THE CRITICAL LENS Regents Task 4

So what is the critical lens? The Critical lens is a quotation through which you can examine two pieces of literature. For example: “Literature is news that stays news.” -Ezra Pound The task requires you to agree or disagree with the lens using two pieces of literature to prove and support your position.

Your introduction paragraph should follow this formula R E A L Repeat the quotation: Ezra Pound once said, “ blah blah blah…” Explain the quote: “This means….” Agree or Disagree: Do not use “I”! Try something like, “This statement is true.” Literary Works: Name the literary works and elements that you will write about.

So your intro should look like this… Ezra Pound once said that “Literature is news that stays news.” This means that great writing, writing that can be considered true literature, is writing that deals with enduring and universal themes that are always relevant to the human experience. This statement is very true. William Shakespeare’s tragedy Julius Caesar and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel The Scarlet Letter are two works of literature that support Pound’s assertion. Both authors use characterization and conflict to evoke universal and lasting themes.

Try this Critical Lens… “A man’s character is his fate.” -Anonymous Write up an intro for this lens… make sure you have an insightful interpretation of the lens!! Try this one: “The belief in a supernatural source of evil is not necessary; men alone are quite capable of every wickedness.” -Joseph Conrad

For the midterm, and for the regents exam in June, you should come in prepared to discuss works of literature you have read over the past year in class. For the midterm, you must use Macbeth as one of your works. For the second work, you can choose any piece of literature read over the course of the semester, including “The Secret Life of Bees”