The Critical Lens Essay

What is the format? (Part 4 of the Regents Exam in English) Your tasks: –Read and interpret a statement or quotation –Write a critical essay discussing two previously read literary works

Part IV: The Critical Lens Essay The critical lens essay is a “position paper” or persuasive writing Like a thesis essay, you state a position (opinion) and then support your position with specific details, examples, reasons, or other information

Preparing for Part IV Consider in advance which works you would feel most comfortable discussing

Preparing for Part IV Be prepared to discuss several works (at least 3) –Know titles, authors, characters’ names, settings, etc.

Preparing for Part IV Study and review the works’ specific literary devices

Preparing for Part IV Choose substantial works (hint: works you have read in class have been thoroughly analyzed)

Caution! DO NOT take short cuts: do not write essays about movie or television versions of literature Obscure or unfamiliar books may also not work to your advantage If in doubt about a suitable choice, ask your teacher AS YOU ARE PREPARING

How to interpret a quotation Imagine the quotation as a “true or false” question. –For example: “We must have a weak spot or two in a character before we can love it much. True or false?” –If you think it is true, you agree with the statement. Jot down your specific reasons for agreeing with it.

What do you use for evidence? Literary devices, of course! Literary devices that you might want to write about include (but are not limited to): characterization (7 elements), mood, plot (be specific), point of view, setting, structure, theme, tone, etc.

How should I organize my essay? Introduction: –Include the quotation in its entirety – make sure you record it correctly and thoroughly –Provide your interpretation of the quotation –State whether you agree or disagree with the quotation and state WHY –Provide the titles and authors of two works of literature that you will use to prove the quotation

How should I organize my essay? Body paragraph 1 – Literary Work #1: –T–Topic sentence – include the first title and the first literary device you will use Provide two examples where this device proves your interpretation of the quotation –S–State the second literary device you will use Provide two examples where this device proves your interpretation of the quotation –E–Explain how and why the literary devices and examples you have chosen support your interpretation of the quotation!!! Note: you may wish to divide this into two paragraphs

Body paragraph 2 – Literary Work #2: –Topic sentence – include the second title and the first literary device you will use Provide two examples where this device proves your interpretation of the quotation –State the second literary device you will use Provide two examples where this device proves your interpretation of the quotation –Explain how and why the literary devices and examples you have chosen support your interpretation of the quotation!!! Note: you may wish to divide this into two paragraphs

How should I organize my essay? Conclusion –Restate the quotation/your interpretation of the quotation –Briefly summarize the points you made in your essay – this is NOT the time to introduce new information! –Provide an expansion statement – did you learn something from reading this work? How does it relate to the quotation?