Symbolism of the Journey
Life is a journey full of choices; those choices will ultimately decide whether that journey is a pleasant one or one full of doom and despair. For choices such as these, careful consideration is to be given because it may determine our fate and have a great impact on those around us. This report will discuss two forms of literature comparing and contrasting the various elements of each; the first is the poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost and the second is the short story “A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty. These two forms of literature were chosen due to their symbolism of the journey. In “The Road Not Taken”, the author has to choose which path he will follow ultimately deciding the outcome of his life. (Frost, 1916). In “The Worn Path,” Phoenix Jackson decides to follow a path that will decide the fate of her grandson’s life. (Welty, 1969). The themes of these literary works correspond with each other in that both characters have to make choices and follow the right path; the choice determines which obstacles they will face along life’s journey. This paper will compare Robert Frost’s poem “A Road Not Taken” with the Short Story “A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty, discussing their use of symbolism, writing styles, form and content; providing a deeper understanding into the works of both author’s.
In comparing the poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost to the short story “A Worn Path by Eudora Welty, we find that both authors use symbolism. To express their meaning, the writer depends on theme and symbolism; giving indirect subtle hints repeatedly. (Clugston, 2010). Frost uses symbolism to demonstrate how the choices we make can lead us down a path to wealth and prosperity or a path to doom and destruction, or something that falls in between. Welty uses symbolism to demonstrate how love will cause one to stay on the right path, in spite of the obstacles, struggles and trials. Let us look at each a bit closer to find a deeper...