"A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty

     The theme of "A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty is the great love one can have for another.  The grandmother, Phoenix, has an immense love for her grandson.  She never stops loving him.  There is some suspicion as to whether the grandson is still alive or not.  But, this does not matter.  Her grandson is a huge part of her life and so it is irrelevant whether he is dead or not.  Her love for him is what keeps her alive and the trips she make keep her living.  She says, " 'I bound to go on my way, mister,' " (Welty, 227).  Phoenix is determined and motivated by her love to help her grandson.  The theme of the short story is emulated through Phoenx's love for her grandson.