Phoenix
Jackson's trip to town covers a lot of ground and many kinds of landscape. However, Phoenix
will not give up, and she travels the distance to get the much needed medicine for her grandson.
In "The Worn Path" by , this elderly black woman exhibits an indomitable
spirit.
Phoenix does not know for sure how old she is. She is showing signs
of senility. She talks to herself a good deal of the time. She also is hallucinating some
times. But as long as she can walk, she will make this trek for her sick grandson.
The medicine she needs is in Natchez. Phoenix lives in the woods. Traveling through
the bushes, thorns, up and down hills, across creeks, she continues her journey. The path that
she travels is worn because of the many times that she has gone to get the medicine.
Finally, she falls into a ditch when a wild dog comes up to her. A young, white hunter
finds her and helps her out of the ditch. He is carrying a rifle and has already shot a
bobwhite. He tells her that she should not be out on this cold December morning.
The young hunter treats Phoenix as though she is a child. He calls her Granny. He also
tries to show off by attempting to shoot the wild dog. He does tell her that if he had a dime
he would give it to her.
'I bound to go to town,
mister,' said Phoenix. 'The Time come around.'He gave another laugh. 'I
know you old colored people! Wouldn't miss going to town to see Santa Claus!'
This angered Phoenix. The hunter did not understand
theof his statement. Phoenix was the Santa Claus. She was going to get and deliver a life
saving bottle of medicine to the most mportant person in her life.
The hunter drops a nickel out of his pocket. Manipulating him to go chase the wild
dog, Phoenix picks up the nickel and puts it in her pocket. Phoenix registers a twinge of
conscience, but the hunter talked down to her. This makes Phoenix not feel so bad.
Telling the hunter that she has to be on her way, Phoenix makes it to town. When she
goes into the doctor's office, Phoenix has to sit down because she is so fatigued. The nurse
fusses at her about wasting their time. Finally, Phoenix remembers what she needs and tells the
nurse.
One of the secretaries gives Phoenix another nickel. This makes
Phoenix so happy. Now, she can buy her grandson a Christmas present.
After
leaving the doctor's office, Phoenix goes to the store and buys her grandson a
"whirligig." She will hurry home as faster as her legs can take her. Waiting for her
will be a hug and a smile.
The difficulty the reader has is understanding
that she has to return on the same worn path that she traveled coming to town. With the
medicine and present in her hand, may be her steps will be lighter.
No comments:
Post a Comment