What is the story about? What is its main point? What are the best parts of the story? Why did you like it? Are there parts you did not like?...

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"" is a story of undying love. It chronicles the journey of Phoenix Jackson an old,
nearly blind woman, as she travels from her home to Natchez in an effort to retrieve medicine
for her grandson. Throughout the journey, she is subjected to many trials, from natural
obstacles such as thorny bushes and downed trees to unnatural challenges such as barbed wire and
a man with a gun. She also faces challenges due to the effects of her aged mind, which causes
her to hallucinate and, at times, even forget what she is traveling for. Despite the adversity,
she continues on, driven by her love for her grandson, who somehow swallowed lye and
periodically needs medicine when his throat begins to swell shut. One of the major themes of the
story is that people can overcome great obstacles in the name of love. While the obstacles that
Phoenix faces may seem small to many, her blindness and age make them difficult and propel her
journey toward epic, even mythological, status. No matter how difficult the journey becomes, she
continues forward, not only achieving her goal but also cleverly finding ways to secure a toy
for her grandson as well.

It is this latter aspect that is one of the most
enjoyable parts of the story. Phoenix is not content to just accomplish her goal. She wants to
take her grandson something nice as well. Her love for him is shown in every aspect of her
being; even though she is a woman who has clearly been through a great deal in her life, she
still focuses on the happiness of those she loves. On the other hand, one of the less-enjoyable
parts of the story is the slight power trip of the traveling hunter. As Phoenix travels, she
encounters a young white man with a dog and a rifle, who seems to take a little bit of pleasure
in Phoenix's predicament and his perceived power over her. However, even in this moment of
slightly veiled racism, Phoenix rises. The man unknowingly drops a nickel, and Phoenix carefully
retrieves it and puts it in her apron pocket, later using it to purchase the toy for her
grandson.

While not as well known as Charles Dickens's A Christmas
Carol, Eudora Welty's short story serves as an equally heartwarming tale of love and
giving during the holiday season. It ends with Phoenix leaving the doctor's office, medicine in
hand, excited to stop by the store and buy her grandson a toy windmill before she begins the
journey back to him. We are left with the impression that this woman has taken this journey over
and over and will continue to do so, out of love for her grandson.