1. Critical Lenses An Introduction

2. Why we use lenses  Readers interpret texts in different ways, because our experiences shape how we see everything around us.  Lenses and theories offer readers different ways of looking at texts.

3. How we use lenses  You can apply different lenses or theories to a single text.  You do not have to agree with a theory or lens to use it.

4. Reader Response  Reader responds personally with thoughts and feelings. The experience of reading is most important. The reader will ask:  “What does this mean to me?”  “How can I connect with this text?”

5. Formalist (English Teacher)  Reader breaks apart and examines the pieces (literary elements, figurative language, etc.) of a text to see what is important. The reader will ask:  “Why has the author used these writing techniques?”  “What am I supposed to notice?”

6. Biographical/Historical  Reader considers the context of the text to find meaning. The reader will ask:  “What was happening in the author’s life when this was written?”  “What was happening in the world?”  “How is this shown in the text?”

7. Economic  Reader examines the way different economic groups are shown in a text. The reader will ask:  “Who has power?”  “Who does not?”  “What happens as a result?”

8. Gender  Reader thinks about the role of gender in the text. The reader will ask:  “How does the gender of the author or characters affect the text?”  “What in this text supports or changes my view of men and women in society?”

9. Psychological  Reader considers the personality, feelings, or state of mind of characters to understand text. The reader will ask:  “What do I know about the author’s feelings or state of mind?”  “What do I know about the character’s state of mind?”

10. Cultural  Reader examines a text through the eyes of those in the minority. The reader will ask:  “Whose voice is represented?”  “Whose voices are missing?”  “What issues of power are represented?”  “What stereotypes are presented or reinforced?”