A reading lens can be thought of as a critical framework through which your interpretation of a text is informed
Applying a lens involves synthesising relevant theory with your interpretation of a particular text - to this extent, you are required to do some reading and research (it is very clear to marker if you are knowledgeable or not)
At its most basic level, presenting a reading using a lens could read something along the lines of:
“Through the use of a feminist lens, the TEXT can be interpreted as”
“When read through a feminist lens”
“A feminist reading of the text…”
Remember - it is crucial that you discuss relevant theory in your response (define/explain the characteristics, contextualise, draw on specific theories, etc) - this can be done in the introduction or first body paragraph, working to frame your response and demonstrate to the marker that you are indeed knowledgeable
Feminism - The Basics
Inequality between men and women is universal and the most significant form of inequality
Gender norms are socially constructed not determined by biology and can thus be changed
Patriarchy is the main cause of gender inequality - women are subordinate because men have more power
Feminism is a political movement; it exists to rectify sexual inequalities, although strategies for social change vary enormously
There are 4 types of feminism - Radical, Marxist, Liberal and Difference/Postmodern
Typical Questions to ask
Interrogate texts, considering the following
How is the relationship between men and women portrayed?
What are the power relationships between men and women (or characters assuming male/female roles)?
How are male and female roles defined?
What constitutes masculinity and femininity?
How do characters embody these traits?
Do characters take on traits from opposite genders? How so? How does this change others’ reactions to them?
What does the work reveal about the operations (economically, politically, socially or psychologically) of patriarchy?
What does the work imply about the possibilities of sisterhood as a mode of resisting patriarchy?
What does the work say about women’s creativity?
What does the history of the work’s reception by the public and by the critics tell us about the operation of patriarchy?
What role does the work play in terms of women’s literary history and literary tradition?