“A Worn Path”

Phoenix’s conversations with herself allow readers to understand her state of mind. Readers know how difficult it is for her to make the journey because of how hard she has to try to walk up and down hills and how tired she is because of them. Without her conversations to herself readers might not understand how truly difficult this journey is for her. It also helps readers understand that her mind is not completely stable. At one point Old Phoenix dreams that a young boy is handing her cake out in the woods, but when she goes to reach for the cake the boy isn’t there. This scene is significant in allowing readers to understand that her mind is not sharp and her thoughts are not completely stable.

I think if the characters were round it would help to develop Phoenix’s character more indepth. If we were able to see the thoughts the other characters had about Phoenix, while they were interacting with her, it would help readers to understand her place within the community and give an outside point of view. Since we are only able to see Phoenix through her own eyes and interactions it skews one’s perspective on how she acts and fits into the town she lives in.

I am most sympathetic towards Phoenix’s character. I feel bad for her that she is such an old lady, who is clearly in no condition to make such a long journey, but is offered no help in reaching her destination. I am not even sure if her grandson is alive in the story so her journey could be completely pointless. It almost seems like the doctors know her grandson isn’t alive but they continue to enable Phoenix to believe that he is so they can have a charity case on file for their medical practice. Phoenix’s character is easily stopped by hills, prickly bushes, and dogs to the point where she falls down on her back and is still offered no help in completely her journey. I am extremely sympathetic forwards her fragile physical and mental states.