A Worn Path

"Her skin had a pattern all its own of numberless branching wrinkles and as though a whole little tree stood in the middle of her forehead...still black, and with an odor like copper." - Eudora Welty.

For this blog, I am going to formally answer a question included in the text.  The question is this:

Discuss the way the characterization of Phoenix contributes to the theme.

First of all, to answer this question, one must identify the theme.  I believe the theme of this short story is perseverance.  The fact that Phoenix was able to walk all the way to town even though she obviously had some issues mentally shows that she has great perseverance.  The way Phoenix is characterized in this story is by firey, red, and strong characteristics.  It says that a "golden color ran underneath" her forehead.  Also the "two knobs of her cheeks were illuminated by a yellow burning under the dark."  In addition to that, she covers her hair with a "red rag."  All of these characteristics put a firey and strong image in my mind.  Also, just think of her name: Phoenix.  A phoenix bird is a strong bird who has a rebirth from its own ashes.  This gives the image that Phoenix Jackson is a strong woman.