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What is the meaning of the dialogue between Phoenix and the hunter?

Initially, the hunter helps Phoenix get to her feet. She is much older, so it is not that inappropriate to call her "Granny," but given his subsequent behavior, this moniker is intended with some condescension.


On her way to town, she talks with the animals and the trees as if they were old friends. The hunter stands there with a dead bird in his bag. This shows a significant difference in their personalities. He prides himself on being aggressive and a predator. She prides herself on being helpful. This is shown by her determination to help her grandson. When she shows her determination to make the trip to town, in spite of the hunter's protests, he condescendingly says she (a "colored" woman) must be going to see Santa Claus. He treats her like a child.


The hunter drops a nickel and she quietly picks it up without him noticing. She feels a bit guilty, noting that God saw her take it. But then the hunter comes back and points his gun at her. This is a pointless and cowardly attempt at intimidating an old woman. Phoenix, brave as she has proven herself to be, simply stares him down. The hunter leaves and Phoenix continues on her journey.


Although this is a seemingly short and innocuous encounter, Phoenix shows courage and determination. She even shows some cunning when she takes the rude hunter's nickel. One could also argue that this encounter is symbolic of race relations in the south at this time. The hunter automatically takes the superior position. He shows little reverence for Phoenix despite the fact that she must look one hundred years old to him. This is what we might call "white privilege." That is, the hunter automatically thinks he can treat Phoenix any way he likes because he is white and she is black.

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