At first I didn't really get what this story was about; it was an interesting enough story, but there didn't really seem to be much going on with it. But then I read it again and did some research and it began to take on a deeper meaning. I thought it was really cool that Welty's style seemed so simple and uncomplicated at first, but then upon further reading, you realize that it is actually quite complex.
Anyway... so some stuff I found...
Phoenix's journey to the city was basically an allegory for the journey of life, especially life for blacks after the Civil War. The landscape is described as both harsh and beautiful, representing both the rough spots and the happy portions of life. Phoenix must battle through the countryside and its obstacles on her journey to care for her grandson. She spends much of the time alone, battling nature all by herself. But when she does encounter other humans (all of them being white), the experiences have some similarities. All the people she meets are patronizing and call her "Granny" or "Grandma." The hunter jokes saying that colored people "wouldn't miss going to town to see Santa Claus," which implies that he thinks they are all child-like. The attendant and the nurse also treat Phoenix like she is dumb, yelling at her when she does not immediately respond and calling her case a "charity case" (which I suppose it is, but nevertheless this is kind of demeaning to say it to her face).
Another thing that is important is the meaning behind the main character's name, Phoenix. Phoenixes are mythical birds that are reborn from their own ashes after they go up in flames. Phoenix herself is a symbol of stamina, strength, and perseverance, as evidenced by the journey that she makes. Her name shows her ability to rise up over her own adversity in order to provide for her grandson, the only person she has left.
So I found a website with a pretty good analysis of certain aspects of the story:
http://www.enotes.com/short-story-criticism/worn-path-welty-eudora
One question that I had...
I didn't get the importance/significance of having Phoenix forget why she made the journey once she got to the town. Any ideas as to why Welty would include this?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Wow. That was a really thorough explanation of the story. I agree with the the symbolism of the name and everything. I agree that the townspeople around her definitely treat her in an inferior way. For example, the hunter helps her and yet he points his gun it in her face intimidating her. Along with the Phoenix, there is other symbolism. For example, when Phoenix says the line about the chains ("seems like there is chains
on my feet, time I get this far") it's probably connecting back to literal slave chains. Then, she halucinates and dreams about the cake and boy. To me that shows impossible dreams. Like the dreams that can never come true. Also, her path is full of obstacles suggesting the obstacles in her life.
To answer Liz's question:
Perhaps Phoenix's forgetting of her journey symbolizes how whites in the American South sort of "forgot" that blacks were supposed to have equal rights as well. Even after having endured so much hardship through slavery (the journey from her house into town) blacks still faced racism and segregation (the receptionist and nurse weren't exactly the most respectful types). Does anyone know if Welty was against segregation?
Also, I don't really agree with the link between Phoenix, the character, and phoenix, the mythical bird. When a phoenix dies and gets reborn, it's more of an inevitability rather than overcoming an adversity. I think phoenixes are more symbols of death and rebirth, i.e. the cycles of nature, rather than a symbol of perseverence etc.
I agree with you, Fatima, when you say the Phoenix has "impossible dreams." Since she was writing in the rural south when racism was still apparent, those impossible dreams showed that blacks definitely couldn't rise up and enjoy upper class amenities (servants and yummy cake).
One more thing:
Does anyone think that her grandson provides more meaning than a reason to go to town?
I thought her grandson symbolized the future. While I understand what you meant by "impossible dreams", I think it's importnat that Phoenix wants to buy her grandson a windmill. She says "He going to find it hard to believe there such a thing in the world". I think that symbolizes hopefulness to the future. Phoenix's situation does show "impossible dreams" to a certain extent, but I think you have to beleive in the impossible for any change to be made? If Phoenix's grandson can come to beleive that a windmill can be in the world, can he beleive in one with less racism , etc?
Maybe I'm overanalysing this, but any thoughts?
Post a Comment