually prepares for the inclines of the path, since she already knows their locations. Nevertheless, Phoenix is a strong woman, and she is determined not to let her age affect her progress; she is intent on getting to the city, even though she sometimes forgets for what reason.
Additionally, Phoenix has to deal with her current socioeconomic status throughout the story. This factor is especially important because, if Phoenix was neither African-American nor poor, the entire story would not have occurred; she would have been able to obtain the medicine in a more practical way. Her socioeconomic status presents itself as an impediment when Phoenix encounters the hunter. He tells her she should not be going to the city. He questions her, but Phoenix’s ignorance and lack of focus do not allow her to pay attention. While in the building, Phoenix receives harsh treatment from the nurse, someone who ironically is supposed to help people. The nurse talks to her, but senses Phoenix’s detachment. Again, Phoenix is offered money, this time by the nurse. It is this attitude by white, middle class people that do not allow Phoenix to advance. Although Phoenix receives what she wants, she does not receive what she deserves. Instead, she is offered small talk and some money as if those were all she really needed. People expect her to take their charity, to leave, and not to come back for a while. Thus, Phoenix’s socioeconomic status deems her excluded from an opportunity for more helpful aid that could be given to her in many other ways rather than in money.
Perhaps what is most mystifying about Phoenix and what becomes the main motivator of the conflict in this story is Phoenix’s lack of purpose during some critical times. Throughout her journey, Phoenix has to remember why she is doing what she is doing. Occasionally, she enters a state in which she dwells in her own reality and completely disconnects herself from the rest of the world. For instance, when she sat under a tree to rest “…a little boy brought her a plate with a slice of marble-cake on it she spoke to him. ‘That would be acceptable,’ she said. But when she went to take it there was just her own hand in the air.” Also, when she was waiting for the medicine in the building “…the old woman waited, silent, erect, and motionless, just as if she were in armor… at last there came a flicker and then a flame of comprehension across her face, and she spoke, ‘…it was my memory had left me. There I sat and forgot why I made my long trip.’” Indeed, Phoenix, whether intentionally or not, occasionally enters memory lapses that threaten to deter her progress completely.
In conclusion, Phoenix undertakes a challenging task during this story, the very same task that becomes the conflict she faces. Several factors work against Phoenix as she tries to overcome her conflict. Her age makes it more difficult for Phoenix to travel the long path. Her socioeconomic status does not allow her to receive the aid she truly needs. And, finally, her mental transitions cloud the way she will act next. Notwithstanding, Phoenix overcomes her conflict and obtains the medicine for her grandson.

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