Phoenix JacksonYou might see Phoenix Jackson as an old grandmother who might be a little crazy in the head. Another might describe Phoenix as an old, frail woman who has lived through much of her life's story. Both accusations could probably be proven true to some extent. Phoenix Jackson brings with him these traits and many more. Phoenix Jackson was a free-spirited, caring, and kind elderly Negro woman who lived only to save the life of her grandson. Phoenix Jackson was a tough woman for her age. Living alone with his ailing nephew, Phoenix had little company and no other companions. Therefore, she suffered from feeling alone. Living far from all the amenities of a city, Phoenix made the arduous journey to the nearest town every time his nephew ran out of medicine. She was so determined to help her nephew that nothing else really mattered. Phoenix Jackson had a vivid description painted by the author. Phoenix was a small, frail elderly black woman. She wore a red rag tied on her head which held up her curly hair, still black, which fell in ringlets. On her she wore a long dark striped dress with an equally long apron over it. On his feet were untied tennis shoes. He always carried with him his thin, small staff, which was actually an umbrella. His old eyes had turned blue with age, and his skin had become a pattern of countless branching wrinkles. By managing to create a vivid image of Phoenix, the author has allowed for a connection between her character and the reader so that the reader can now understand Pho… middle of the paper… stiffness. Phoenix didn't respond to the nurse who addressed her, much less recognize her. Until the nurse asked her if her grandson was dead, Phoenix came back to reality with a flash and then a flame of understanding on her face. The author is showing the reader that with old age and his heavy duties, Phoenix Jackson may become senile. Phoenix Jackson was truly a free-spirited, thoughtful, and kind older Negro woman. He lived only to save his nephew's life. Phoenix Jackson was a courageous and powerful woman of her time. She was determined and knew what she wanted in life. Phoenix may have had a few downfalls, but they always bounced back and continued to move forward in whatever they set out to accomplish. There may be a little bit of the "old" Phoenix Jackson deep inside each of us.