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The Worn Path

 

            "A Worn Path," had a very definable theme. Many times the most unfortunate people can be the most sacrificial. I came up with this theme after a long thought process. After reading the story I made a timeline of events, highlighting the most significant. Then I looked for a common trend between the circumstances. I looked over the log bridge, scarecrow, and the dog that trampled her. I took into consideration what the hunter had suggested she do, "Now go home." All these events including the hospital scene seemed to be not only dangerous but also frightening. Phoenix was extremely old and uneducated, yet was putting herself through all this trouble in order to help her grandson get "soothing medicine." This wasn't just her duty or showing compassion, it was being selfless. She sacrificed everything to get into town to get the medicine for her grandson. It being the holiday season there were others buying "gifts wrapped in silver," but they simply gave a portion of their money and a walk down a paved sidewalk. It was a considerate act, yet it was not sacrificial. They weren't giving all of themselves. The young hunter tried to phase Phoenix by saying, "That's too far! That's as far as I walk when I come out by myself, and I get something for my travel." Yet Phoenix pressed on with her cane saying, "I bound to got o town, mister." Not only did she give all she physically had to make the journey, and the money she had to buy a small gift, but all her pride. IN many circumstances individuals refuse to go on to welfare because of their pride. They do everything, even go hungry, to sacrifice their pride. Phoenix continues to go back to the hospital to receive medicine knowing that she had nothing to purchase it with. When they gave it to her as charity, she didn't refuse to take it she accepted it. She let down her own safety guard in order to care for her grandson. Not only did she accept the charity medicine, but the nickel that the nurse offered her.


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