Overview
A research literary lens analysis essay offers a focused examination of a literary work through the
perspective of a specific critical theory or “lens.” This analytical approach enables scholars and students
to explore the text’s themes, characters, and narrative elements in relation to broader theoretical
frameworks. By employing a literary lens, the student uncovers deeper layers of meaning, highlighting
how the chosen theory illuminates aspects of the text that might otherwise remain obscured.
Through
close reading and theoretical engagement, the research literary lens analysis essay seeks to enrich
understanding, foster critical inquiry, and contribute to ongoing discussions within the realm of literary
studies.
Assignment Guidelines
In 2000 words or more, write a research literary lens analysis essay wherein you analyze how Karl Marx’s
theory of classism is depicted in Toni Cade Bambara’s “The Lesson” and Dexter Jeffries’ “Sailboats in
Central Park.” Be sure to support your analysis with evidence from the texts. As this is a research
assignment, you must also locate and cite 3 peer-reviewed scholarly sources obtained from the library
database to support your understanding of Marxist theory.
Format of Paper
Format: APA (7th edition)
Layout: Double-spaced, standard margins
Word Count: 2000 words+ (not including the References page)
Structure
– Is your introduction paragraph structured according to H.B.T.?
– Are your paragraphs properly structured according to P.I.E.S.?
– Does your conclusion restate your thesis and summarize the main points mentioned in your body paragraphs?
Cohesion
– Does your thesis statement present the main claim of your paper in a direct, clear, and concise way?
– Are all of your topic sentences (points) connected to your thesis?
– Does each body paragraph focus on ONE point through and through without veering off track?
– Do your in-text citations properly support the points made in their respective paragraphs?
Flow
– Are there smooth transitions between and within paragraphs that create coherence and unity?
– Did you use a variety of sentence types in your essay so that your paper would flow nicely?
Here is how P.I.E.S. is broken down:
P – Point (the main point of the paragraph; the topic sentence. Remember, a topic sentence must present a point
that is related to your thesis statement).
I – Illustrate (illustrate your main point [topic sentence] with supporting details. Your supporting details further
explain your main point and are needed in order to make it clearer to your audience what the main point of this
paragraph is).
E – Evidence (include evidence—typically a quote—that validates your point and supporting details. Without
evidence, your reader will find it hard to believe your argument).
S – Summation Sentence (conclude your paragraph with a summation sentence that restates the main point of
the paragraph).
Here is how HBT is broken down
Introduction—
An introduction is the first paragraph of your paper. The goal of your introduction is to let your reader know what
he or she can expect from your paper. An effective introduction should:
o Catch your reader’s attention
o Provide information related to the topic of the paper
o Set the tone of your paper
o Clearly identify your stance on the topic in which you are writing about
There are three components of an introduction paragraph:
1) The Hook—the “hook” grabs your reader’s attention. You want to captivate your audience sooner rather than
later. Here are some suggestions on how to write a hook:
o Ask a rhetorical question
o Set the scene of your story: who, when, where, what, why, how?
o Share an anecdote (a humorous short story) that captures your topic
o Share a common misconception about your topic
o Share an interesting fact or statistic about your topic.
**There is no universal way of writing a hook. You must choose the technique that works best for you as a writer and that aligns best with your
paper. As long as it grabs the reader’s attention, you should be fine.**
2) Background Information on the Topic—After your hook, write a few sentences about the topic in which you
are writing about. You don’t want to go too in-depth; just enough to educate your reader on the topic so that they
can understand your paper better. This component of the introduction is critical as your reader may have little to
no knowledge of the paper’s topic. If your reader doesn’t understand the topic, then they won’t understand your
arguments; educate them a bit.
3) The Thesis Statement—The last sentence (or two) of an introduction paragraph is your thesis statement. This
is your main claim to the topic of the paper (see thesis statement handout). This is the most important component
of the introduction because it will allow your reader to understand the arguments and supporting points presented
in the remainder of your paper. If your thesis statement isn’t effective, then your reader will have trouble
understanding the rest of your paper.
