writing a critical lens essay

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Step-by-step guide on how to write a highly impressive and effective critical lens essay to earn top grades.

Unleashing the true essence of literature, a critical lens essay delves deep into the realm of literary analysis, exploring the layers beneath the surface. By employing a critical lens, readers embark on a journey towards deciphering a text’s hidden messages, constructing an analytical perspective that transcends the conventional meaning. Embarking on such a venture requires a skillful blend of literary prowess and brainstorming techniques. With this handy guide, you’ll find a treasure trove of strategies and insights to navigate the intricate web of analysis, unlocking the true potential of your critical lens essay.

Excellence in crafting a critical lens essay lies in the art of interpretation and analysis. By adopting a unique lens through which to view a text, readers expose themselves to an array of interpretations and perspectives. Armed with this newfound insight, the essayist can dissect the intricate web of symbols, themes, and literary devices strewn across the pages, intertwining them to form a cohesive analysis. Captivating the reader with a compelling argument and thoughtful analysis underscores the importance of employing meticulous thought when embarking on this intellectual pursuit.

Approaching the construction of a critical lens essay should be akin to delicately weaving together a tapestry of ideas and concepts. An essay of this nature demands a panoramic view of the text, exploring not only the surface-level narrative but also the hidden meanings and salient themes lurking within. Examining the characters, their motivations, and the author’s underlying message allows the essayist to challenge preconceived notions and offer fresh insights. As you embark upon this engaging journey, remember that every word you pen contributes to the intricate mosaic of ideas that is your unique interpretation.

Approaching a Crucial Perspective Composition

When it comes to tackling a significant perspective essay, a thoughtful and strategic approach can make all the difference. This type of essay requires you to analyze and interpret a specific quote, known as the critical lens, by considering different perspectives and providing your own insight. To excel in this task, it is essential to understand the nuances of the critical lens and develop a structured approach to effectively convey your thoughts and analysis.

To begin with, familiarize yourself with the critical lens you will be working with. Take time to carefully deconstruct the lens and understand its underlying message. Identify the two literary works that can be used to support or reject the lens. This will form the foundation of your essay and influence your subsequent analysis.

Once you have a firm grasp on the critical lens and the literary works that will be incorporated, it is crucial to develop a clear thesis statement. The thesis statement should succinctly state your perspective on the lens and how it can be interpreted through the chosen literary works. This statement will guide the direction of your essay and provide structure for your arguments.

As you progress into the body paragraphs, make sure to fully analyze each literary work in relation to the critical lens. Remember to include specific examples and quotes from the texts to support your analysis. In addition to explaining how the texts align with or challenge the lens, consider the broader implications of these connections. Explore the underlying themes, messages, and character motivations that are relevant to the lens.

Lastly, conclude your essay by summarizing your arguments and reiterating your thesis statement. Leave the reader with a final thought that encompasses the overall significance of the critical lens and the literary works. Ensure that your conclusion reinforces the message you conveyed throughout the essay and leaves a lasting impression.

By approaching a crucial perspective essay with a well-defined plan and a deep understanding of the critical lens and the literary works, you can effectively analyze and interpret the given quote. Be sure to take the time to develop a strong argument, support it with pertinent evidence, and present your ideas in a clear and concise manner. With a strategic approach, you can craft a compelling essay that showcases your critical thinking skills and understanding of the texts at hand.

The Significance of Comprehending the Quotation

One of the crucial aspects of writing a critical lens essay lies in understanding the significance of the chosen quote. The quote serves as the foundation of the essay, shaping the overall analysis and interpretations that follow. By comprehending the quote, a writer can effectively develop a well-structured essay that showcases their ability to critically analyze and evaluate various literary works and perspectives.

When approaching a critical lens essay, it is essential to carefully examine the quote and break it down into its core elements. This involves deciphering the underlying meaning, identifying key terms, and considering the context in which it was originally written. By gaining a thorough understanding of the quote, a writer is equipped to explore its implications within the framework of the literature being analyzed.

Additionally, comprehending the quote allows writers to establish a clear focus for their essay. It enables them to define the central idea or theme that will guide their analysis and shape their argument. By understanding the quote, writers can develop a coherent and logical structure that supports their interpretation and evaluation of the chosen literary works.

Furthermore, understanding the quote helps writers to establish credibility and authority in their essay. By demonstrating a deep understanding of the quote and its relation to the literature, writers can present a well-informed analysis that engages readers and garners their trust. This is particularly important in critical lens essays, as the writer is required to provide a thoughtful and balanced evaluation of the literary works in question.

In conclusion, the importance of understanding the quote in a critical lens essay cannot be overstated. It forms the foundation of the essay, guiding the analysis and interpretations that follow. By comprehending the quote, writers can effectively develop a well-structured essay that showcases their ability to critically analyze and evaluate various literary works and perspectives.

Choosing the appropriate literature to support your analysis

One of the crucial aspects of writing a critical lens essay is selecting the right texts to support your analysis. The literature you choose should align with the quote, allowing you to explore the various perspectives and ideas present in the texts. By carefully considering the content and themes, you can effectively incorporate textual evidence to develop a strong argument.

When selecting the literature, it is vital to choose works that have a diverse range of ideas and perspectives. This will allow you to present a well-rounded analysis and demonstrate your understanding of different viewpoints. Consider choosing texts that provide contrasting opinions or present distinct themes, as this will make your argument more nuanced and compelling.

Additionally, it is important to choose texts that have a depth of meaning. Look for works that provoke thoughtful analysis and can be interpreted in various ways. Texts with complex characters, intricate plots, and rich symbolism often provide ample material for critical analysis. By selecting texts with depth and complexity, you will have more material to support your analysis and demonstrate your ability to engage with complex ideas.

Furthermore, consider the literary techniques used in the texts. Pay attention to the language, imagery, symbolism, and narrative structure employed by the authors. These techniques can enhance your analysis and provide evidence for your interpretations. Choose texts that utilize literary devices effectively and align with the quote, as this will help you construct a persuasive argument.

In conclusion, choosing the right texts is crucial for a successful critical lens essay. By selecting literature with diverse perspectives, depth of meaning, and effective literary techniques, you can support your analysis and develop a strong argument. Carefully consider the themes, ideas, and content of the texts, ensuring they align with the quote and allow for a comprehensive exploration of different viewpoints. With the right selection of literature, you will be able to critically analyze the quote and provide a well-supported argument.

Analyzing the literary devices and techniques

In this section, we will explore the different literary devices and techniques used in writing and how they contribute to the overall meaning and impact of a text. By understanding and analyzing these devices, readers can gain a deeper insight into the themes and ideas presented by the author.

One common literary device is symbolism, which involves the use of symbols to represent deeper meanings or ideas. Symbols can be objects, characters, or even actions that carry a symbolic significance. By analyzing the symbolism in a text, readers can uncover hidden meanings and themes that may not be immediately apparent.

Another important technique is foreshadowing, which is the use of clues or hints to suggest future events or outcomes. By carefully examining the foreshadowing in a text, readers can anticipate and understand the unfolding of the story, as well as the motivations and actions of the characters.

One of the most powerful literary devices is imagery, which involves the use of descriptive language to create vivid mental images in the reader’s mind. By analyzing the use of imagery, readers can engage with the text on a sensory level, experiencing the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures described by the author.

Another technique that authors employ is irony, which involves a contrast between what is expected or intended and what actually occurs. By recognizing and analyzing the use of irony in a text, readers can gain insight into the author’s point of view and the themes of the work.

These are just a few examples of the many literary devices and techniques that authors use to convey their ideas and messages. By analyzing these devices, readers can deepen their understanding and appreciation of a text, and develop their own interpretations and insights.

Creating a strong and coherent argument

In order to write a compelling and persuasive critical lens essay, it is crucial to create a strong and coherent argument. This means presenting a clear and logical line of reasoning that supports your interpretation of the quote and the texts you have chosen to analyze. A strong argument is one that is well-supported by evidence, well-reasoned, and effectively conveys your main ideas.

One key element in creating a strong argument is providing evidence to support your claims. This can include quotations from the text, examples from real life or other works of literature, and any other relevant information that helps to validate your point of view. The more evidence you provide, the more convincing your argument will be.

Another important aspect of creating a strong argument is logical reasoning. This means organizing your thoughts in a clear and structured manner, making sure that each point flows logically from the previous one. It is also important to anticipate and address counterarguments or opposing viewpoints, showing that you have thoroughly considered different perspectives and have a strong response to them.

In addition to presenting a coherent argument, it is essential to convey your main ideas effectively. This involves using clear and concise language, avoiding unnecessary jargon or complex terminology that may confuse your reader. It also means using rhetorical devices such as repetition, parallelism, and analogy to enhance the persuasiveness of your argument.

Finally, a strong and coherent argument requires a strong and confident tone. This means expressing your ideas with conviction and authority, while also acknowledging any limitations or weaknesses in your argument. It is important to strike a balance between confidence and humility, demonstrating that you have fully thought through your argument and are open to constructive criticism or alternative interpretations.

In summary, creating a strong and coherent argument is crucial in writing a successful critical lens essay. By providing evidence, employing logical reasoning, conveying your main ideas effectively, and adopting a confident tone, you can persuade your reader to accept your interpretation of the quote and the texts you are analyzing.

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How to Write a Critical Lens Essay Successfully Step by Step

Critical lens essay writing is a type of literary analysis where the writer is required to analyze and interpret a specific piece of literature or a quote. The essay typically involves discussing the meaning of the quote and how it relates to two literary works. The author is expected to use literary elements and techniques to support their interpretation and provide evidence from the texts.

The term "critical lense" refers to the perspective or lenses through which the scribe views and analyzes the literature. It often involves exploring the cultural, historical, or philosophical context of the works being analyzed. The goal is to demonstrate a deep understanding of the literature and present a well-argued interpretation.

In this guide, we’ll explore such crucial aspects of how to write critical lens essay, its definition, format, and samples. Just in case you’re in a big hurry, here’s a link to our essay writer service that can help you cope with a task at hand quickly and effortlessly.  

What Is a Critical Lens Essay and How to Write It

A critical lens analysis is a form of literary exploration that challenges students to interpret and analyze a specific quote, known as the "lens," and apply it to two pieces of literature. This type of composition aims to assess a student's understanding of literary elements, themes, and the broader implications of the chosen quote. Effectively producing a research paper involves several key steps, each contributing to a comprehensive and insightful analysis. 

The critical lens meaning is to provide a unique perspective into the complexities of literature. It goes beyond mere summarization, urging students to explore the layers of meaning embedded within the chosen quote and its application to literary works. Unveiling the assignment's meaning requires a keen eye for nuance and an appreciation for the intricate dance between language and interpretation.

Knowing how to write a lens essay involves mastering the art of interpretation. As students embark on this literary journey, the process of achieving this task becomes integral. It demands an exploration of the chosen quote's implications, an in-depth analysis of its resonance with the selected literature, and a thoughtful synthesis of ideas. A step-by-step approach is crucial, from deciphering the meaning to meticulously weaving insights into a cohesive and compelling narrative.

A lens analysis is more than a scholarly exercise; it's a nuanced exploration of the intersections between literature and life. It prompts students to unravel the layers of meaning embedded within the viewpoint, dissecting its implications for characters, themes, and overarching narratives. This analytical journey not only refines academic skills but also cultivates a deeper appreciation for the profound impact literature can have on our understanding of the human experience. For those seeking to delve deeper into critical analysis or needing assistance with their academic workload, there is an opportunity to find someone to write papers for money and get proper help.

Step-by-Step Writing Guide

In this guide, we will explore the assignment’s prerequisites and outline five steps to help students understand how to write a critical lens essay.

STEP 1 - Understand the Critical Lens Quote

The journey of crafting a compelling draft begins with a deep understanding of the chosen quote or viewpoint. This quote typically embodies a philosophical or thematic idea that serves as a foundation for analyzing the selected literary works. Students should dissect the quote, exploring its nuances, underlying meanings, and potential applications to literature.

STEP 2 - Select Appropriate Literary Works

Once the sources are comprehended, the next step is to select two literary works that can be effectively analyzed through this framework. Choosing appropriate texts is crucial, as they should offer rich content and thematic depth, allowing for a comprehensive exploration. Students must consider how the texts align with and diverge from the central ideas presented in the quote.

STEP 3 - Interpret the Chosen Texts

With the literary works in hand, students embark on a close reading and analysis of the selected texts. This involves identifying key themes, characters, literary devices, and narrative elements within each work. The goal is to understand how each text relates to the material and to uncover the deeper meanings encapsulated in the literature.

STEP 4 - Write a Thesis Statement for Your Critical Lens Essay

The thesis statement is the compass guiding the entire document. It should succinctly capture the composer’s interpretation of the original source and how it applies to the chosen texts. A well-crafted thesis statement not only outlines the focus of the essay but also provides a roadmap for the subsequent analysis, showcasing the author’s unique perspective.

STEP 5 - Structure the Essay Effectively

The final step involves organizing the tract into a coherent and persuasive structure. A well-structured article typically includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In the introduction, students present their interpretation, introduce the chosen texts, and offer a clear thesis statement. Body paragraphs delve into specific aspects of lenses and their application to each text, supported by relevant evidence and analysis. The conclusion synthesizes the key findings, reinforces the thesis, and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

A successful article requires a meticulous approach to interpreting the quote, selecting appropriate literary works, closely analyzing the texts, crafting a robust thesis statement, and structuring the document effectively. By following these five key steps, students can develop a well-rounded and insightful article that not only demonstrates their understanding of literature but also showcases their ability to apply analytical thinking skills to literary analysis. Should you find the process challenging, simply contact us and say, ‘ Write an essay for me ,’ so we can find you a perfect writer for the job.

Critical Lens Essay Outline

Creating a comprehensive lens essay outline is an essential preparatory step that helps students organize their thoughts and ensures a well-structured effort. Below is a suggested outline, dividing the task into logical sections:

Introduction:

• Hook: Begin with a captivating hook or quote to engage the reader.
• Quote: Introduce the chosen quote, providing context and potential interpretations.
• Interpretation: Offer your initial interpretation and its implications.
• Thesis Statement: Clearly state your thesis, outlining how the document applies to the chosen literary works.

Body Paragraphs:

Paragraph 1: First Literary Work

• Brief Overview: Provide a concise summary of the first literary work.
• Connection to Critical Lens: Analyze how it applies to this text.
• Evidence: Incorporate relevant quotes or examples from the text to support your analysis.
• Interpretation: Discuss the deeper meanings revealed through the analysis.

Paragraph 2: Second Literary Work

• Brief Overview: Summarize the second literary work.
• Connection to Critical Lens: Examine how it is reflected in this text.
• Evidence: Include specific quotes or instances from the text to bolster your analysis.
• Interpretation: Explore the profound implications illuminated by the material.

Paragraph 3: Comparative Analysis

• Common Themes: Identify shared themes or patterns between the two works.
• Differences: Highlight key differences and divergent interpretations.
• Unity: Emphasize how both work collectively to reinforce the analysis.
• Counterargument.

Conclusion:

• Recapitulation: Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.
• Thesis Restatement: Reiterate your thesis in a compelling manner.
• Concluding Thoughts: Offer final reflections on the broader implications of your analysis.

By adhering to this outline, students can systematically approach their essays, ensuring a coherent and well-supported exploration of the chosen perspective and literary works. The outline serves as a roadmap, guiding the author through each essential element and facilitating a more organized and impactful final product. You will also benefit from learning how to write a character analysis essay because this guide also offers a lot of useful tips.

Introduction

The introduction plays a pivotal role in capturing the reader's attention and establishing the foundation for the ensuing analysis. Begin with a compelling hook or a thought-provoking quote that relates to the chosen perspective. Following the hook, introduce the quote itself, providing the necessary context and initial interpretations. This is also the space to present the thesis statement, succinctly outlining how the outlook applies to the literary works under examination. The thesis should offer a roadmap for the reader, indicating the key themes or ideas that will be explored in the body paragraphs.

The main body paragraphs constitute the heart of the article, where the essayist delves into a detailed analysis of the chosen literary works through the framework provided. Each body paragraph should focus on a specific literary work, providing a brief overview, connecting it to the perspective, presenting evidence from the text, and offering interpretations. Use clear topic sentences to guide the reader through each paragraph's main idea. Strive for a balance between summarizing the text and analyzing how it aligns with the outlook. If applicable, include a comparative analysis paragraph that explores common themes or differences between the two works. This section requires a careful integration of textual evidence and insightful commentary. Keep in mind that learning the ins and outs of a literary analysis essay might also help you improve your overall written skills, so check it out, too!

The conclusion serves as a synthesis of the analysis, offering a concise recapitulation of the main points explored in the body paragraphs. Begin by summarizing the key findings and interpretations, reinforcing how each literary work aligns with the work’s angle. Restate the thesis in a conclusive manner, emphasizing the overarching themes that have emerged from the analysis. Beyond a mere recap, the conclusion should provide broader insights into the implications of the outlook, encouraging readers to contemplate the universal truths or societal reflections brought to light. A strong conclusion leaves a lasting impression, prompting reflection on the interconnectedness of literature and the perspectives that illuminate its depth.

Critical Lens Essay Example

Final Remark 

Through the exploration of literary works, students not only refine their understanding of diverse perspectives but also develop essential analytical thinking skills. The ability to decipher, analyze, and articulate the underlying themes and conflicts within literature positions students as adept communicators and thinkers.

Armed with the skills cultivated in dissecting and interpreting texts, students gain a formidable ally in the pursuit of effective communication. By committing to harnessing the insights gained through this assignment, students empower themselves to produce richer, more nuanced pieces. 

How to Write a Thesis Statement for Your Critical Lens Essay?

How does using a critical lens essay help writers, what are the best critical lens essay examples.

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Writing a “Lens” Essay

This handout provides suggestions for writing papers or responses that ask you to analyze a text through the lens of a critical or theoretical secondary source.

Generally, the lens should reveal something about the original or “target” text that may not be otherwise apparent. Alternatively, your analysis may call the validity of the arguments of the lens piece into question, extend the arguments of the lens text, or provoke some other reevaluation of the two texts. Either way, you will be generating a critical “dialogue between texts.”

Reading the Texts

Since you will eventually want to hone in on points of commonality and discord between the two texts, the order and manner in which you read them is crucial.

First, read the lens text to identify the author’s core arguments and vocabulary. Since theoretical or critical texts tend to be dense and complex, it may be helpful to develop an outline of the author’s primary points. According the to Brandeis Writing Program Handbook, a valuable lens essay will “grapple with central ideas” of the lens text, rather than dealing with isolated quotes that may or may not be indicative of the author’s argument as a whole. As such, it’s important to make sure you truly understand and can articulate the author’s main points before proceeding to the target text.

Next, quickly read the target text to develop a general idea of its content. Then, ask yourself: Where do I see general points of agreement or disagreement between the two texts? Which of the lens text’s main arguments could be applied to the target text? It may be easier to focus on one or two of the lens text’s central arguments. 

With these ideas in mind, go back and read the target text carefully, through the theoretical lens, asking yourself the following questions: What are the main components of the lens text and what are their complementary parts in the target text? How can I apply the lens author’s theoretical vocabulary or logic to instances in the target text? Are there instances where the lens text’s arguments don’t or can’t apply? Why is this? It is helpful to keep a careful, written record of page numbers, quotes, and your thoughts and reactions as you read.

Since this type of paper deals with a complex synthesis of multiple sources, it is especially important to have a clear plan of action before you begin writing. It may help to group quotes or events by subject matter, by theme, or by whether they support, contradict, or otherwise modify the arguments in the lens text. Hopefully, common themes, ideas, and arguments will begin to emerge and you can start drafting!

Writing the Introduction and Thesis

As your paper concerns the complex interactions between multiple texts, it is important to explain what you will be doing the introduction. Make sure to clearly introduce the lens text and its specific arguments you will be employing or evaluating. Then introduce the target text and its specific themes or events you will be addressing in your analysis. 

These introductions of texts and themes should lead into some kind of thesis statement. Though there are no set guidelines or conventions for what this thesis should look like, make sure it states the points of interaction you will be discussing, and explains what your critical or theoretical analysis of the target text reveals about the texts.

Writing the Body

The body is where you apply specific arguments from the lens text to specific quotes or instances in the target text. In each case, make sure to discuss what the lens text reveals about the target text (or vice versa). Use the lens text’s vocabulary and logical framework to examine the target text, but make sure to be clear about where ideas in the paper are coming from (the lens text, the target text, your own interpretation etc.) so the reader doesn’t become confused.

By engaging in this type of analysis, you are “entering an academic conversation” and inserting your own ideas. As this is certainly easier said than done, Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein’s concept of “Templates” may prove useful. In their book, They Say, I Say, the authors lay out numerous templates to help writers engage in unfamiliar forms of critical academic discourse. They encourage students to use the templates in any capacity they find useful, be it filling them in verbatim, modifying and extending them, or using them as an analytical entry point, then discarding them completely.

Here I modify their basic template (They say ________. I say ________.), to create lens essay-specific templates to help you get started:

The author of the lens text lays out a helpful framework for understanding instances of ________ in the target text. Indeed, in the target text, one sees ________, which could be considered an example of ________ by the lens author’s definition. Therefore, we see a point of commonality concerning ________. This similarity reveals ________.

According to the lens text _______ tends to occur in situations where _______. By the lens author’s definition, ________ in the target text could be considered an instance of _______. However, this parallel is imperfect because _______. As such, we become aware of ________.

One sees ________ in the target text, which calls the lens author’s argument that ________ into question because ________.

If the author of the lens text is correct that ________, one would expect to see ________ in the target text. However, ________ actually takes place, revealing a critical point of disagreement. This discord suggests that ________. This issue is important because ________.

Wrapping Things up and Drawing Conclusions

By this point in your essay, you should be drawing conclusions regarding what your lens analysis reveals about the texts in questions, or the broader issues the texts address. Make sure to explain why these discoveries are important for the discipline in which you are writing. In other words, what was the point of carrying out your analysis in the first place? Happy lens writing!

Brandeis UWS Writing Handbook, 70.

UWS Handbook, 76.

Birkenstein, Cathy and Gerald Graff, They Say, I Say. (New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2007), 2-3.

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What is a Critical Lens?

Critical literary lenses.

A Critical Literary Lens influences how you look at a work. One way to think about critical lenses is the concept of putting on a pair of glasses; the glasses affect how you view your surroundings. The lens you choose is essentially a new way to focus on the work and is a great tool for analyzing works from different viewpoints. There are many approaches, but here are five common ones.

FORMALIST LENS

A formalist critic examines the form of the work as a whole; how each individual part of the text (the individual scenes and chapters), the characters, the settings, the tone, the point of view, the diction, and all other elements of the text  join together to make it a single text. 

After analyzing each part, the critic then describes how they work together to give meaning (theme) to the text.  This approach examines a text as a self-contained object; it does not, therefore, concern itself with biographical information about the author, historical events outside of the story, or literary allusions, mythological patterns, or psychoanalytical traits of the characters.

Questions to ask:

• What is the setting of the work? What is the basic tone througout?

How is the work’s structure unified? How is the way a story or novel is put together influence the way we read it?

How do various elements of the work reinforce its meaning?

• What recurring patterns (repeated or related words, images, etc.) can you find? What is the effect of  these patterns or motifs?
• How does repetition reinforce the theme(s)?
• How does the writer’s diction reveal or reflect the work’s meaning?

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Formalism/New Criticism

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BIOGRAPHICAL LENS

Biographical :, a biographical approach takes the stance that the author and their history are important to the meaning of a text .  these critics look at when and where the text was written, and try to understand the social, political or cultural influence of the time period and its effect on the author.  they research the author’s life and times  and relate that information to the work.  biographical theory suggests that the work is a reflection of the author’s experience or feelings..

• In what ways does the book reflect the experiences or feelings of the author and the time that he or she lived in
• What is the background of the author? How does this affect their world-view? What role does this world-view have in the text?
• How might characters in the book reflect the lives of real people who lived during the time period or events in the book? How are their perspectives represented or examined in the book?

Biographical Criticism

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Historical lens, historical:.

A Historical lens analyzes a work in its historical context. This lens seeks to understand the time period, social and political context of the time, and how the events of the time affect the author and the characters of the text.

• What time period was the work written, and what time period is the literary work taking place in? Is there a connection?
• Were major historical events taking place? What were they? How does the text reflect this?
• Are the characters a product of their time? 
• Are any of the characters a voice for change? What message is the author trying to convey through them?

New Historicism, Cultural Studies

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FEMINIST LENS

​​​​​​ feminist/gender:.

This lens xamines how gender roles and/or sexuality are characterized in the work. This approach is not limited to issues involving women.  

• What is the author's gender identification? How do they connect with the text?
• Are there traditional gender roles? Do characters follow these roles? How would they view a character that did not follow traditional roles?
• Are women minor characters in the text or do they take on a prominent role? What roles do they have? Does it relate back to the gender of the author?
• How does the author define gender roles?
• What role does society/culture play in gender roles/sexuality within the text?
• Would an LGBTQIA character be accepted in the text? Why or why not?

Feminist Criticism

Gender Studies and Queer Theory

PSYCHOLOGICAL LENS

Character/psychological:.

Based originally on the theories of Freud, the psychological lens looks at how a character's behaviors are influenced by their unconscious thoughts and fears. When using this criticism focus on the subconscious and how it affects and influences the conscious mind. Often, this theory is applied to the author and what the text is telling us about their psychology; however, it can be applied to characters as well.

• What does the text reveal about the author? What message is the author trying to relay? 
• What attitudes appear in the text? How do they change or progress through the piece?
• What kinds of family dynamics are happening in the work? 
• Perhaps a character shows signs of mental repression, what events have influenced this? How does it affect their daily life? How does it affect relationships with family and/or friends?

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How to Write a Thesis Statement for a Critical Lens Essay

How to Do an In-Depth Analysis Essay

"Everyone's a critic," or so the saying goes. When it comes to writing a critical lens essay, it's true that you get the chance to view wisdom and literature through a critical lens. The thesis statement is the center point of any essay, so crafting a strong example takes work. Take your inspiration from the format of the critical lens essay introduction, making sure to revise the wording to make your statement as convincing as possible.

Critical Lens Essay

A critical lens essay is a type of literary analysis paper. In this case, you start with a quotation, which you view through a "critical lens." This viewing involves restating the quotation in your own words, thus interpreting it. You take a position in this paper by stating whether you agree or disagree with the quotation as interpreted. The majority of the essay consists of elements from literature, usually two works, that support your position on the legitimacy of the quotation.

Elements of the Thesis Statement

The thesis statement, the final sentence of the introduction, consists of one sentence only. This statement includes the title, author and genre of the works of literature you are using to support your position. The thesis statement also includes literary elements, like characterization or theme, from the pieces that help support your position. Altogether the thesis statement connects the works to the quote. For example, you write, "In the drama, 'Othello,' by William Shakespeare, the development of the characters and the treatment of the themes shows how literature mirrors life."

Writing Process

The process for writing the introduction informs how you write your thesis statement. Start by recopying the given quotation and interpreting it. Decide whether you agree or disagree with the quotation as interpreted. Next, think about why you agree or not, brainstorming literary works that support your position. Consider which elements of the piece support your opinion. For instance, if the quotation suggests problems, consider the conflict and resolution of literary works. The interpretation and your agreement or disagreement serve as the foundation of your thesis statement.

Strengthening the Thesis Statement

Because thesis statements contain a lot of information, you should revise it to avoid awkward wording. Since your agreement sentence comes directly before, you can start the thesis statement with, "The truth of this statement is shown by" then list the literary works and elements. The phrase "The truth of" serves as a transition between the agreement sentence and your thesis, but it leads you to write in the passive. An active statement is more decisive: "The conflict in the novel 'The Old Man in the Sea' shows the truth of the quotation." The certainty of this statement sets the stage for supporting your position.

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Critical Lens Essay: Writing Process Explored in Just One Article

Back on your studies again, aren't you? Well, what is it that you are looking for now? Ah, a critical lens essay. That may sound easy, alright, but you might feel that it poses a massive challenge, and rightly so. Don't you worry, though, because once you are done reading this helpful guide, you will have a very clear picture of how to write your critical lens essay. So, grab a cup of coffee and make yourself comfortable because we're about to begin.

What is a Critical Lens Essay?

Quite a lot of students these days keep asking themselves the same question: "what is a critical lens essay?" The critical lens essay is a kind of the critical analysis essay which focuses on the interpretation of a direct quote from a piece of literature. That may not seem like a good explanation, but in this case, it doesn't need to be too extensive. Writing a critical lens essay is not about throwing theory terms left and right, it's about actually putting the right words into the proper order.

The point is that many famous literary pieces are frequently quoted quite extensively, but the problem is that individuals doing that may not necessarily be familiar with any background information, nor are they aware of the context to which the quote belongs. The way people citing quotes understand them is very much different from their author's intended meaning and, as a result, such quotes end up living their own independent lives. Another extreme is that many people in their speeches and writings support their viewpoint with quotations, which are also taken out of context, thus gradually changing their original meaning in their audience's collective mind. This is why it is always a good idea to actually look at a quote through a critical lens, interpreting it with regards to its context and other circumstances which determine its meaning. But how do you go about writing an essay like that? Critical lens essays are known to have a very rigorous structure, and itis very important to follow it to the letter. So, let us have a closer look at the process of writing .

How to Write a Critical Lens Essay Step by Step

Let us look into the essential steps you're bound to take while writing a critical lens essay. Indeed, they may differ depending on the case, but we suggest coming up with and sticking to the general plan, which is the key to writings an excellent critical lens essay.

The first thing you should do before starting on your essay is find an unusual or particularly famous and widely misunderstood quotation. Also, make sure to find a source your quote is taken from to spare your readers the trouble of finding it by themselves. Once that has been taken care of, it's time to move on to observing other equally essential formalities.

Defining critical lens essay format

It is wrong to assume that critical lens essays are all written in accordance with just one format or citation style. The format of your essay will depend primarily on the citation style that your professor will require you to adhere to; MLA, APA, Chicago Turabian and Harvard being the most common ones. So, check it out with your professor and find a respective post in our blog to know what the standards of your particular citation style are. Keep in mind that your professor may require you to make certain modifications to the requested citation style. For instance, an APA style paper is supposed to have a title page, but some professors mayo specifically instruct their students to avoid those. Therefore, to be on the safe side, we recommend you always take note of all the modifications your professor may require you to do.

The typical structure of a critical lens essay

At first glance, it may seem that there is nothing extraordinary about the structure of the critical lens essay: an introduction containing a thesis, three body paragraphs designed to support said thesis, and a conclusion meant to restate the arguments and summarize the results of your study. However, in the majority of cases, the structure of each of these individual parts is clearly predetermined.

Critical lens essay introduction

Your title page (if requested by your citation style), abstract, and outline (if required by your professor) are followed by the introductory paragraph of your essay . It is supposed to start with an attention getter, which in our case should be the quote you're working on. Therefore, make sure you choose a memorable phrase, such that is an arguable yet widely recognized and impressive one.

Your next sentence should explain the quotation or provide your incentives to select it and/or the context to which it belongs. Then comes the culmination of your introductory paragraph: the thesis . Claim something disputive about the quote, the simplest thing here being agreeing or disagreeing with it, and then prove whether or not it is right. You may also state something about the context of your quote or its actual meaning, which can be different from the widely recognized one.

Provide one more sentence, in which you announce your arguments by explaining how you are going to prove your point. This part may sometimes be longer than just one sentence, but for the sake of complying with the classical structure of the critical lens essay, it is better to fit this information into one sentence. However, you should refrain from making it too long and taking up an entire page. If it is absolutely necessary, it is better to split it into several sentences instead of piling up a pyramid made up of multiple subordinate clauses.

Exploring critical lens essay's body paragraphs

Being the significant part of your essay , the body typically comprises three paragraphs, of which the first ones are meant to provide the reader with a structure, which somewhat replicates the introduction.

Before explaining your thoughts in detail, it's always a good idea to start with a literary element, such as a quote, citation or literary device, which is meant to support your thesis. The last paragraph is supposed to convey the author's interpretation of the quote in its relation to the evidence analyzed. In the classic critical lens essay, the body paragraphs are meant to have four sentences each. However, if the essay is too long to limit each of its body paragraphs to just this amount, it should replicate the primary structure of the classic essay by expanding each of the sentences to include several new ones, if necessary. Basically, don't limit yourself to just this plan if you feel like you have something more to say. Keep it concise, though. Every sentence should be ripe with information.

How to develop a critical lens essay conclusion

The conclusion is a very important part of your critical lens essay because it summarizes all the evidence and shows how your whole text body supports the thesis . Be sure to include all these elements in your essay's conclusion, because it's precisely the thing that leaves the final and lasting impression upon your reader. Work hard on it!

Critical Lens Essay Topics Examples

The examples of critical lens essay topics may be diverse, but we will just provide a couple of ideas for you to consider. A very widely cited quotation by the ancient Roman poet Juvenal goes like this: "Mens sana in corpore sano." Torn out of its context, it has been used to support various and even diverse viewpoints of the people who do not even know or care where the quote derives from. This quote is most frequently translated into English as follows: "A healthy mind in a healthy body." Some people interpret this by claiming that a healthy mind can only exist in a healthy body, while others, who subscribe to the notion of the mind being primary, maintain that if the mind is healthy, then it will create the conditions for the body to remain healthy. To a certain extent, one can agree with either of these points, but what did the author actually mean by it? Isn't that's an excellent topic for your critical lens essay?

Let's take another widely quoted statement "Curiosity killed the cat." Not a lot of people know that the prolonged version of this saying actually goes on to tell that "satisfaction brought it back." In this case, the second part about the cat being revived is missing, thus making it an interesting topic for your critical lens essay.

Here are a few more useful tips on how to write an excellent critical lens essay:

Do not try to start writing your essay by developing the introduction - work on your body paragraphs first. And it is not until after you are done putting them together that you can proceed with your introduction and conclusion. It is much easier that way, since in your introduction and conclusion you will have to refer to your body paragraphs, and thus it is better to write them by then.

For your convenience, we have broken down the whole process of writing the critical lens essay into 10 easy-to-follow steps:

• Choose your topic.
• Work out a thesis.
• Conduct the necessary research .
• Write your body paragraphs.
• Come up with your introduction and conclusion.
• Design your cover page and reference list.
• Format your paper.
• Do the spell check (if necessary).
• Get some rest. At this point, it is a good idea to have the paper proofread by somebody else.
• Proofread the paper by yourself for the last time.

Now, you are ready to submit a perfectly structured critical lens essay.

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Introducing the lens.

The lens essay can be difficult for students to grasp conceptually: what are we asking them to do? And why are we asking them to do it? I find it is most effective to explain the lens essay by talking about it in a lot of different ways on a lot of different days, rather than setting aside one large chunk of time to “teach” the concept of the lens. Therefore, I’m including some quick soundbites/exercises/talking points on how to get ideas flowing about the lens essay.

Defining a Lens

I usually begin the lens unit by writing the word on the board. (I’ve borrowed this exercise from Christian Gentry.) I ask the students to tell me what a lens does. The salient points here are:

• A lens tends to magnify or exaggerate certain details
• Sometimes a lens blurs or distorts other details
• A lens frames your field of vision (for instance, if you wear glasses, you typically have trouble seeing things outside the frame of your lens)

Everyday Lenses

Depending on your class dynamic, it can also be useful to talk about how we use lenses in our everyday social interactions. However, these examples presume some familiarity with American culture and social conventions, so it might not work for a class with a lot of foreign students. Additionally, since some of these talking points touch on sensitive issues, you might not want to try this if your class dynamic is uncertain.

• Politics . What if I am talking about a politician, and I claim, “Of course he doesn’t believe in this” or “Of course he supports that: he’s a Republican!” How am I using a lens?
• Aesthetic trends . What if we’re talking about a movie, and I say, “Of course there are talking animals! It’s a Disney movie” or “Of course there’s a lot of violence – it’s a Scorsese film!” How am I using a lens?
• Stereotypes . How do stereotypes function as lenses? Do we use lenses to form opinions about other people and our social interactions? Some examples: feminist, hipster, party girl, “Brandeis students” (as opposed to “Harvard students” or what have you)?

Class Conversation

At some point, presumably, you will discuss your lens texts as a class. After you have defined a certain concept (like Freud’s definition of the ego and the id or Marx’s definition of commodity fetishism), just ask your students to connect it to the primary text. They struggle tremendously to do this in writing, yet most can do it quite naturally in conversation. Some leading questions (I’m using Marx and   Citizen Kane   as examples):

• Okay, so we understand commodity fetishism to mean   x.   Where do we see that idea at work in   Citizen Kane ? Be sure to press students on specifics. Where do you see this happening? Name a scene or quote a line.
• What do you think Marx would say about a character like Charles Foster Kane? How would Marx explain Kane’s downfall?
• Does Marx seem outdated, when we look at   Citizen Kane ? What do you think Marx would say, if we asked him to explain   y   (some conceptual wrinkle)?

Limitations of the Lens Assignment

One of the most productive conversations I ever had with my class about the lens essay came when I admitted that the assignment is inherently difficult because it is inherently constrained. At one point near the end of the lens unit, I had a student say, “I’m sorry, but this paper still does not feel like anything   I’ve been asked to do in other classes.” I told him that he was right, because for the lens essay, I had selected both the primary text and two possible lens essays. In other words,   I   had already limited the field of his interpretation by saying, implicitly, “I think these things go together in an interesting way.” I explain to the students that we do this for the sake of efficiency and ease (they don’t have very long to write these essays), but that in the research unit, it will be   their   turn to locate, select, and defend their choice of a theoretical lens.

I generally explain this to students somewhere between their rough and final drafts, and it seems to help them relax. I think the lens essay generates a lot of anxiety because, like it or not, we’re asking students to adopt a theoretical stance that   we   think is productive or provocative. To many students, this feels like we’re asking them to live inside our heads and try to intuit some Platonic ideal an essay. Try to persuade the students that this is not the case; in fact, the lens essay is really just an   exercise   (which they will be asked to repeat many, many times in their academic careers). It is an exercise   in trying on a critical perspective, with which they may or may not agree. In the future, they’ll be free to find their own perspectives and, in most cases, their own primary texts, as well.

Amy Easton-Flake (2010)

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How to Write a Critical Lens Essay

Table of Contents

Introduction

More often, students have faced the challenge of effectively coming up with a critical lens essay. It is very common for high school and even college students to be called upon to come up with an essay. They all seem to make the same mistake of writing an ordinary essay. It is crucial to differentiate between a common essay and critical lens essay. The details of this topic have formed the bulk of this paper.

What is a critical essay ?

This is a piece that is done in many schools in America where a quote is provided and a student is expected to make a personal stand regarding that particularquote. This kind of writing is known as critical lens essay writing. A student is expected to either agree or disagree with that quote and either way provide reasons for the stand taken. In writing the critical lens essay, an in-depth exploration of the quote must be done within the context of the book from which the quote is derived. The primary goal is a critical lens essay is to assess a student’s skills in critical thinking. For a student to effectively come up with a good essay, they should read, understand, evaluate and analyze all the issues in the context.

In writing a custom critical lens essay, the first step is to come up with a critical lens essay outline. This is an overview of the entire essay in a nutshell. It is in the outline of the essay that the critical lens essay format is captured. When coming up with this nature of an essay, astudent must be keen enough to respond to main issues addressed in the quote. When there is more than one issue raised, the student must address each issue specifically. This ensures that there is a holistic approach to all issues.

Critical Lens Essay Structure

There are three aspects that a student seeks to achieve when writing a critical lens essay. There are explanation, analysis and interpretation. A student must carefully think and plan his/her thoughts so that there is cohesion and flow of ideas. Among the preliminary steps that must be taken before embarking on the actual writing include identification of elements used in literature. They include symbolism, language, themes and tone among others.

In coming up with a critical lens essay you must respond to the point of view conveyed by the quote and after that, you should try to explain the same in your own words. Any critical lens essay includes an introduction, body of the essay and a concluding paragraph which captures the summary of all issues discussed in the essay.

Critical Lens essay format

The first step  in critical essay writing is the introduction of the essay on which the quote is specifically mentioned. In citing the quote, the author is mentioned and the source. For example, the first sentence may read, ‘ According to Desmond Tutu, people become people through other people.’ The actual quote must therefore appear at the beginning of the sentence. The next step is rewriting or rephrasing the quote. In rephrasing, the student must understand and interpret the quote so that the meaning is captured without necessarily using the same words as the author. In writing this essay, students should refrain from using the first person. Instead, use of third person is always preferred

The next step is the body which must have the source and name of the author. In the beginning of the body, it is necessary to restate the interpretation which had been done at the introduction. Use of terms of literature are welcome at this point. The third step is to expound further on the literary terms with the aim of putting the stand taken into context. A summary of the plot form which the quote is lifted may be done at this point. The intention is to ensure that the discussion remains within the desired context.

The final part is conclusion which involves asummary of all points discussed including restating the position taken. A mention of evidence justifying the position is given at this point. The guidelines herein will be integral in offering critical lens essay help.

Critical Lens Essay Topics

• It is not about what is said by the author, rather it is what they whisper.
• The conflict of good and bad is the basis of the struggle in literature
• What makes people good is having gone through failure and overcome.
• Literature is in its entirety is about protest
• Eyes see best in the dark.
• People become people through other people.
• Ourbravery is gauged on how obedient we are to the inner person.
•  In literature, it is emotion not reason that shapes characters.
• An interesting story in one city is ridiculous and laughable in another city
•  Literature serves to awaken the frozen sea inside us.

What Is A Lens In Writing? (The Ultimate Guide)

Ever feel like your writing is stuck in a one-dimensional rut? Then you need to use a lens.

What is a lens in writing?

A lens in writing is a tool that shifts your perspective, like looking through a kaleidoscope. Writing lenses include historical, psychological, and critical. Use a writing lens to analyze, interpret, and craft richer, more engaging writing.

Buckle up, language enthusiast, because this ultimate guide dives deep into the fascinating world of writing lenses.

What Is a Lens in Writing? (10 Types)

Table of Contents

Think of a lens as a specific viewpoint or approach you adopt while writing.

It guides how you dissect information, select arguments, and craft your message.

Whether you analyze literature, dissect historical events, or craft marketing copy, lenses offer unique filters through which you process and present your ideas.

To simplify your journey, I’ve compiled a handy chart outlining 10 popular lenses:

Go ahead, bookmark this chart! It’s your cheat sheet to unlocking a universe of creative perspectives.

Now, let’s explore each lens, equipping you to wield them like a writing ninja.

Through the Lens of Time: The Historical Lens

What it is: The historical lens transports you to the past, examining your topic within the context of its era. This involves considering the social, political, and cultural factors that shaped events and influenced individuals.

How to use it: Research the historical context: dig into primary sources like documents, letters, and diaries. Analyze social norms, political structures, and major events of the time period. Consider how these factors influenced your topic and how your understanding might differ from a modern perspective.

Example: Analyzing a Shakespearean play through the historical lens involves understanding Elizabethan social hierarchy, religious beliefs, and theatrical conventions. This helps you interpret character motivations, plot developments, and the play’s overall message within its historical context.

Unveiling the Mind: The Psychological Lens

What it is: The psychological lens delves into the inner workings of the human mind, exploring characters’ motivations, behaviors, and mental states. It draws on psychological theories to analyze their actions, reactions, and thought processes.

How to use it: Identify key characters and their actions. Apply relevant psychological theories, such as Freudian psychoanalysis or cognitive-behavioral therapy, to explain their motivations. Analyze how their experiences and environment shape their behavior and mental state.

Example: Examining Hamlet’s indecisiveness and introspection through a psychological lens could involve applying Freudian concepts like the Oedipus complex and existential anxieties. This deepens your understanding of his character and the play’s exploration of human nature.

Decoding Social Structures: The Sociological Lens

What it is: The sociological lens focuses on the interactions, norms, and power dynamics within communities and societies. It examines how individuals and groups relate to each other, considering factors like social class, race, gender, and cultural values.

How to use it: Identify the social context of your topic: analyze social structures, power dynamics, and potential conflicts within the group or society. Consider how these factors influence individual experiences and group behaviors. Apply sociological theories like conflict theory or symbolic interactionism to explain observations.

Example: Analyzing a social media trend through the sociological lens might involve examining how it reflects broader cultural values, power dynamics between different groups, and the role of technology in shaping social interactions.

Weighing Wallets and Resources: The Economic Lens

What it is: The economic lens analyzes the financial aspects of a topic, focusing on production, consumption, and distribution of resources. It considers factors like market forces, economic policies, and social inequalities.

How to use it: Identify the economic context: analyze relevant economic concepts like supply and demand, resource allocation, and market structures. Explore how economic factors influence your topic and the individuals involved. Consider potential economic consequences of different actions or policies.

Example: Evaluating the impact of climate change through the economic lens might involve analyzing its effects on different industries, economic losses due to extreme weather events, and potential costs of implementing mitigation strategies.

Unveiling Power Plays: The Political Lens

What it is: The political lens examines the dynamics of power, governance, and influence within a political system. It analyzes how decisions are made, power is distributed, and individuals or groups compete for influence.

How to use it: Identify the political context: understand the structure of government, key political actors, and prevailing ideologies. Analyze how political dynamics influence your topic and the individuals involved. Consider potential political implications of different actions or policies.

Example: Examining a protest movement through the political lens might involve analyzing its demands in relation to existing power structures, the influence of political parties, and potential responses from the government.

Beyond Biology: The Gender Lens

What it is: The gender lens analyzes how gender identities, roles, and expectations shape experiences and social structures. It examines how individuals and groups are affected by societal norms and power dynamics related to gender.

How to use it: Identify the gender context: analyze dominant societal expectations for different genders, consider power dynamics and potential inequalities. Explore how gender roles and identities influence your topic and the individuals involved.

Example: Analyzing a novel through the gender lens might involve examining how female characters challenge or conform to societal expectations, exploring the portrayal of masculinity, and questioning power dynamics between genders.

Understanding Shared Values: The Cultural Lens

What it is: The cultural lens delves into the shared beliefs, values, and practices of a particular group or society. It examines how cultural norms, traditions, and customs shape experiences and behaviors.

How to use it: Identify the cultural context: research the specific belief systems, traditions, and values relevant to your topic and target audience. Analyze how cultural factors influence the perception and interpretation of your topic.

Example: Comparing advertising strategies across different cultures through the cultural lens might involve examining how humor, color symbolism, and family dynamics differ and how these differences impact marketing effectiveness.

The Power of Words: The Rhetorical Lens

What it is: The rhetorical lens analyzes how language is used to persuade, inform, or entertain. It examines the speaker’s purpose, strategies, and techniques to achieve their desired effect on the audience.

How to use it: Identify the speaker’s purpose and target audience. Analyze the language used, considering elements like tone, imagery, and emotional appeals. Evaluate the effectiveness of the speaker’s strategies in achieving their desired response.

Example: Analyzing a political speech through the rhetorical lens might involve examining how the speaker uses persuasive techniques like repetition, emotional appeals, and logical arguments to influence the audience’s opinion.

Preserving Our Planet: The Environmental Lens

What it is: The environmental lens considers the impact of human actions on the natural world. It examines issues like sustainability, resource management, and ecological consequences of human activities.

How to use it: Identify the environmental context: analyze the ecological impact of your topic and consider relevant environmental issues. Explore potential solutions and sustainable practices related to your topic.

Example: Evaluating the social impact of a new technology through the environmental lens might involve considering its energy consumption, potential pollution, and impact on biodiversity and resource depletion.

Shaping the Future: The Technological Lens

What it is: The technological lens examines the role of technology in society, focusing on its development, impact, and ethical implications. It analyzes how technology shapes our lives and raises important questions about its future evolution.

How to use it: Identify the technological context: understand the specific technology and its development stage. Analyze the social, economic, and ethical implications of its use. Consider potential future scenarios and responsible tech development practices.

Example: Discussing the potential benefits and risks of artificial intelligence through the technological lens might involve analyzing its impact on jobs, automation, and potential biases, highlighting the need for ethical considerations in its development and deployment.

Remember, these are just a few of the many writing lenses available. With practice and exploration, you can unlock a world of creative possibilities, enriching your writing and engaging your audience with diverse perspectives.

What Is a Critical Lens in Writing?

A critical lens is, in essence, a specific perspective or approach you adopt to critically examine a topic or text.

It acts as a filter, guiding how you analyze information, evaluate arguments, and ultimately shape your understanding.

Unlike mere summaries or descriptions, critical lenses encourage in-depth questioning, pushing you beyond surface-level observations to unearth deeper meanings and underlying assumptions.

Think of it this way: Imagine examining a painting through a magnifying glass.

While you could simply describe the colors and shapes, the magnifying glass allows you to closely scrutinize brushstrokes, textures, and hidden details, revealing the artist’s technique and message in a nuanced way.

Similarly, critical lenses empower you to zoom in on information, dissecting its layers and uncovering its deeper significance.

But remember, critical lenses are not about imposing a singular “correct” interpretation.

Watch this video about writing a critical lens essay:

Final Thoughts: What Is a Lens in Writing?

Don’t be afraid to experiment, break the mold, and see the world through a new lens. Write on!

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What Is a Critical Lens Essay?

A critical lens essay is a form of narrative essay containing five paragraphs covering a certain opinion of a direct quote. The standard five-paragraph format includes an introduction, three supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each of the paragraphs examines critically the main point presented by the writer. Paragraphs in the critical lens essay are extremely structured and must adhere to certain guidelines in order to be written correctly.

In the first sentence of the introduction paragraph, the writer of the essay takes a direct quote from one of the pieces of literature and copies it. Then, the writer reinterprets that quote using original words and thoughts which are directly related. In the third sentence of the introduction, the writer states either agreement or disagreement with the opinion and gives reasons for support. The writer states which two literary works will be examined throughout the remainder of the essay.

The second and third paragraphs follow a different format as the introduction, but are written in the same way. The first sentence includes a literary element taken from one of the books, such as theme, characterization or the setting, and proves the point. Next, the writer shows how that point was proven and follows up with one more supporting sentence. The last sentence in the paragraph summarizes the thoughts presented.

In a critical lens essay, the fourth paragraph is based on the writer’s personal experiences. The paragraph should be written using the standard four- sentence structure . It either proves or disproves the point of view presented in the preceding two paragraphs.

After all ideas are presented using the outlined format, the writer concludes the essay by restating the original quote in the first sentence. The next sentence is a summary of why the quote is true or false followed by a prediction about future events in the next sentence. The individual should use another quote from one of the chosen works to further support the writer’s ideas to tie up the critical lens essay.

These types of essays are written for a variety of reasons. One reason is to sway the reader's point of view on a particular famous quote or to offer fresh insight into the meaning of the quote. In addition to that, the critical lens essay is assigned to assess the student’s skills in reading, writing and critical thinking . They are used to narrow the scope of a specific piece of literature.

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A critical lens essay is an analysis of a quote or statement in relation to a piece of literature or topic. It should evaluate its validity and provide evidence to support your interpretation.

By reading this article, the student will find the answers on most of the questions related to the critical lens essay, but if it seems insufficient, make an order at StudyCrumb delivering academic writing services to get the fastest and most quality help online!

What Is a Critical Lens Essay?

The initial question, which comes to mind of any student who faces such type of academic assignment sounds like, “ What is a critical lens essay? ” As literary elements are an integral part of any critical lens essay, it is important to define it as well to understand how to write a critical lens essay. Literary elements refer to the means a writer applies to describe/evolve characters. There are several things left to identify before moving to the sections that contain the detailed description of the critical lens essay structure.

• Conflict A struggle between the rivals (Person versus Person or another object/phenomenon).
• Figurative language Special literary devices aimed to compare & contrast or relate distinct stuff (metaphor, allegory, hyperbole, etc.)
• Flashback An episode created to explain an event happening in the present by recalling the past event(s).
• Foreshadowing A writer’s usage of tips to give the cue on the events that might take place later in the story.
• Imagery A special language an author implements to express a visual image/provide a sensory experience by playing with 5 senses of human being.
• Irony A conflict between the expected things and what takes place in reality (often used to describe funny moments or show someone’s stupidity).
• Plot The range of events occurring in the particular work of literature.
• Setting The specific period of time & location described in the plot.

The final 3 elements include symbolism (anything that reflects something), theme (the main message of the story), and tone (the way an author perceives his own story). It is time to go under the hood of this academic assignment by taking a look at how to write a critical lens essay step-by-step.

How to Write a Critical Lens Essay: Basic Principles

If you do not know the structure of the given type of academic assignment, you don’t know how to write a critical lens essay. Some of the United States high schools have it as the regular homework task. In most cases, those schools that are affiliated with the New York State Regents Exam offer a critical lens essay to their students. The whole essay is based on a single quote from a specific literary work. A student has no right to copy-paste the quotation, so it is recommended to rewrite this sentence or few. Try to memorize more rule associated with a critical lens essay writing:

• Never use a 1st person (“I,” “we”) – switch to the third-person voice while writing.
• Specify the quote’s author, title of literary work, and year of publishing.
• No hook sentence is needed – a literary quote would be enough.
• Provide personal interpretation of the chosen critical lens essay quote – it will be the thesis statement!

How to Write a Critical Lens Essay Step by Step

The goal of this type of academic assignment is to research the chosen literary quote. A student must talk about the original sources from which the quote was retrieved. Come up with personal critical analysis and explanation. This way, high school & college teachers assess the student's ability to read & analyze things plus writing, research, formatting, and analytical skills. The final grade is based on all of these factors.

Critical Lens Essay Outline

The main purpose is to get ready with an outline. A student should follow this roadmap not to get lost during the process of writing:

• Introduction
• Literary work #1
• Literary element #1
• Literary element #2

A student can make it the five paragraph essay by adding one more paragraph to the body if he wants. A couple of body paragraphs is okay.

Introduction: Impress the Reader

An introduction of such essay has an unusual structure because it has to begin with a literary quote while in case of other academic assignments a student may choose which type of hook to include and whether he needs it. Example:

“We can never give up longing and wishing while we are thoroughly alive. There are certain things we feel to be beautiful and good, and we must hunger after them.” George Eliot The Mill on the Floss, 1860

A student can start by writing, “George Eliot once said…” (paraphrase). The next thing a student should do is to interpret the chosen quote. The offered quotation means people should never stop trying to achieve something greater even if they think they have everything in this life. It calls for further self-development. Then, the author of the essay should take some time to decide whether he/she supports the offered saying or no, and provide a transition to the following part. It might be enough to write, “I agree with the given statement as humans are meant to develop all the time.” Should this type of essay contain a thesis statement? Of course! Keep in mind that both (title of the analyzed piece 1) by (writer’s name) and ( the title of the analyzed piece 2) by (writer’s name) stick to the opinion that a human being must develop and learn something new throughout the life.

Body Paragraphs

Start with the topic sentence number 1. It should look like, “The story written by (author’s name) titled (name of a literary work) states that (example: it is better to erase some moments from person’s memory.” Transition statement is what comes after. The author may implement another literary element. Example: “One of the methods the author involves to prove his/her particular opinion is by (specific literary element discussed above). Everything left to do is:

• Identify literary element
• Relate the lens & literary element
• Provide a conclusion!

Here we go with a critical essay example of the body paragraph!

“The discussed piece of literature shows that to get something people truly want, they should give up everything they have by the specific moment of life. One of the methods to prove it is via the theme. It is a primary message the author wants to deliver in his work.”

Critical Lens Essay Conclusion

Once the student explained the chosen literary quote in the shape of a couple of sentences in each body paragraph, he should move to the conclusion. Make a summary of the body paragraphs to emphasize you stand. An interpretation must be clear & concise. Start writing an essay’s conclusion by rewriting the selected quote; begin summarizing the examples you used to cite throughout the essay. Repeat the full name of the writer and other contributors. Point out some evidence collected from the primary sources to motivate the target readers to start thinking about your topic by going on with the independent research.

Professional Notice: “Talk about the specific conditions that can change the author’s point of view. The mission is to come up with the general enclosing sentence, which will leave a strong, positive impact on the reader along with the intrigue and desire to learn more on the discussed topic. That is what teachers call a stellar outro!”

Critical Lens Essay Format: How Does It Look?

Is critical lens essay format somehow different from the typical essay’s format? The structure is different from, let’s say, argumentative/persuasive paper, but the format is everywhere the same if we speak about the established writings styles. They include MLA, APA, Chicago style paper , and rarer formats. The formatting elements include:

• Margins, fonts, page numbers, etc
• Direct/Indirect text citations
• References.

Excellent Critical Lens Essay Example

We are smoothly moving to the closing section of the article. It contains a critical lens example essay & topic ideas. Anne Frank is a great author – let her work be our example!

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The Barker Underground

Writing advice from the harvard college writing center tutors, the four parts of a lens essay argument.

by Emily Hogin

One of the most common prompts I see at the Writing Center is the “lens essay.” A lens essay brings two texts in dialogue with one another in a very particular way. It asks you to use Text B – the lens – to illuminate something you didn’t already know about Text A.

How Not to Argue a Lens Essay

A lens essay is not a list of differences and similarities between two texts. The following are some (exaggerated) examples of a bad argument for a lens essay I’ve come across at the Writing Center:

Even though one is philosophy and the other is a novel, both Text A and Text B talk about the imagination.

This first thesis statement notes a similarity between the two texts that will likely be obvious to readers of the text. It doesn’t use one text to illuminate anything about the other.

While both Text A and Text B argue that human nature is unchangeable, Text A asserts that humans are inherently good and Text B asserts that humans are inherently bad.

This thesis makes a claim about each text but doesn’t say anything about them in relation to each other.

Text A, a poem, does a better job of communicating the emotional struggles of living with HIV than Text B, a statistical report, because a poem allows readers to identify emotionally with other people while statistics are more abstract and cold.

This third thesis statement does make an argument that connects both texts, but again fails to use one text to tell us something we don’t already know about the other text.

In my experience, a successful lens essay implies a certain kind of thought-process that has at least four parts:

(1) I read Text A

(2) I read Text B (my lens)

(3) I re-read Text A and noticed something I didn’t notice before

(4) That something turns out to carry consequences for my overall reading of Text A (thesis/argument)

(And if you really want to wow your reader, you’d add a final part:)

(5) Applying Text B (my lens) in this way also reveals something significant about Text B

When I say significance or consequences, I don’t mean that it has to alter the meaning of a text radically; it can be something small but important. For example, you might find that one element is a lot more important (or a lot less important) to the overall text than you had previously thought.

As an example, here is an excerpt from the introduction to my last lens essay:

The concept of the imagination is ambiguous throughout Venus in Furs : at times, the imagination appears as passive as a battleground that external forces fight to occupy and control; at other times, the imagination appears to drive the action as if it is another character. Any theory of sexuality that seeks to explain Venus in Furs thus must be able to explain the ambiguity over the imagination. Foucault’s theory of the inescapable knowledge-power of sexuality comes close to being able to explain Sacher-Masoch’s ambiguous concept of the imagination, but applying Foucault in this way highlights Foucault’s own difficulty situating the imagination within his theory.

You can see my lens essay thought-process in just these three sentences:

(1) I read Venus in Furs (Text A) and noticed that the imagination is ambiguous

(2) I read Foucault (Text B, my lens) (3) to better understand the imagination in Venus in Furs

(4) Foucault helped explain why an ambiguous imagination is an appropriate way to look at sexuality

but (5) applying Foucault to the imagination tells me that Foucault’s own theory is challenged when he has to account for the imagination.

Once you have an argument for a lens essay, you will have to structure your paper in a way that allows this lens essay thought-process to come across. This means that each of your topic sentences should refer back to this thought-process. Even if you need a paragraph that discusses one of the texts primarily, your topic sentence should justify why you’re doing that. Your complicated and interesting thesis will likely require you to move back and forth between Text A and Text B (your lens).

Of course, your argument will depend on your assignment, but I’ve found this four-part approach successful in a number of courses where the assignment asked me to bring two texts in dialogue with one another.

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How to Write a Critical Lens Essay

In many situations, students face the provocation of efficiently devising a critical lens paper. This type of essay represents one of the most common assignments for both high school and university students. A lot of students are puzzled by this task and end up writing a regular essay instead of a critical lens one, which is a pretty serious error. This is why it is essential to be aware of the dissimilarities between ordinary essays and critical lens essays, which is precisely what we want to teach you in this article.

General Information About Critical Lens Essays

Critical lens essays represent a type of paper demanded by a large number of American educational institutions. When you face the task of writing a critical lens essay, you are given a quote, and you are required to convey your individual perspective regarding it. You can either express your agreement or your disagreement with that specific quote. Regardless of whether or not you embrace the statement, you need to offer motivations regarding your personal viewpoint. When drafting a critical lens essay, you need to carry out a rigorous investigation of the quote, while taking into consideration the specific context of the publication from which the statement was extracted. The primary target of this type of paper is to evaluate your analytical thinking abilities. If you want to come up with an efficient critical lens essay, you need to read, comprehend, assess and examine the entirety of the topics that pertain to the context.

When drafting a regular critical lens essay, the primary phase involves creating a proper outline. The outline represents a general picture of the whole paper, presented succinctly. During this step, you need to determine the format of your paper. When writing this type of essay , you need to be enthusiastic enough to reply to the primary topics approached by the particular quote. In case the given fragment entails more than a single topic, you’ll be required to approach every single topic separately. This way, you’ll make sure you address all of the topics in a holistic manner.

The Structure of a Critical Lens Essay

When devising a critical lens essay, you need to attempt to accomplish three different targets, namely clarification, assessment, and interpretation. To ensure that the thoughts you wish to convey have an adequate flow and unity, you need to ponder on your opinions and devise a strategy attentively. Before commencing the writing process itself, you need to undertake a couple of preliminary phases. For example, you need to detect the elements used in literature, such as symbols, vocabulary, topics or style.

First of all, the process of writing a critical lens essay involves offering a response to the perspective presented in the given quote. Afterwards, you ought to attempt to give a justification for that viewpoint using your own words. As expected, this type of paper needs to comprise an introduction, a body as well as a conclusion. The conclusion must summarize the entirety of the topics approached in the body paragraphs of your paper.

The Format of a Critical Lens Essay

The primary phase of the process of drafting a critical lens essay is devising the introduction. Here you need to specify the given quote in particular. In doing so, you are also required to indicate the essay writer as well as the book that contains the quote. For example, the opening phrase of your essay could look like this: “As revealed by Johnson, other individuals define our personality.” In other words, you should mention the quote at the beginning of your introductory statement. After that, you need to reword or paraphrase the quote. In doing so, you are required to acknowledge and interpret its significance. This way, you’ll be able to convey the message of the quote while using your own words. When dealing with a critical lens essay, you ought to avoid using the first person. The best way to go about it is to use the third person.

Once you’ve finished the introduction, you need to take care of the body of the essay. To begin with, you need to reiterate the explanation you’ve offered in the introduction. The use of literary concepts is encouraged. The next phase involves an additional interpretation of the notions of literature. This step has the purpose of making a correlation between your perspective and the context. Here you may also summarize the intrigue of the book that includes the quote. Your target is to make sure that the discussion doesn’t stray from the context.

The Conclusion of a Critical Lens Essay

Last, but not least, you need to devise a conclusion for your essay. Here you are required to summarize the entirety of the issues you’ve approached in the paper. Moreover, you must reiterate your personal perspective and indicate the proof that substantiates it. Make sure you reread the essay requirements before completing this phase.

Popular Critical Lens Essay Topics

• The writer’s hidden message is more important than the visible one.
• The fight between good and evil is present in any book.
• We become better people by prevailing over challenges.
• The primary purpose of literature is to make opposition.
• We can see better when surrounded by darkness.
• Other individuals define our personality.
• Our courage is calculated based on our obedience to ourselves.
• In books, characters are defined by feelings instead of rationality.
• A fascinating tale in one town may be regarded as ludicrous in a different place.
• Books have the purpose of stirring up our hidden emotions.

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Critical Lens Essay Example for English Regents

A critical lens essay is a type of essay aimed at providing a personal interpretation and analysis of a certain quotation or statement, proving one’s opinion with the help of literature references. Though it contains a word “critical” in its name, it is not meant to be a critical piece. As a matter of fact, a critical lens essay is focused on highlighting strong and weak points of a given quote. Thus, the word “critical” stands for the demonstration of critical thinking skills of the author by means of supporting his claim with certain arguments taken from literary works. Linking one’s opinion to reputable sources makes a convincing effect on the reader, proving your ideas to be true.

How is a critical lens essay used?

Writing such type of essay appears to be quite a challenging assignment for students. First, while studying at high school, college, or university, one has to obtain and develop such essential skills as critical and analytical thinking; ability to compare facts, theses, quotes, and ideas, make one’s own statements and prove them, draw right conclusions. Second, a profound research on the given topic should be done, as it determines the further direction of your writing. Finally, a student needs to have an excellent command of grammar, spelling, and punctuation in order to express his/her thoughts clearly and academically correctly.

Thus, critical lens essays are perfect opportunities for professors to check students’ skills and abilities. No wonder this specific type of essay is often one of the tasks on the Regents, a New York State set of exams required for graduation. For this reason, one should know how to write a critical lens essay at the high academic level, because it reflects the general level of education of a student. Hence, the student is evaluated accordingly.

What is a critical lens essay format?

Typically, a critical lens essay follows a standard essay format pattern. Therefore, it consists of five paragraphs, including introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, so it should not be long like a research paper . In order to develop the critical analysis, a student has to use examples from two literature pieces, each one discussed in a separate paragraph. The book titles need to be underlined and capitalized, written in accordance with the capitalization and punctuation rules. As for the language and general tone of writing, it should be objective, without revealing any of the author’s personal beliefs. All the claims need to be referred to reputable literature sources that would support the author’s thesis and present the evidence of its validation. In order for the tone to sound objective, one should avoid using personal pronouns, for example, “I”, “me”, “my”, “you”, “your”, “we”, “our”. On the contrary, it is recommended to replace them with third person pronouns or general words like “people”, “readers”, “audience”.

Tips to make a critical lens essay outline

As it was mentioned above, a critical lens essay template coincides with the fixed classic essay pattern.

Introduction

The first part of an essay is the introduction. This is the first thing that makes an impression upon the reader. So, the intro part should be captivating enough to get the reader really interested in what you have to say. The introduction starts with the quote, which is not just an ordinary sentence from the text, but a significant statement that holds considerable value. It should be universally acknowledged and meaningful; the author’s name should also be provided.

After introducing the quote, a writer has to interpret it in one sentence using his/her own words. Such an interpretation is called the thesis. It plays a role of the foundation of the entire essay, which makes it a crucial part of the paper. Therefore, a key to a high-quality critical lens essay is arranging the thesis in a wise and profound way, as it presents the criteria for the further analysis.

Having provided the thesis, the writer needs to support or refute it. Though, the decision whether to agree or disagree is based not on his personal opinion, but on two literature references related to the quote. Connecting the essay with relevant references affirms the objective approach. The titles and authors of the chosen literature works have to be underlined. The intro part ends with adding a few words about the chosen reference texts topics.

Body Paragraphs

There should be two body paragraphs introducing two literature works mentioned in the introduction. The writer needs to use the references as the means for supporting his thesis. Both topic and concluding sentences demonstrate and prove the connection between the reference examples and the thesis. There should not be any summarizing; just highlighting and analysis of the main points of both literary texts explaining their relevance to the core statement. Moreover, there is no need to retell the plot of the chosen texts. On the contrary, the writing should be laconic, but clear. To convey the arguments in the most appropriate way, some literary elements from the reference texts should be chosen, such as the following:

• Characterization (direct or indirect way to describe the character);
• Conflict (opposition of the ideas, forces, views);
• Figurative language (metaphor, simile, hyperbole, alliteration, personification);
• Flashback (describing the past event that is necessary to know at present);
• Foreshadowing (hints on the events to come);
• Setting (describing time and place of action);
• Symbolism (representing something through another thing);
• Theme (main idea, message of the text);
• Tone (author’s attitude towards the audience or subject).

The last essay part summarizes the arguments and proves the initial thesis right or wrong. The quote and the thesis should be restated here, but the thesis has to be rephrased, not taken from the intro part word by word. If the essay is written in a right manner, then the conclusion would follow in the most logical way and the readers would totally agree to it. While body paragraphs persuade the reader of the correctness of the thesis, the conclusion just states the fact: the thesis is true and it is absolutely confirmed. So, the reader is satisfied, though intrigued to investigate the topic more.

How to choose the right quote?

This is not an easy task to do. The quote determines the quality of the essay, depending on whether it’s relevant or not. Below there is a list of possible quotes that are approved to be used for critical lens essays as they are widely applied at the English Regents.

English Regents critical lens quotes list:

• “Courage is never to let your actions be influenced by your fears” (Arthur Koestler);
• “Individuality is freedom lived” (John Dos Passos);
• “Obedience is the mother of success and is wedded to safety” (Aeschylus);
• “Nobody can acquire honor by doing what is wrong” (Thomas Jefferson);
• “Do what you can, with what you have, and where you are” (Theodore Roosevelt);
• “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get” (Warren Buffet);
• “Some books leave us free and some books make us free” (Ralph Waldo Emerson);
• “The final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands” (Anne Frank);
• “Prejudice is the child of ignorance” (William Hazlitt);
• “If there is no struggle, there is no progress” (Frederick Douglas);
• “It is impossible to go through life without trust” (Graham Green);
• “Fear is simply the consequence of every lie” (Fyodor Dostoevsky);
• “No two persons regard the world in exactly the same way” (J. W. von Goethe);
• “We pay a price for everything we get or take in this world” (L. M. Montgomery);
• “Men are at the mercy of events and cannot control them” (Herodotus);
• “Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it” (Helen Keller);
• “Divide each difficulty into as many parts as is feasible and necessary to resolve it” (Rene Descartes);
• “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” (Dr. Seuss);
• “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough” (Mae West);
• “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on” (Robert Frost);
• “Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results” (Albert Einstein);
• “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans” (John Lennon);
• “It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not” (André Gide);
• “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving” (Albert Einstein);
• “The real hero is always a hero by mistake” (Umberto Eco);
• “It is the human lot to try and fail” (David Mamet);
• “You must take life the way it comes at you and make the best of it” (Yann Martel);
• “The human heart has ever dreamed of a fairer world than the one it knows” (Carleton Noyes);
• “To gain that which is worth having, it may be necessary to lose everything else” (Bernadette Devlin);
• “All that is literature seeks to communicate power” (Thomas De Quincey);
• “It is not what an author says, but what he or she whispers, that is important” (Logan Pearsall Smith);
• “What lasts is what is written. We look to literature to find the essence of an age” (Peter Brodie);
• “Good people are good because they’ve come to wisdom through failure” (William Saroyan);
• “All literature is protest. You can’t name a single literary work that isn’t protest” (Richard Wright);
• “The bravest of individuals is the one who obeys his or her conscience” (J. F. Clarke);
• “We do not read novels for improvement or instruction” (Oliver Wendell Holmes);
• “In a dark time, the eye begins to see” (Theodore Roethke);
• “A person is a person through other persons” (Archbishop Desmond Tutu);
• The right good book is always a book of travel; it is about a life’s journey” (H.M. Tomlinson).

The quotations listed above serve as appropriate examples of the NYS English Regents critical lens essay quotes. Thus, they might be widely used during the preparation for the Regents or any other type of exam where a critical lens essay is one of the tasks.

How to write a critical lens essay step by step?

Below there are detailed steps that may serve as an instruction for writing this type of essay. Each step will be followed by the relevant part of a critical lens essay example to make the guideline even more clear.

Step 1. Choose a meaningful quote and introduce it, indicating its author. Add a few sentences before it to get the readers involved and let them follow the logical flow of your thoughts.

Step 2. Interpret the quote, rewrite it using your own words. That would be your thesis.

Step 3 . Agree or disagree with the thesis.

Step 4. Introduce two literary references that prove your thesis. Express in a few words how they support the thesis.

Step 5. Start writing the first body paragraph focusing on the first literary reference mentioned in the intro part. Choose the literary element, through which the text and thesis would be connected. Prove that the text example supports the quote.

Step 6 . Do the same thing focusing on the other literary work while writing the second body paragraph.

Step 7. Summarize everything you have written. State the quote and thesis again, the latter should be rephrased, though. The conclusion has to prove the coherence between the thesis and arguments written above.

Below there is a sample of a critical lens essay that may be referred to during the preparation for the English Regents.

Critical lens essay example for English Regents

Human life is a constant alternating between success and failure. Today one may enjoy the abundance of money and opportunities, while tomorrow may bring something totally different. Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Do what you can, with what you have, and where you are.” One’s duty in life is to do one’s best, strive to survive and get moving using all the skills and resources available, regardless of the circumstances. Life indeed often forces people to keep trying even in the most unfavorable conditions and teaches that doing this is the only key to win. Both Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe and Love of Life by Jack London support the idea that all the problems can be solved if the person is well motivated and wise enough to direct all the efforts and chances towards one’s goal.

The novel Robinson Crusoe illustrates a strong will of an ordinary man who faced unpredictable circumstances after a shipwreck. He has lost everything and everyone just in a moment. The fate left him alone on the desert island in total despair. Daniel Defoe uses the direct method of characterization showing main hero’s desire to survive. He was not expecting such a fatal failure. Robinson got a tremendous challenge that let him acknowledge himself as a miserable creature but also created perfect conditions for self-discovery. On the unknown out-of-the-way patch of the Earth, he found himself completely helpless and alone in his struggle for life. Nevertheless, Crusoe realized the real value of human life and gathered all the possible means he could ever find on the island, which combined with his brilliant intellect and willpower saved him afterwards. The story is narrated in the form of his own diary, which pictures the hero in the most veritable way. He kept trying over and over again while building his refuge place, acquiring hunting and farming skills. The long twenty-eight years way through failures to victory taught him that the main thing in life is the ability to pull oneself together when there seems like nothing can be done. Robinson proved that it is not the setting and opportunities that matter, but a strong goal-oriented approach to the problem.

Love of Life demonstrates another example of overcoming hardships in life. Gold seekers are lost in the White Desert. While one of them leaves his comrade in trouble, he succeeded to survive. Through the tone of the novel, it is evident that Jack London supports his hero picturing him as a symbol of a victorious will power. Physical exhaustion, freezing cold of the White Desert, pain from the betrayal of the only friend, fear of loneliness, hunger, which is not eased with the miserable stuff that cannot even be called food. Moreover, he suffers from the pain in legs, being severely injured. Torturing body ache is combined with the despair of useless attempts to gain food and unbearable exhaustion, which leads to hallucinations. Yet, in spite of all he has encountered, despite being frightened and despaired, the man found enough courage not to give up but went on with a great passion for life, which helped him during struggles with a bear and a wolf. His irresistible desire to live, tranquility, and patience is what removed the fear and saved him from death. The hero was doing what he could: he was able to walk, he walked; he could only crawl, he crawled; he was obliged to fight with wild animals, so he did. As long as there were those primitive means for survival, no matter how adverse the setting, the man continued his difficult path and, finally, he succeeded.

All things considered, it seems sensible to assume that in order to lead the life to the full and survive despite all the troubles, one needs to use each little thing around, notwithstanding the limits. The core of success is human mind and will that dominates over poor conditions, situations that seem to be impossible, fears, and desperate obstacles. Thus, the saying “Do what you can, with what you have, and where you are” serves as the right motto for the general life philosophy.

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44 Student Essay Example: Feminist Criticism

The following student essay example of femnist criticism is taken from Beginnings and Endings: A Critical Edition . This is the publication created by students in English 211. This essay discusses Ray Bradbury’s short story ”There Will Come Soft Rains.”

Burning Stereotypes in Ray Bradbury’s “There Will Come Soft Rains”

By Karley McCarthy

Ray Bradbury’s short story “There Will Come Soft Rains” takes place in the fallout of a nuclear war. The author chooses to tell the story though a technologically advanced house and its animatronic inhabitants instead of a traditional protagonist. The house goes about its day-to-day as if no war had struck. It functions as though its deceased family is still residing in its walls, taking care of the maintenance, happiness, and safety of itself and the long dead family. On the surface, Bradbury’s story seems like a clear-cut warning about technology and humanity’s permissiveness. Given that the short story was written in the 1940s, it’s easy to analyze the themes present and how they related to women of the time. Bradbury’s apt precautionary tale can be used as a metaphor for women’s expectations and role in society after World War II and how some women may have dealt with the fallout of their husbands coming back home with psychological trauma.

To experience “There Will Come Soft Rains” from a feminist perspective, readers must be aware of the societal norms that would have shaped Bradbury’s writing. “Soft Rains” takes place in the year 2026. Yet the house and norms found throughout were, “modeled after concept homes that showed society’s expectations of technological advancement” (Mambrol). This can be seen in the stereotypical nuclear family that once inhabited the house as well as their cliché white home and the hobbies present. According to writer Elaine Tyler May’s book Homeward Bound, America’s view of women’s role in society undertook a massive pendulum swing during the World War II era as the country transitioned through pre-war to post-war life. For example, in a matter of decades support for women joining the workforce shifted from 80% in opposition to only 13% (May 59). Despite this shift, the men coming back from the war still expected women to position themselves as the happy housewife they had left behind, not the newfound career woman architype. Prominent figures of the 40s, such as actress Joan Crawford, portrayed a caricature of womanhood that is subservient to patriarchal gender roles, attempting to abandon the modern idea of a self-sufficient working-class woman (May 62-63). Keeping this in mind, how can this image of the 1940s woman be seen in Bradbury’s work?

Throughout Bradbury’s life he worked towards dismantling clichés in his own writing. A biography titled simply “Ray Bradbury” mentions that even in his earlier work, he was always attempting to “escape the constrictions of stereotypes” found in early science fiction (Seed 13). An example of him breaking constrictions could be his use of a nonhuman protagonist. Instead, Bradbury relies on the personification of the house and its robotic counterparts. Bradbury describes the house as having “electric eyes” and emotions such as a, “preoccupation with self-protection which bordered on a mechanical paranoia,” something that would make the house quiver at the sounds of the outside world (2-3). While these descriptions are interesting, Bradbury’s use of personification here is a thought-provoking choice when one breaks down what exactly the house is meant to personify.

One analysis of this story notes that the house’s personification, “replaces the most human aspects of life,” for its inhabitants (Mambrol). Throughout the story, the house acts as a caretaker, records a schedule, cooks, cleans, and even attempts to extinguish an all-consuming fire. While firefighting is not a traditionally feminine career or expectation from the 1940s (more on that later), most of the house’s daily tasks are replacing jobs that were traditionally held by a household’s matriarch. Expanding further on this dichotomy of male/woman tasks, a chore mentioned in the story that is ‘traditionally’ accepted as a masculine household duty—mowing the law—is still assigned as a male task. This is feels intentional to the house’s design as Bradbury is, “a social critic, and his work is pertinent to real problems on earth” (Dominianni 49). Bradbury’s story is not meant to commentate on just an apocalypse, but society at large.  Bradbury describes the west face of the house as, “black, save for five places” (Bradbury 1-2). These “five places” are the silhouettes of the family who had been incinerated by a nuclear bomb. The family’s two children are included playing with a ball, but the mother and father’s descriptions are most important. The mother is seen in a passive role, picking flowers, while the father mows the lawn. The subtext here is that the man is not replaceable in his mundane and tedious task. Only the woman is replaced. While this is a small flash into the owners’ lives, what “human aspect” or autonomy of the father’s life has been replaced by the house’s actions if the house is mainly personifying only the traditional 1940s female-held positions? The message here is that a man’s position in society is irreplaceable while a woman’s is one of mere support.

While this dynamic of husband vs subordinate is harmful, wives supporting their partners is nothing new. Homeward Bound explains that life after World War II for many women meant a return to their previous position as a housewife while many men came home irreparably damaged by years of warfare. PTSD, known then as shellshock, affected countless men returning from the war. Women were often expected to mend the psychological damage as part of their domestic responsibilities, even if they were unprepared for the realities of the severe trauma their husbands had faced (May 64-65). The psychological effects of the war came crashing into women’s lives the same way that the tree fell into the autonomous house in “Soft Rains”. As mentioned earlier, firefighting is not a task someone from the 40s would expect of women, but the house’s combustion and its scramble to save itself can be seen as a metaphor for women attempting to reverse the cold reality that the war had left them with. The picturesque family they had dreamed of would forever be scarred by the casualties that took place overseas. While Bradbury may not have meant for women to be invoked specifically from this precautionary tale, it’s obvious that him wanting his science fiction to act as, “a cumulative early warning system against unforeseen consequences,” would have impacted women of the time as much as men (Seed 22). The unforeseen consequences here is the trauma the war inflicted on families.

While men were fighting on the front lines, women back home and in noncombat positions would still feel the war’s ripples. In “Soft Rains” the nuclear tragedy had left, “a radioactive glow which could be seen for miles” (Bradbury 1). Despite the destruction, the house continues its routine as though nothing had happened. This can be seen as a metaphor for how women responded to the trauma their husbands brought back from the war. Women were urged to, “preserve for him the essence of the girl he fell in love with, the girl he longs to come back to. . .The least we can do as women is to try to live up to some of those expectations” (May 64). Following this, many could have put their desires and personal growth to the side to act as a secondary character in their husband’s lives.

The final line can be read as the culmination of similarities between post-war women and Bradbury’s house. The violence and destruction that fell upon the house in its final moments leaves little standing. What’s remarkable is how the house still attempts to continue despite its destruction. The final lines of the short story exemplify this: “Within the wall, a last voice said, over and over again and again, even as the sun rose to shine upon the heaped rubble and steam: ‘Today is August 5, 2026, today is August 5, 2026, today is…’” (Bradbury 5). The house is acting just like the women from the 40s, clinging to their past in an attempt to preserve something that had already been lost, society’s innocence. One analysis points out that, “The house is depicted in this way because it represents both humanity and humanity’s failure to save itself” (Mambrol). While it might be wrong to say that women were unable to save themselves in this situation, this quote does touch on an idea present in the feminist metaphor for “Soft Rains”. The preservation of “the essence of the girl he fell in love with, the girl he longs to come back to” was a failure (May 64). The same way that the house cannot preserve itself from destruction, women cannot preserve an image of themselves that had already dissolved. As mentioned earlier, women had already entered the workforce, a huge step towards removing sexist stereotypes around women’s worth. After garnering work-based independence, it seems impossible that the idea of women solely as men’s support would not immolate.

While Bradbury’s “Soft Rains” can be viewed as an apt precautionary tale with real modern world issues at hand, in many ways it is a period piece. As a writer in the 1940s, it’s hard to imagine that Bradbury’s story would not have been influenced by the framework of a nuclear family and the stereotypical expectations of this time. Bradbury’s use of personification opens dialogue about gender roles in the 1940s and how war had complicated patriarchal expectations. Despite his attempt to bypass science fiction stereotypes, his story is full of metaphor for gender stereotypes. Using a feminist lens to analyze the story allows it to be read as a metaphor for war and its effects on married women. The standard analysis appears to say that, “machine no longer served humanity in “There Will Come Soft Rains”; there humanity is subservient to machinery” (Dominianni 49). From a feminist perspective, instead of machine, the house represents patriarchy and gender norms. While men suffered greatly during World War II, women often put their wants and futures on hold to support their husbands. This is a selfless act that shows the resilience of women despite their society’s wish to downplay their potential and turn them into mere support.

Works Cited

Bradbury, Ray. “August 2026: There Will Come Soft Rains.” Broome-Tioga BOCES, 1950, pp. 1-5. btboces.org/Downloads/7_There%20Will%20Come%20Soft%20Rains%20by%20Ray%20Bradbury.pdf.

Dominianni, Robert. “Ray Bradbury’s 2026: A Year with Current Value.” The English Journal , vol. 73, no. 7, 1984, pp. 49–51. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/817806

Mambrol, Nasrullah. “Analysis of Ray Bradbury’s There Will Come Soft Rains.” Literary Theory and Criticism , 17 Jan. 2022.

May, Elaine Tyler. “War and Peace: Fanning the Home Fires.”  Homeward Bound: American Families in the Cold War Era.  20th ed., Basic Books, 2008, pp. 58-88.

Seed, David. “Out of the Science Fiction Ghetto.”  Ray Bradbury (Modern Masters of Science Fiction).  University of Illinois, 2015, pp. 1-45.

Critical Worlds Copyright © 2024 by Liza Long is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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PhD student Furkan Kir 's research article “English-medium instruction (EMI) as the great (un)equaliser: experiences of former EMI students in Turkey” has been published in the Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development. Kir’s article explores the experiences of students who dropped out of an English-medium university in Turkey and postulates that strict English proficiency requirements at some Turkish universities pose a problem for many students.  Fine work Furkan.

Molly Porter 's article “’Damn the Empire!’: Imperial Excess, National Nostalgia, and Metaphysical Modernism in the Poetics of Parade’s End” has appeared in the special issue "Ford Madox Ford's War Writing" in the April 2024 publication of Humanities. Congratulations, Molly!

The Kennedy Center recently named graduate student Jack Wolfram 's play, Paradise Untapped , as a regional semi-finalist for the 2024 John Cauble Award for Outstanding Short Play. A portion of Wolfram’s play was staged alongside three other rising playwrights' works at the Region VII Festival in Spokane, WA. Paradise Untapped’s premise is proper clever:

Paradise Untapped , a one-act play rooted in critical fabulation, tells the story of Deborah Milton and Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. The two entered our world a lifetime apart in England to different world-renown intellectuals, tethered across time by a shared fiery intellect and creative compulsion. Both yearn to make a name for themselves and do right by their gifts, tell stories that will be remembered, but doing so proves diametrically opposed to their respective circumstances.

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MFA student Simon Graham is one of the 2024 Association of Writers and Writing Programs' Intro Journals Project Winners, in the fiction category.

Jennie Baker, Abygail Gutierrez, and Jack Wolfram have each earned highly competitive Disability Travel Awards from the Conference on College Composition and Communication (4Cs), the largest conference in the field of writing studies. These awards recognize "scholarship dedicated to improving knowledge about the intersections of disability with composition and rhetoric, the value of disability as a source of diversity, inclusive practices and the promotion of access, and the value of disability as a critical lens" and provide funding to help cover the costs of attending the 2024 CCCC conference being held in Spokane.  Congratulations!

Also in the 4Cs category, PhD student Anselma Prihandita has been awarded a 2024 Scholars for the Dream Award from the Conference on College Composition and Communication. This prestigious award funds travel to the convention and confers an opportunity to connect with important mentors outside of our home institution.  Nice work Anselma!

Ph.D. student, Andreas Bassett was recently selected as the Bibliographical Society of America's Katharine F. Pantzer New Scholar and has been invited to speak at the upcoming 2024 Bibliographical Society of America annual meeting.  Quite the honor – good going Andreas!

Remember Rasheena Fountain , from about a page up, publishing award winning poetry? As a current Ph.D. student in English and MFA graduate (‘21), Rasheena will be a featured artist at the new Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts (PRAx) on Oregon State’s campus in Fall 2024. Fountain’s “Dropped Down Blues” Black speculative and blues audio-visual project, set in Pipers Creek during salmon migration, will be featured in the exhibition How to Carry Water: Memory in Three Questions. The exhibition brings together contemporary visual artists and humanities scholars in shared observations and questions about watersheds. So interesting Rasheena, congrats!

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