Reality Phoenix example essay topic
470 words
In the story 'A Worn Path' the author, Eudora Welty, develops Phoenix Jackson as the main character who indirectly manipulates other people. The author almost makes the reader feel grief for this old lady who had a very rough life. At the same time, readers observe how Phoenix uses her tragic lifetime as a justification to be selfish. In reality Phoenix is an average human being who feels she must be rewarded for living. She is an old Negro woman who has seen a lot in her lifetime. Her lifetime symbolizes the title of the story by informing the reader of some obstacles she has defeated in her 'worn path' of a life. One of the biggest events Phoenix has experienced is slavery. All throughout the story there are several incidents that help back up her selfish characteristic. While her and the hunter who nearby saved her life were auguring, she says 'that's as far as I walk when I come out myself, and I get something for my trouble' gives evidence that she travels this journey for herself. This response by Phoenix is a hint that she thinks she deserves a little something extra because she has a walked a great distance all by herself.
Phoenix has the ability to find a way of justification to make her, or others feel sorry for her. She does this when she steals the nickel off the hunter. Everyone, including Pheonix understands that stealing off other people is a wrong doing. Phoenix figures that since the hunter pulled out a gun on her, that she is not guilty for stealing his money. At the doctor's office, the way Phoenix acts is a clear indication that she has no intention of dealing with the office attendant; therefore, the office attendant becomes short with Phoenix and begins to feel sorry for her. Only when the nurse appears does Phoenix begin to appear more relaxed, which would be plan to be manipulative.
When Phoenix says, ' Five pennies is a nickel,' she is taking advantage of the woman who possibly feels guilty for being hateful to Phoenix. Phoenix Jackson is a person that loves to be respected for her hard lifetime. She has her ability to make people feel sorry for her. By hallucinating of a boyanding her a slice of cake is evidence to the reader of her selfish feelings.
Welty certainly has developed a character that seems to be simple on the surface, but in reality has developed a character with hidden characteristics and ulterior motives. Phoenix was sweet on the outside but greedy on the inside, and readers could describe her with the phrase 'never judge a book by its cover'.
