that the Phoenix takes to the sun to die. Most likely this journey along a worn path through the woods, will be one of her last. We are told of Phoenix’s journey into the woods on a cold December morning. Although we are know that she is traveling through woodland, the author refrains from telling us the reason for this journey. In the midst of Phoenix’s travels, Eudora Welty describes the scene: “Deep, deep the road went down between the high green-colored banks. Overhead the live-oaks met, and it was as dark as a cave” (Welty 55). The gloomy darkness that the author has created to surround Phoenix in this scene is quite a contrast to the small Negro woman’s positive outlook; Phoenix is a very determined person who is full of life. As Phoenix begins to walk down the dark path, a black dog approaches her from a patch of weeds near a ditch. As he comes toward her, Phoenix is startled and compelled to defend herself: “she only hit him a little with her cane. Over she went in the ditch, like a little puff of milk-weed” (55). Here, the author contrasts the main character’s strong will with her small, frail physique. As Phoenix is lying in the ditch, “A dream visited her, and she reached her hand up, but nothing reached down and gave her a pull.” (55). Phoenix may be reaching for divine intervention but receives no such assistance. She then begins to talk to herself, which she does quite frequently throughout her journey. Eudora is trying to show the reader just how lonely and frightened Phoenix has become. While she lay in the ditch talking to herself, Phoenix refers to herself as “old woman.” At a number of points throughout the story, Phoenix refers to herself as old. Although we are reminded regularly of her old age, it is clear that Phoenix still has many years ahead of her. The author brings realism into the story by frequently describing the realities of old age. After a short while, Phoenix is rescued: “A white man finally came along

Some topics in this essay:
Eudora Welty, Phoenix Immediately, Claus Phoenix, Worn Path”, Phoenix Jackson, hunter phoenix, Word Count, phoenix refers, Eudora Welty’s, reader assumes, assumes phoenix, phoenix hunter, reason journey, eudora welty, main character, life phoenix, journey town,