Using Critical Lenses to Study a Piece of Text

If you look through a concave lens or a prism, you see the world differently than it at first appears. Readers must view texts with different lenses to understand the characters, the setting, the plot, and the theme of the story. You must look through these lenses to understand the author.

Look through the literary lens; the one you are most used to using. This lens focuses on the author's style and elements like plot, setting, character, and theme. Ask yourself the following questions as you read the text:

• What is unique about the author's style?
• How is the author's message communicated in the piece of text?
• Do the language and imagery support the author's theme?
• If they do, how?

Read the text through a historical and cultural lens. Look at what was happening in history at the time of publication of the work. Past events can drastically alter how a character acts or the turn of events in a plot. Do not be such a snob that you judge the text through your concept of experiences.

• What was happening in the world at this time?
• What was the attitudes and trends during this time? 
• Were the characters influenced by a culture that is different from yours?
• How do the characters react to historical events? 
• How do the characters respond to their cultural expectations?

Look at the text through a biographical or autobiographical lens. Look at the author's personal life. Look at his habits, his loves, his passions. Look at his lifestyle and economic and social standing. Ask yourself these questions:

• What were the major events in the author's life?
• Who were the influential people in his life?
• Was he rich? Was he poor?
• From what class or caste did he come?
• Can you identify his heritage? Who were his people?

Other Lenses

• Psychological
• Social
• Political
• Philosophical
• Moral

What motivates a character? Is he greedy? Is he honest? Is he an upright citizen? What were his political beliefs?