Symbolism of the Journey

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Symbolisms of The Journey Shirley Evans English 125 Instructor Kristina Munz April 22, 2013 In the short stories of “A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty and “Used to Live Here Once” by Jean Rhys, you would not think they have the same theme. “A Worn Path” is an interesting story of a woman whose journey is motivated by love, with a plot full of symbolism and several themes using third-person point of view; in contrast, “Used to Live Here Once” the narrator is also using third-person point of view, but with limited omniscient. This point of view is used as the narrator is telling the story of an unnamed protagonist whose story plot is of a journey back to a place she once called home, and the symbolism’s are used to communicate the journey as she reflects on her life. The authors of these stories give the reader a glimpse of the personalities and character of both women using the elements of themes, characters, symbolisms, and settings to find a definition which goes beyond the common definition of journey. Everyone has their own description of what a journey is, but the definition spans beyond the definition found in a dictionary. The challenges or trials met along the journey should not deter a person from reaching the destination. The difficulties or obstacles that are encountered on the journey can change a person’s opinion on many levels. In “A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty and “Used to Live Here Once” by Jean Rhys has one theme in common; the journey they take in life. The stories both center on the journey, and the way a person goes from one phase of life to another. The stories show that it does not matter the direction a person’s life may take them; they will meet setbacks that can discourage their pursuit for a better life. A person needs to possess a strong and firm will to build motivation toward the journey of life. The theme in both of these
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