Critical LensesCritical Lenses

An IntroductionAn Introduction

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.

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.

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?”

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?”

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?”

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?”

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?”

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?”

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?”