The most obvious interpretation of the title’s meaning is a reference to the path itself. Within the context of this particular interpretation, the keyword “worn” in “A Worn Path” implies that this path has been traveled many times before by Phoenix. Evidence of this is found in the nurse’s familiarity with Phoenix and in her remarks at the doctor’s office: “Oh, that’s just old Aunt Phoenix…She makes these trips just as regular as clockwork. She lives away back off the Old Natchez Trace” (869). Further evidence of this is not as apparent

, but is exhibited in Phoenix’s excellent familiarity with the arduous passage. Having lived so long Phoenix is forgetful of many things, including her reason for heading into town in the first place: “It was my memory had left me. There I sat and forgot why I made my long trip” (870). And yet her sense of direction on the path comes automatically. Indeed the “path” is “worn” as a result of Phoenix’s repeated trips to the town for her grandson’s well being, and driven by her love for him, she will most likely make the travel the “worn path” again.

There also exists a hidden meaning to the title of this story. Perhaps the “worn path” on which Phoenix travels represents the steps taken by Blacks on their struggle for racial equality. Reconsidering the title’s obvious reference to the physical path, this becomes somewhat clearer. Symbols of this struggle are scattered all across the “worn path.” Take for example Phoenix’s comments on the “chain

Some topics in this essay:
Phoenix Jackson’s, Worn Path”, Natchez Trace”, Phoenix Jackson, Furthermore Phoenix’s, Phoenix Evidence, Aunt Phoenix…She, “a worn path”, “a worn, “worn path”, worn path”, Eudora Welty’s, travel “worn path”, title “a, black woman, 866 symbolic, travel “worn, keyword “worn”, title “a worn,