Critical Lenses in AP English Literature

Definition

Critical lenses are different perspectives or approaches that can be used to analyze and interpret a text. They allow readers to examine various aspects of a work, such as its themes, characters, symbols, and social or historical context.

Related terms

Formalism: A critical lens that focuses on the structure, form, language, and style of a literary work.

Feminist Criticism: A critical lens that examines literature from the perspective of gender roles and power dynamics between men and women.

Marxist Criticism: A critical lens that analyzes literature in terms of social class structures and economic systems.