It is bitterly ironic that in this story, after Phoenix
Jackson has overcome so many barriers and events that threaten to prevent her from
reaching the surgery, the most significant barrier she faces is actually in the surgery
itself, coming from the prejudice that she has to confront. If we examine when Phoenix
finally enters the surgery, note how she is patronised and insulted by the attendant who
speaks to her. The first thing the attendant says is "A charity case, I suppose,"
clearly indicating the prejudice against poor blacks. Then note how Phoenix Jackson is
addressed:
"Speak up, Grandma," the woman said. "What's your
name? We must have your history, you know. Have you been here before? What seems to be
the trouble with you?"
When
Phoenix does not respond to such patronising words, the attendant assumes that she is
deaf, shouting at her. Thus one important example of irony in this excellent tale is the
way in which the biggest challenge that Phoenix Jackson faces is not the hunter, the
animals, or nature itself, but actually the challenge of racism and prejudice, as she is
patronised and mistreated most when it appears that she has been successful in her quest
and faces no more barriers.
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