Critical Lens Structure and Review

Critical Lens Essay: An essay in which you will analyze one or two works of literature in terms of how they do/do not illustrate the ideas in a given statement. ideas in a given statement. For example, the following paragraph is the introduction to an essay whose focus is the critical lens: "Marry in haste, repent at leisure.¨ SAMPLE:

(1)What happens when people rush into things rather than thinking them through first? William Shakespeare addresses this question in his play Romeo and Juliet when the friar says (2)"Marry in haste, repent at leisure¨ (3)Literally, the friar is talking about the danger of marrying too quickly, but the quote also warns in a more general way about the danger of acting in haste. In other words, acting in haste, in any situation, could result in consequences that are both long term and negative. (4)The warning expressed in this quote is most definitely a valid concern, and is illustrated in many works of literature. (5)Arguably one of the best depictions of persons acting in haste, and then suffering the consequences, is the source of the quote, Romeo and Juliet. Almost every character acts without thinking at some point in this tragedy, but the two whose haste results in the most profound consequences are the title characters, Juliet and Romeo.

You should be able to identify each of the parts of a good intro paragraph in the previous example INTRO PARAGRAPH: Must include the following

(1)Motivator - Question or statement which leads into the CRITICAL LENS (2)Critical Lens - WORD FOR WORD¡ You may need to add some "connecting" words to make your ideas flow smoothly together. DO NOT just put the name of the author of the quote in parentheses.

(3)Explanation - "In other words..." OR "This means that..." YOUR explanation of what the critical lens means

(4)Thesis - Indicate whether you agree or disagree WITHOUT SAYING "I agree" with the critical lens

(5)Blueprint - Specify what work(s) and/or literary device(s) you will use to analyze the literary work selected. List the most important LAST. After the introduction, you must discuss how the author uses specific literary devices (character, setting, theme, irony, diction, imagery, conflict, etc,) which help to communicate the idea(s) expressed in the critical lens statement. BODY PARAGRAPHS - Must include the following:

Topic Sentence - Transition, reference to critical lens, reference to blueprint Specific evidence from the text of the story; Must mention specific literary devices Thorough explanation as to HOW the evidence illustrates the ideas in the critical lens Concluding sentence which sums up the content

SAMPLE BODY PARAGRAPH:

First of all, the hasty decisions Juliet makes, and the actions that follow, have negative consequences for many characters in the play. SPECIFIC EVIDENCE INCLUDED HERE - Clearly, Juliet's impulsive choices are a significant factor in the tragedy that befalls the people she loves.

Compounding Juliet’s actions, however, are the choices and actions of her beloved Romeo. It is Romeo's rash decisions that, in the end, cause the deaths of so many characters. SPECIFIC EVIDENCE... Without a doubt, the things that Romeo says and does are ultimately what make the play a tragedy.

CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH must include:

Restatement of the critical lens Minimum one sentence summary for EACH body paragraph Clincher sentence that brings the discussion to a close

SAMPLE: Common sense tells us that it is unwise to get married in a hurry. To make such a monumental decision without a great deal of thought is an extremely risky business. It clearly follows then, that any important act or choice is best made with deliberation and caution. Even the most simple acts might be complicated if they are committed in haste. Life, as well as literature, bears out this truth. In Shakespeare's ROMEO AND JULIET, the hasty actions of all of the characters create the initial difficulties. But it is Juliet and Romeo whose decisions are the most significant. Shakespeare characterizes both as impulsive and rash, relying on emotion and the heat of the moment rather than on wisdom and common sense. It is their passionate, blind behavior that causes the deaths of many, and ultimately illustrates this sad truth: "Haste makes waste."