Hidden Conflict in A Worn Path In "A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty the conflict was not evident at first. What was a poor, sick old woman doing, gazelleling in the forest in the middle of winter? The reason became clear towards the story's conclusion when the action revealed that the conflict was procuring needed medicine for his nephew. As this conflict became apparent, another question came to mind. What kind of society did this woman live in who had to travel alone from her home in the countryside to the city to get her medicine? The conflict illustrated is that between an individual and society and the four problems Phoenix faces as a result are his old age, his health, the health of his grandson, and his state of poverty. "His eyes were blue with age. His skin had a pattern all its own of innumerable branching wrinkles..." (paragraph 2). This quote was one of many indications of Phoenix Jackson's old age. Normally in society there are benefits for the elderly and those who belong to the golden age. There are several organizations that help people over the age of sixty-five. They also provide various services towards them, such as meals on wheels. Wasn't there someone who could have delivered the medicine to this nearly 100-year-old woman? Maybe Phoenix Jackson was too shy or too proud to ask for such a service. The doctors at the clinic were aware of Phoenix's nephew's condition and did nothing to try to help him. This demonstrated the lack of respect present in society. In today's society, a person of that age commands and deserves proper respect. “He carried a thin, small stick, made like an umbrella, and with this he struck the frozen earth before him” (paragraph 1). The next conflict that plagued her was that of her health. There was an important note in the previous quote that readers should take into consideration. The fact that he continued to insistently tap the earth in front of him could only indicate one thing: that he was visually impaired. She may not have been completely blind, but she must have been substantially impaired from continuing to tap the cane redundantly.