"A Worn Path": Allusion

         In A Worn Path by Eudora Welty, I notice a striking and unique allusion.  The  main character's name of Phoenix Jackson serves as an allusion to a bird, the Phoenix.  This mythological creature rises from his own ashes after death.  Upon its rebirth, the Phoenix becomes even stronger than it was in its previous life.  Like this bird, Phoenix Jackson faces many hardships in her journey for her grandson's medication, but gains strength in overcoming obstacles.  Moreover, Phoenix is stopped by a white man who tries to stop her from entering town.  But, Phoenix held still with "a fierce and different radiation" (Welty, 227).  Phoenix, after being ridiculed and insulted, finds inner confidence and determination to press forward.  Just like the mythological creature, Phoenix Jackson rises above her challenges in life and leaves her hardships in the past.  I believe the author, Eudora Welty, creates this allusion to depict the outwardly old and delusional Phoenix as a character of strength.