The Task• You are given a statement about literature

• You put that statement into your own words without using “I think” or “I believe”

• You agree or disagree with the statement by stating “this statement is true or this statement is false because…” without using “I think” or “I believe”

• You support your position with details from literature you have read while keeping close attention to literary techniques

Organization• You should have 5 paragraphs

• Intro• Body 1 (about first text or character – your strongest point)• Body 2 (about second text or second character)• Body 3 (about second text or second character)• Conclusion

Organization

I. Intro

A. Lens

B. Interpretation

C. True/False

D. Title, Author, Genre Information in thesis

Interpreting the Lens

“…men are at the mercy of events and cannot control them.”

- Herodotus

Don’t simply say:

Men can’t control things that happen in their lives.

Think about how this quote will apply to the literature.

Interpreting the Lens• When applied to Oedipus Rex this would work better:

Although it is human nature to want to control one’s surroundings, it is fate that determines what is to occur.

***In the play, who is unable to control their environment? How is this displayed through indirect characterization?

Sample IntroHerodotus once said, “…men are at the mercy of events

and cannot control them.” This is true, as individuals are unable to control all of the events that occur in their lives, or the actions of other people. It is fate that determines what is to occur. Two novels that best support this idea are Oedipus Rex by Sophocles and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald which show how much individuals may struggle to control their circumstances, but ultimately fail. Sophocles and Fitzgerald prove the powerlessness of mankind through the use of symbolism and characterization in their acclaimed novels.

Organization

MEATy BODY PARAGRAPHS

MUST HAVES:

- Main idea

- Lead in (a few sentences to “set the scene” and introduce your quote)

- Textual evidence, properly cited

- Thorough analysis of the textual evidence and what it proves

- Tie up or transition (use the transition words you included in The Crucible essay).

Literary TechniquesIf you can think of nothing else, characterization and conflict will usually work.

For example, •Discuss how the characterization of Oedipus Rex supports your point.•Discuss how the conflict between Oedipus Rex and Jocasta supports your point.

Techniques to consider: - Characterization - Theme - Conflict - Symbolism - Figurative language - Tone - Mood

Your Critical Lens Quote

"All conflict in literature is, in its simplest form, a struggle between good and evil“

- Stephen King

Literature Options• “The Minister’s Black Veil” by Nathaniel Hawthorne

• “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell

• “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst

• “The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Allan Poe

• “The Mending Wall” by Robert Frost

Tonight for homework…• Decide what the provided critical lens quote means and

how to explain it in your own words.

• Decide on the two stories you’d like to focus on to support and prove the critical lens quote.