o Phoenix Jackson, an old African-American woman, is the main character
o “Phoenix” is the mythical bird of immortality that repeats a certain cycle of life (similar to how Mrs. Jackson travels often to give her ill grandson medicine)àrises again and again
o A golden-red bird that lived for 500 years. At the end of 500 years, the bird built itself a funeral pyre, and burned itself up. However, after its body was burned to ashes, a new young Phoenix rose up out of the ashes making it an immortal bird.
o “Jackson”, the main character’s last name is the name of two historical heroes (Stonewall Jackson & Andrew Jackson)—more so Stonewall Jackson, a general of the Confederate cavalry during the Civil War (war that made significant advancements for blacks in history); yet again she is making another journey faced with hardship despite the fact that she has been prone to racial inequality in her past
o Other characters in the book, such as the hunter, nurse, and woman in the town, are all characterized as racist and patronizing towards Jackson. This supports the theme of racism throughout the story.
o “Phoenix” is the mythical bird of immortality that repeats a certain cycle of life (similar to how Mrs. Jackson travels often to give her ill grandson medicine)àrises again and again
o A golden-red bird that lived for 500 years. At the end of 500 years, the bird built itself a funeral pyre, and burned itself up. However, after its body was burned to ashes, a new young Phoenix rose up out of the ashes making it an immortal bird.
o “Jackson”, the main character’s last name is the name of two historical heroes (Stonewall Jackson & Andrew Jackson)—more so Stonewall Jackson, a general of the Confederate cavalry during the Civil War (war that made significant advancements for blacks in history); yet again she is making another journey faced with hardship despite the fact that she has been prone to racial inequality in her past
o Other characters in the book, such as the hunter, nurse, and woman in the town, are all characterized as racist and patronizing towards Jackson. This supports the theme of racism throughout the story.