Critical Lens: Step-by-Step Outline
INTRODUCTION
1. Begin with the quote: “ XXXXXXXXXXXXX,” said [author of the quote].
2. Explain the quote: This means…
3. State agreement or disagreement with the quote and works you will use to
support your argument: This is proven true in [titles and authors].
[DO NOT USE “I”]
4. Write your thesis/controlling idea. This sentence should include what
characters from the above works prove or disprove the quote.
EXAMPLES:

Both Jack and Napoleon become corrupt as a result of their power.

Jing-Mei and Oedipus both learn powerful lessons when they
discover their family history.

Though Oedipus and Caesar are both arrogant, Oedipus is given
the chance to learn from his hubris, while Caesar is not.
1st BODY PARAGRAPH
1. Write your topic sentence. The topic sentence is the main idea of your
paragraph. Your topic sentence should be about the first character cited
in your introduction. EXAMPLES:

In Lord of the Flies, Jack changes from a civilized schoolboy into a
savage.

In The Joy Luck Club, Jing-Mei begins to understand her true identity
when she learns about her past.

In Oedipus the King, Oedipus suffers greatly when he learns the truth
about his past.
2. Support your topic sentence with at least 3-4 details from the novel. These
details should include the use of relevant literary elements such as
characterization, motivation, theme, imagery, irony, etc.
EXAMPLES:

Jack is characterized as a harsh but cunning leader.

When her mother dies, Jing-Mei is motivated to learn about her
family history.

Ironically, Oedipus does not know that he is the one who killed his
father.
3. Expand on your details. Make sure your details support your interpretation
of the critical lens. AVOID PLOT SUMMARY!
4. End in a clincher statement summarizing your main ideas from the paragraph.
2nd BODY PARAGRAPH
1. Begin with a topic sentence that uses a transition word or phrase.
EXAMPLES:

Like Jack, Napoleon also becomes corrupt as a result of obtaining
power.

Another character who is changed by his past is Oedipus.

Julius Caesar is also arrogant, but is killed before he learns from his
mistakes.
2. Support your topic sentence with at least 3-4 details from the novel. These
details should include the use of relevant literary elements such as
characterization, motivation, theme, imagery, irony, etc.
3. Make sure your details support your interpretation of the critical lens.
AVOID PLOT SUMMARY!
4. End in a clincher statement summarizing your main ideas from the paragraph.
CONCLUSION
1. Reword your interpretation of the critical lens.
2. Summarize the ideas of your 1st and 2nd body paragraphs.
3. End in a general statement which states some new original thought or
concluding idea.