In mythology, the phoenix is a bird that rises from the ashes. Why do you think Welty named the main character of this story Phoenix?

Phoenix Jackson, as a character, is the epitome of what the phoenix symbolizes; hope, security, and a promise for the future. Her journey is reminiscent of the legend of the phoenix; she goes through many changes and overcomes the obstacles that await her, she sometimes behaves in a way we would equate with an animal, and even in her appearance we can find similarites. The red rag holding her hair back..... as well as the hair itself, which is golden in color. 

Phoenix can be compared to the bird Phoenix in Egyptian mythology, which burns itself, changes into ashes and again recreates new life. In every obstacle, Phoenix seems to be losing hope such as burning of Phoenix bird into ashes. Later, when she gets victory over the obstacles, she seems to be regaining her hope such as recreation of life of Phoenix from ashes.