The Critical Lens Essay

Review

A critical lens is similar to the lenses in a pair of glasses or the lens in a camera.

Some lenses may alter or change how we view a particular object, item, etc.

A critical lens shapes a point of view about how to evaluate literature.

The Task

Every critical lens essay will include three

parts to the task:1. To interpret

Explain what you think the quote means.

2. To agree or disagree Explain why you think the quote is true or false.

3. To select two literary works for a discussion These works will support your position, or prove

why the quote is true or false.

What Makes a Stud a Stud?

Does not just restate lens Implicitly agrees or disagrees with lens Has a dynamic opening line Analysis draws upon personal understanding of what

lens means Analysis connects to life experience and literature Studs are assertive and confident, and never say “I thin

k” or “I believe” Uses the language and ideas of the lens to anchor the

thesis First sentence concisely interprets lens

A Dud

“Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right using of strength.”

--Henry Ward Beecher

“Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right using of strength,” as quoted by Henry Ward Beecher. I agree with the quote because sometimes life is hard. Sometimes we just can’t change things, we just make the best of things. Two books that prove this quote true are “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Macbeth.”

A Stud“Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right using of

strength.”

--Henry Ward Beecher

Often times in literature, as well as in life, individualism can be described as great; however, according to Henry Ward Beecher, “Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right using of strength.” In other words, greatness should not be measured by how strong a person is, but by how they use their strengths to better themselves and others. This is proven in ___ and ____. Both of these classic novels depict how individuals were able to rise above the rest and subsequently prove their greatness.

Another Dud

“Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right using of strength.”

--Henry Ward Beecher

In the words of Henry Ward Beecher, “Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right of using strength…” My interpretations of this is if one can truly be strong in their heart, they can be strong in life. If you believe in yourself, you will be great.

Another Stud“Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right using of strength.”

--Henry Ward Beecher

Henry Ward Beecher was wise in saying that “Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right using of strength.” Indeed, individuals who seek power and glory through force are not as truly great as those who seek to make a small, yet positive impact on their world through patient and persistent efforts. This phenomenon is illustrated by comparing the stories of Macbeth of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, whose ill-gotten gains from force lead to his downfall, and Atticus Finch of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, whose “right using of strength” allows him to be truly great.

Try it on your own…

Using the following lens, write an introduction

“Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right using of strength.”

--Henry Ward Beecher

General Understanding of a Body ParagraphBrief plot summaryAnalysis of relevant literary terms (conflict, setting,

theme, foreshadowing, narrator, antagonist, protagonist, etc.)

Super specific textual references that illustrate how the lens functions within the novel or play (at least 2 per text)

Agreement or disagreement with lens statementOrganization and unification of ideasSpecify titles and authorsFollow the conventions of standard written English

Specific Understanding of a Body Paragraph

To help you structure your body paragraphs, use the following approach:

EvidenceInterpretation

Claim

Claim

States your position on the issueIncludes key words from the quote, connecting

them to the textYour topic sentence; it informs your reader what

the rest of your paragraph will be aboutAnchors your paragraph; it is what guides your

writingThe rest of your paragraph is dedicated to

proving that your claim true

Evidence

The textual support for your claimIncludes examples, specific quotes, and

references to the textYou’ll typically be describing a sceneThis is where you do provide brief plot

summaryThe more detailed the evidence, the better

Interpretation

An explanation of how the evidence proves the claim

What does the evidence show the reader?This is where you move beyond plot

summary and into analysis

Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth tells the story of a power-hungry Scottish thane whose greedy attempts to use strong force and manipulation lead him not to greatness, but to corruption and his own downfall. Encouraged by the insinuations of his sinister wife, Macbeth becomes obsessed with the prospect of becoming king of Scotland. He falsely equates the throne and the power that comes with it to true greatness and satisfaction. The great irony of the play is that Macbeth’s attempts to achieve this goal through “strong” force ultimately bring neither. Motivated by his obsessive greed and pressure from his wife to appear strong, Macbeth engages in desperate and unscrupulous behavior. His decision to murder his relative and friend, King Duncan, to fulfill his ambitions only reveal that Macbeth is a weak character with unsound judgment. The fact that Macbeth is so easily succumbed to the pressures of his wife also reveal that despite appearing strong through his use of violence, Macbeth is insecure and cannot think for himself. Ultimately, Macbeth’s decisions to kill Duncan leads not to greatness, but causes more trouble for him and those around him. In the end, his reign causes harm to and discontent among his subjects, something a “great” leader would not do. Macbeth’s tragic story only proves that forceful actions do not always bring individuals to greatness, especially if they are motivated by greed and treachery.

CLAIM: Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth tells the story of a power-hungry Scottish thane whose greedy attempts to use strong force and manipulation lead him not to greatness, but to corruption and his own downfall. Encouraged by the insinuations of his sinister wife, Macbeth becomes obsessed with the prospect of becoming king of Scotland. He falsely equates the throne and the power that comes with it to true greatness and satisfaction. The great irony of the play is that Macbeth’s attempts to achieve this goal through “strong” force ultimately bring neither. Motivated by his obsessive greed and pressure from his wife to appear strong, Macbeth engages in desperate and unscrupulous behavior. His decision to murder his relative and friend, King Duncan, to fulfill his ambitions only reveal that Macbeth is a weak character with unsound judgment. The fact that Macbeth is so easily succumbed to the pressures of his wife also reveal that despite appearing strong through his use of violence, Macbeth is insecure and cannot think for himself. Ultimately, Macbeth’s decisions to kill Duncan leads not to greatness, but causes more trouble for him and those around him. In the end, his reign causes harm to and discontent among his subjects, something a “great” leader would not do. Macbeth’s tragic story only proves that forceful actions do not always bring individuals to greatness, especially if they are motivated by greed and treachery.

EVIDENCE… Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth tells the story of a power-hungry Scottish thane whose greedy attempts to use strong force and manipulation lead him not to greatness, but to corruption

and his own downfall. Encouraged by the insinuations of his sinister wife, Macbeth becomes obsessed with the prospect of becoming king of Scotland. He falsely equates the throne and the power that comes with it to true greatness and satisfaction. The great irony of the play is that Macbeth’s attempts to achieve this goal through “strong” force ultimately bring neither. Motivated by his obsessive greed and

pressure from his wife to appear strong, Macbeth engages in desperate and unscrupulous behavior. His decision to murder his relative and friend, King Duncan, to fulfill his ambitions only reveal that Macbeth is a weak character with unsound judgment. The fact that Macbeth is so easily succumbed to the pressures of his wife also reveal that despite appearing strong through his use of violence, Macbeth is insecure and cannot think for himself. Ultimately, Macbeth’s

decisions to kill Duncan leads not to greatness, but causes more trouble for him and those around him. In the end, his reign causes harm to and discontent among his subjects, something a “great” leader would not do. Macbeth’s tragic story only proves that forceful actions do not always bring individuals to greatness, especially if they are motivated by greed and treachery.

INTERPRETATION

Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth tells the story of a power-hungry Scottish thane whose greedy attempts to use strong force and manipulation lead him not to greatness, but to corruption and his own downfall. Encouraged by the insinuations of his sinister wife, Macbeth becomes obsessed with the prospect of becoming king of Scotland. He falsely equates the throne and the power that comes with it to true greatness and satisfaction. The great irony of the play is that Macbeth’s attempts to achieve this goal through “strong” force ultimately bring neither. Motivated by his obsessive greed and pressure from his wife to appear strong, Macbeth engages in desperate and unscrupulous behavior. His decision to murder his relative and friend, King Duncan, to fulfill his ambitions only reveal that Macbeth is a weak character with unsound judgment. The fact that Macbeth is so

easily succumbed to the pressures of his wife also reveal that despite appearing strong through his use of violence, Macbeth is insecure and cannot think for himself.

Ultimately, Macbeth’s decisions to kill Duncan leads not to greatness, but causes more trouble for him and those around him. In the end, his reign causes harm to and discontent among his subjects, something a “great” leader would not do. Macbeth’s tragic story only proves that forceful actions do not always bring individuals to greatness, especially if they are motivated by greed and treachery.

Try It On Your Own…

EvidenceInterpretation

Claim

“Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right using of strength.”

--Henry Ward Beecher

The Conclusion

Wrap up what you have been discussing in your paper

Your conclusion should begin pulling back into more general information

Don’t try and pull in new pointsSimplicity is best for a clear, convincing

message

Thesis Statement

Thesis Statement