Characterization of Pheonix Jackson Essay

Eudora Welty, in her fictitious vulcanized fiber capital of Arizona capital of Mississippi, creates humanitys counterpart of the phoenix fire doll from oriental person tradition. Although phoenix Jackson can not lay claim to the immortality manifested by consuming fiery rebirths (as does the mythological hissing), she possesses a fiery spirit and is consumed by love for her grandchild. Ana4rzing the character of Phoenix is pleasurable because the characteristics of her roundness are in the beginning positive, static traits. She is tenacious, confident, wise, and resolute with a clear sense of purpose which guides her fearlessly toward her goal. One word can summarize Phoenixnoble. Even in the one situation when the reader sees Phoenix being sly, her slyness is today forgivable. Her slyness is a minor negative characteristic in comparing to her innumerable positive ones and is not a conflicting quality. It is, instead, justifiable in light of the pureness of her motivationlove .Ihe similarities of the phoenix bird and Phoenix Jackson are readily apparent in the authors sensible description of Phoenix her head tied in a redness rag, a golden color ran at a lower placeneath, and a yellow burning under the dark(457). Further confirming the check bitble between the woman and the bird is the cornme make by Phoenix at the spring, Sweet mumble makes the water sweet (459). (Sweetgum K supposedly, the firebirds source of nourishment) Since it is obvious that Ms. Welty has made these comparisons, it is worthy that the phoenix, in addition to symbolizing immortality, is said to be a goodness and wonderful bird, possessing qualities not unlike the eagles nobility and powers of endurance. Phoenix Jackson shares these same qualities.Phoenix Jackson is an old Negro woman (456). Being black and female in Natchez, Nfississippi, any epoch prior to 1963 was particularly treacherous. Since Phoenix refers to the Surrender, the reader knows that she lived during and af ter the Civil War. This fact confirms that social club afforded her little deference. Indeed, the majority ofwhite people would have considered her little more than an animal. However, an probe of Phoeribes interaction with other (obviously white) characters in the story proves that her noble character commands gaze despite 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 must be a hundred geezerhood old and scared of nothing (460). Furthermore, when the elegant peeress on the street stoops to tie Phoerliks shoes, the reader sees Phoeniks commanding, noble character at work. In fact, it would appear that out of a crowd of people, Phoenix actually chooses this one particular woman to lace up her shoesShe paused gently on the sidewalk where people were passing by. A lady came on in the crowd, carrying an armful ofpresents she gave off perfume like the red roses in wild summer, and Phoenix stopped her (460).Tradition says the phoenix bird has an affinity for frankincense, smelling(p) 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 calling 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 summit stands in sharp contrast to the enormity of her journey. Welty establishes in the first paragraph that Phoenix is very old and secondary. Me fact that her walking could be aided and sustained by a thin, small cane made from an umbrella provides the reader with a graphic Illustration of her diminutive size.Her small size, of course, emphasizes, by contrast, Phoenixs giantsized determination and perseverance. Effects of old age, particularly poor eyesight, intensifies Phoenixs dangerous trek. When the path runs up a hill, Phoenix says, Seem like there is chains about my feet, time I get this far (457). Poor vision is indicated throughout the story, for example, centenarian eyes thought you was a pretty little green chaparral (457). However, one uncanny incident occurs regarding PhoenbCs eyesight. She sees with her own eyes a jiffy nickel fall out of the mans pocket onto the country (459). This episode supports the parallel 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.