Definition of Terms INTRODUCTION
While Nurhestianto’s study involves three intrinsic elements, the researcher’s study involves only two intrinsic elements. Those two intrinsic
elements are characters and setting, and excludes plot which Nurhestianto takes up in study because this study intends to reveal the theme through analysis the
connection between characters and setting as Roberts and Jacobs’ statement in Fiction: An Introduction to Reading and Writing.
In addition to the previously mentioned related studies. The researcher also finds J.C. Bailey’s study relevant to this study. J.C. Bailey does analysis on
Phoenix Jackson as the name of the character reveals her characteristics in relation to an Egyptian mythological creature, the Phoenix. He explains the mythological
creature and then compares the character of “A Worn Path”, Phoenix Jackson, with the mythological creature, phoenix. Similarities are found between the two,
for instance the physical appearance of the two. The mythological creature has scarlet and gold as their dominant colors, while Phoenix is described to be
wearing a red rag on her head and her face has golden yet illumined yellowish color.
Phoenix’s appearance is yet another aspect of her likeness to the phoenix. At the beginning of the story, Phoenix is described as having a “golden
color [running] underneath [her skin], and the two knobs of her cheeks were illuminated by a yellow burning under the dark” Welty, par. 2.
Welty further describes Phoenix’s hair as being tied back in a red rag” Welty, par. 2. These images cannot be taken to be a mere coincident as
the phoenix form the ancient Egyptian legend is described as having a beautiful read and gold plumage Bailey, 2015.
J.C. Bailey’s study compares the whole story of “A Worn Path” with the Egyptian mythological creature, phoenix and its legend. Considering the
similarity between phoenix’s legend and the story, he makes an analogy from Phoenix’s journey to a nearby city and phoenix’s journey to Heliopolis. That is
what he concluded in his study. Everything about Phoenix is indicative of the legend of the phoenix.
Phoenix’s appearance, behavior, and the symbolism apparent throughout the story all point to the legend of the phoenix… Her repeated journeys
reflect the “lifetimes” she has spent going back and forth from her home to Natchez – “Heliopolis” – with one goal in mind: to help someone who
can’t help themselves Bailey, 2015
Bailey compares “A Worn Path” and phoenix, the Egyptian mythological creature’s legend and finds that they are similar. Therefore his study also implies
that phoenix’s legend inspires Welty to write “A Worn Path”. In finding the theme, this undergraduate study takes up a different path from Bailey’s study, as it
will not regard the legend as part of the discussion. It will only regard Phoenix Jackson as a character who plays an important role in the story.