Aim:
How do I write a
Critical Lens Essay?
Objective:
Students will be able to identify the
steps necessary to complete a body paragraph of
the critical lens essay.
Literature and Writing LEVY
5.20.2013
Get Ready
•
What is the memory device you can use to
remember the steps for writing a critical lens
introduction paragraph?
1.
C
opy the quote
2. Interpret Quote
Your Task
Write a critical essay in which you discuss
two
literary works
from the particular perspective of
the statement that is provided for you in the
critical lens
.
In your essay, provide a valid interpretation of the
statement, agree or disagree with the statement
as you have interpreted it, and support your
Essay Structure
Introduction
Conclusion
Body
Paragraph 2
Body
Paragraph 1
-Literary Work 1-Literary Element 1Critical Lens Example
“No one can be at peace unless he has his
freedom.”
Introduction: Step 1: C
•
COPY the Quote.
Malcolm X once said, “
No one can be at peace
Introduction Step 2: I
•
INTERPRET the quote
Introduction Step 3: A
•
AGREE with the quote
Introduction Step 4: T
THESIS
Both The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and
“The Crucible” by Arthur Miller support the
Complete Introduction: CIAT
Malcolm X once said, “
No one can be at peace
unless he has his freedom.
”
This quote means
that in order for a person to truly be at peace,
he or she must have freedom.
This quotations
proves to be true in both life and literature.
Body Paragraphs of the Critical Lens Essay
•
Body Paragraph 1: Literary Work 1 +
Literary Element 1
–
1. Topic Sentence
–
2. Transition Statement/literary element
•
Example:
One way (author/work)
proves this point is through (insert
literary element
–
3. Define literary element
Body Paragraph:
Step 1: Topic Sentence
The novel The Hunger Games demonstrates that
in order
in order for a person to truly be at
Body Paragraph
Step 2: Transition to Literary Element
Body Paragraph 3:
Define Literary Element
Conflict is defined as struggle or problem that a
character faces. Examples of conflict include
Body Paragraph:
Step 4: Connect Lens and Literary Element:
Provide and explain
TWO
examples from the novel that support the quote using the literary device you
have selected.
For Example, the protagonist, Katniss faced several conflicts throughout the
novel. She faces a man vs. man conflict as she has to physically fight other
tributes in the arena to gain freedom. She finally was at peace with herself,
when she survived the games with her boyfriend, Peeta.
Body Paragraph
Step 5: Concluding Sentence
Completed Body Paragraph
The novel The Hunger Games demonstrates that in order in order for a person to truly be at peace, he or she must have freedom. One way this work proves this point is through conflict. Conflict is defined as struggle or problem that a character faces. Examples of conflict include man vs. man, man vs. self, man vs. nature and man vs. society. For Example, the protagonist, Katniss faced several conflicts
