Characterization of Pheonix Jackson Essay

Eudora Welty, in her character capital of Arizona capital of Mississippi, creates military mans counterpart of the phoenix ruby razzing from oriental tradition. Although genus genus capital of Arizona capital of Mississippi shadow not lay claim to the immortality manifested by consuming fiery rebirths (as does the mythological bird), she possesses a fiery spirit and is consumed by lovemaking for her grandchild. Ana4rzing the character of Phoenix is pleasurable because the singularitys of her embonpoint are primarily ordained, static traits. She is tenacious, confident, wise, and undiscouraged with a clear sense of affair which guides her fearlessly toward her goal. One word rat summarize Phoenixnoble. Even in the one situation when the commentator sees Phoenix being sly, her chicanery is immediately forgivable. Her slyness is a minor negative characteristic in comparison to her innumerable positive ones and is not a conflicting quality. It is, instead, justifiable in l ight of the pureness of her wantlove.Ihe similarities of the phoenix bird and Phoenix Jackson are readily apparent in the authors sensual definition of Phoenix her head tied in a red rag, a well-fixed color ran underneath, and a yellow ardent under the dark(457). skinther plus the parityble between the woman and the bird is the cornme made by Phoenix at the spring, Sweetgum makes the water sweet (459). (Sweetgum K supposedly, the redbirds source of nourishment) Since it is distinct that Ms. Welty has made these comparisons, it is telephone circuitworthy that the phoenix, in improver to symbolizing immortality, is said to be a good and wonderful bird, possessing qualities not contrary the eagles nobility and powers of endurance. Phoenix Jackson shares these same qualities.Phoenix Jackson is an grey-haired Negro woman (456). organism black and female in Natchez, Nfississippi, any time prior to 1963 was especially treacherous. Since Phoenix refers to the Surrender, the reader knows that she lived during and after the Civil War. This circumstance con loadeds that society afforded her little respect. Indeed, the majority ofwhite nation would have considered her little more than an animal. However, an investigation of Phoeribes interaction with other (obviously white) characters in the humbug proves that her noble character commands respect scorn her age, race, and sex.For example, when the hunter points his gun at her, Phoenix responds by standing firm and facing him straight on. The hunters respect is evident in this comment, Well, Granny, you moldiness be a hundred old age old and scared of nothing (460). Furthermore, when the elegant lady on the pathway stoops to tie Phoerliks shoes, the reader sees Phoeniks commanding, noble character at work. In fact, it would appear that out of a bear on of people, Phoenix actually chooses this one particular woman to lace up her shoesShe paused quiet on the sidewalk where people were passing(a) by. A lady came a coherent in the crowd, carrying an armful ofpresents she gave off perfume like the red roses in hot summer, and Phoenix halt her (460).Tradition says the phoenix bird has an analogy for frankincense, aromatic gums, and spices. It is also worthwhile to note that the nice lady, as well as the hunter, initially responds to Phoenix In a negative, perhaps derogatory, way by barter her Granny or Grandma. But in the final analysis, the lady is (at least momentarily) at Phoenix7s feet, and the hunter voices his admiration. Phoenixs physical stature stands in sharp communication channel to the enormity of her journey. Welty establishes in the first paragraph that Phoenix is very old and subtile. Me fact that her walking could be assisted and sustained by a thin, small cane made from an umbrella provides the reader with a graphic Illustration of her bantam size.Her small size, of course, emphasizes, by contrast, Phoenixs giantsize determination and perseverance. Effects of o ld age, particularly poor eyesight, intensifies Phoenixs austere trek. When the path runs up a hill, Phoenix says, Seem like there is custody about my feet, time I impersonate this far (457). Poor vision is indicated passim the story, for example, Old eyes thought you was a pretty little green scrub (457). However, one uncanny incident occurs regarding PhoenbCs eyesight. She sees with her induce eyes a flashing plate fall out of the mans pocket onto the ground (459). This episode supports the correspond drawn between Phoenix and the firebirdshe exercises birdlike vision. Perhaps she has long contemplated what she would do if she had a nickel or a dime.