Critical thinking

Critical Review 1. Find one critical review of the writer’s work from the LSC databases (you must

use an article from the LSC databases---No Websites Allowed). Summarize

what the critic said, especially the article’s thesis. Pick two or three quotations to

include in your summary. Include the full MLA citation of the article.

Works Cited

Dilgen, Regina. "Addressing Ageism Through Eudora Welty’s ‘A Worn Path’." Short

Story Criticism, edited by Rebecca Parks, vol. 299, Gale, 2021, pp. 262-263.

Gale Literature Criticism, link-gale-

com.lscsproxy2.lonestar.edu/apps/doc/PLPPGD615382984/LCO?u=nhmccd_ma

in&sid=bookmark-LCO&xid=91a9b3d9. Accessed 30 Jan. 2022. Originally

published in Radical Teacher, vol. 98, 2014, pp. 62-63.

1. Critical Review Summary:

Regina Dilgen argues that the main theme in Eudora Welty’s short story, “A Worn

Path,” is ageism. Readers encounter an old woman, Phoenix Jackson, who is on a

journey into town to get medicine for her ailing grandson. Along this journey, Phoenix

encounters numerous obstacles, such as the young hunter who does not respect her

and calls her “granny.” America has multiple prejudices; one is ageism. We are taught

to “feel superior to” older people while they are portrayed in media as daft and rude.

2. Discuss whether you agree or disagree with the critic’s review of the work.

Thoroughly explain your thoughts. Write at least 150 words, not to exceed 200

words.

I agree with Dilgen’s review of “A Worn Path.” Ageism is prevalent throughout the

story as well as other characters being rude to her along her journey. Unfortunately, we

are a culture brought up to revere youth. This is seen through companies hiring a

younger generation and forgetting the wisdom and experience from older employees.

Dilgen is on target when she states that this story offers rich discussion with students

about how the youth should “interact with those of other generations.”

While “A Worn Path” shows ageism, the story is also about her life journey as well

as the journey of African American people. She lived during the Civil War and has seen

numerous injustices during her time. Therefore, the people in the story are symbolic of

her life journey, much more so than ageism.

(My analysis is 135 words, but I’m running out of time and need to post this in our

module.)

On a side note, students: Please notice that I did not use the phrases “I think that,” “I

feel that,” “I believe that,” or “in my opinion.” These are wordy phrases that do not

belong in your academic writing. If you are writing a thought about the text, then I know

you “think it”; thus, no need to announce it.