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Critical Lens Essay

Critical Lens Essay . What is this and why do I have to do this? . The critical lens essay takes a look at literature and analyzes it based on a particular quote (lens). It is an important culmination of proving your mastery of literature and literary elements.

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Critical Lens Essay

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  1. Critical Lens Essay

  2. What is this and why do I have to do this? • The critical lens essay takes a look at literature and analyzes it based on a particular quote (lens). • It is an important culmination of proving your mastery of literature and literary elements. • It matters because you must write one your Junior year of English in order to pass the Regents exam! • This year you must pass it with 75 or higher for CUNY SUNY etc.

  3. Introduction • C- Copy the Critical Lens Quote • I- Interpret the quote • What does the quote mean in your own words. REMEMBER: Do Not Use First Person!!! • A-Agree/Disagree • Identify the two works of literature that you are going to be discussing. Don’t forget the authors! • T- Thesis statement • Identify the two literary elements that you will be using. Remember: One for each piece of literature and do NOT use the same element for both works!

  4. Introduction another option • RAIN • Restate the quote • Agree or disagree with the quote • Interpret the quote • Name two literary works (TAG) Title, author, genre and the what literary elements/techniques helps us better connect to the quote.

  5. Introduction Tips • State the quote • Next sentence is the interpretation of the quote. What does it mean in your own words?  • CANNOT use I, you, we, me, my.  Instead use they, readers, people - Example:  This quote means that people… • Is the quote true or not/mention the book titles you will use.  This quote is true in the books ________ and __________ because.../ Readers think this quote is true in the books ______ and ____ because... • Thesis – the main focus of your essay • Both (title of literary work 1)by (author of literary work 1)and (title of literary work 2)by (author of literary work 2)support the idea that some things worth having cannot be gained without sacrifice. • Mention the literary terms (theme) that support the quote in the chosen books.  Example:  Irony, conflict, theme, motivation and setting support the quote.  The author uses irony, conflict and setting to show how this quote is true.

  6. Example Bernadette Devlin once said, “To gain that which is worth having, it may be necessary to lose everything else.” In other words, it is sometimes necessary to give up what we have in order to attain something greater. Two works of literature that illustrate the critical lens are Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Through the use of conflict and characterization both authors show the validity of the critical lens.

  7. Body Paragraph 1 In five steps you get to discuss the first literary work and how it connects to the quote. • Topic Sentence -The (genre) ________ shows that ________. • Transition Statement/Literary Element One way (author/work) proves this point is through (literary element 2) • Example from the text using direct quotes or specific details if you can remember. • Connect the Example and the Lens • Concluding Sentence (wrap up topic sentence idea)

  8. Body Paragraph 2 In five steps you get to discuss the second literary work and how it connects to the quote. • Topic Sentence -The (genre) ________ shows that ________. • Transition Statement/Literary Element One way (author/work) proves this point is through (literary element 2) • Example from the text using direct quotes or specific details if you can remember. • Connect the Example and the Lens • Concluding Sentence (wrap up topic sentence idea)

  9. Sample Body Paragraph The novel Fahrenheit 451 shows the protagonist sacrificing all of his worldly possessions to acquire knowledge.One way Bradbury proves this point is through the use of characterization. In the beginning of the novel, Montag, the protagonist, is characterized as a model member of society and as someone who loves his job. After meeting and befriending Clarisse, Montag starts to reevaluate his priorities and by the end can be characterized as someone who values knowledge and independent thought above all else. By Montag sacrificing his worldly possessions he gains a greater understanding of himself and the reality of his society. Bradbury’s use of characterization shows the sacrificing of one thing can lead to the attainment of something more valuable.

  10. Conclusion • Restate and Agree/Disagree with the Quote -Bernadette Devlin correctly/incorrectly states “To gain…” 2. Restate/Interpret -Restate the works of literature chosen and how they support your position 3. Concluding Sentence -This ties the main ideas of the essay back to the critical lens

  11. Sample Conclusion • Bernadette Devlin correctly states “To gain that which is worth having, it may be necessary to lose everything else.” Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 and Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men show the necessity of sacrificing something of value in order to attain something even greater. Montag’s sacrifice of his family and position in society allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of his society and himself. George’s sacrifice in killing Lennie allowed George to gain his freedom and escape prosecution.

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