The document discusses how readers perceive texts through various lenses, including mood, word choice, and rhetoric. It also discusses how authors craft personas or "masks" for themselves and their audiences in their writing. The concept of the author and reader adopting masks is an old idea that has been discussed by other writers and theorists. The document argues that both students and readers should consider these ideas of lenses and masks when analyzing literary works.

1. Critical Lens
In the process of writing, regardless of the form it takes, thesis or narrative for example, the purpose of the piece has several lenses that shape how
the reader perceives the material. Of the less important lenses that shape the piece, mood, word choice, and rhetoric are only a few. These elements
of the work, while minimal in a relative sense, accomplish the same as other, more important components, they influence how the reader perceives
the material, how it is understood. If one is to effectively convey the message of the piece, one must first look at how the any reader perceives any
text. This idea of how the reader perceives is a culmination of all the devices employed by the author. The idea is for the author to craft an aggregate
...show more content...
This idea of crafting a mask in literature is an old concept, though rarely discussed directly as it can even be seen in Corinthians where, as discussed by
Stephan Joubert, Paul acts as, "...an encoded author...", that can be typified also as, "...the 'ideal portrait' which the real author entertains to his
flesh–and–blood readers" (Joubert). This concept of an author for an author is another concept that must be taken into account when the mask is
discussed. Where Killingsworth suggests that the author crafts, "...the mask of the author...", he also crafts, "...a mask for the audience..." (Killingsworth
34–35), Joubert argues that the mask of the reader is simply a result of the authors own mask as, "...a potential reader is expected to play in order to
actualize the text..." (Joubert) reacting only to the text and crafting their own mask. While the reader also has a mask in Joubert's theory, it is a reaction
to the text, rather than them slipping into one of the authors design, the author only being able to influence their mask from an external and past,
perspective. I implore both students and faculty to focus on these points throughout a work, as they will show the reader the perspective that the author
is crafting. Weather to use this mask is up to the reader's discretion, though from an analytical view, being bias only harms the process. Regardless, it
remains important that the student not only identify but act upon these
Get more content on HelpWriting.net

2. Critical Lens Essay
Britanee Gugel "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly", was once said by Antoine De Saint–Exupery. This is an accurate quote to live by and
refer to daily since following your instincts is usually the best decision for yourself. It leads you to do exactly what you want to do, instead of anyone
getting to your mindset. This quote can also be shown in literature–characters go through hardships within there own minds. But when a third party
expresses their own opinion of the problem then the character becomes confused and eventually withdrawled from what they really want. Accordingly,
two works of literature that best show how following your heart(mind) is the better decision would be Tennesse Williams play The Glass...show more
content...
Even though Elizabeth knew something was going on she didnt admit to the court. John could give her no signals on behalf of him being turned
around, unable to tell her it's okay if she admits it. Even after this took place many more lives were sacrificed, until Proctor was presented with an
opportunity to save his life. Danforth demanded him to sign an agreement stating that he was compacted with the Devil. At this time, Elizabeth was
prenate and had a family back home. So Proctor had to make a wise decision– to be with his famiy and his name be ruined, or to die with the name he
was destined to be. Johns true being took over him, he saw "rightly" and didnt let Danforth win over his heart. He remained entitled with his
"goodness" and was then hung in front of all the Salem community. His name was in tact and he died as a hero, with his name and sole in the right
place. To conclude, both Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller showed the readers that it takes true being to pull out the "right" parts of your heart.
John Proctor and Tom wingfield expierinced the hardships of being true to thereselves and making the right decisions. Characters or not, this quote
once said by Antoine can relate to real life also– since both Miller and Williams are the writers they brought out their own hearts on paper to show
Get more content on HelpWriting.net

3. Critical Lens In 1984
When analyzing 1984 through a critical lens, a reader may be able to look through the historical lens to understand what was happening in the
world around the author and how it influenced their writing. There are quite a few things that helped Orwell write this masterpiece of a novel, and
a lot of it can stem back to the historical period as to which 1984 was written. 1984 is a novel that is placed in the future where propaganda is the
main theme. 1984 was written during World War II was taking place, therefore greatly impacted the writing and material that was used in 1984.
Orwell wrote this book as sort of a warning to make sure that another Hitler would not come into power. Orwell, in an essay titled, "Why I Write," he
had stated that...show more content...
1984 has all types of fiction: science fiction, social science fiction, political fiction, and dystopian fiction. Two of the biggest and most apparent
types of fiction in this novel is dystopian and political fiction. The whole novel is set in this dystopian world where the government controls most all
things that the people think, say, or do. They are all forced to use a whole new vocabulary in order to cut down on the citizens saying things against
the government. Not only that but the government is referred to as Big Brother, and branching off of Big Brother are the Ministries of Truth, Love,
Plenty, and Peace. They control education, maintaining the laws and keeping order to the people, and they control what is allowed to be seen as far as
media and fine
Get more content on HelpWriting.net

4. Critical Lens Layout Essay
Critical Lens Essay Format.
Directions: The critical lens is a formulaic essay that consists of 4–6 paragraphs and explores two works of literature and two literary elements from
each work of literature. Use the format below to help you write your essay using Homer's epic poem The Odyssey and Richard Connell's short story
"The Most Dangerous Game".
Introduction Paragraph:
Copy the quotation exactly as it appears and include the author (1 sentence) "Henry Ward Beecher once said, "Greatness lies not in being strong, but in
the right using of strength."
Own words. Put the quotation in your own words. (2–3 sentences) "This quotation means that..."
Agree or disagree with the quotation as you have interpreted it....show more content...
"One major theme in Homer's The Odyssey is ______________...." (Explain this literary element in 4–5 sentences using specific text–based support)
Tie it back to the quotation. "This proves the quotation is true because..." (2–3 sentences)
Body Paragraph #2 (literary element #2 from the 1st work of literature):
Transition statement: "Another literary element from The Odyssey that proves the quotation is true is _________________." (literary element #2 from
work of literature #1– use literary elements such as theme, conflict, and characterization) (1 sentence)
Name the literary element you will use and define it. (1 sentence) "Conflict is a struggle between two opposing forces that is important to the plot."
Show this element in the first story you will talk about. "A major conflict in Homer's The Odyssey is ____________________..." (Explain this literary

5. element in 4–5 sentences using specific text–based support)
Tie it back to the quotation. "This proves the quotation is true because..." (2–3 sentences)
Body Paragraph #3 (literary element #1 from the 2nd work of literature):
Transition statement: "Throughout ______________ (the second work of literature), _______________ (the author) uses many literary elements to
help connect the ______________(genre) to the critical lens. Two examples are ______ and ________." (list two literary
Get more content on HelpWriting.net