...because I can't just turn it off and on again. To me, it's not a perspective, it is my perspective.
When I first started thinking critically about what I read, it was through the scathing reviews of the blogger Farla who would go chapter by chapter through a book and point out things she either liked or hated. Between books, the amount of focus given to aspects like character development or worldbuilding varied, but she always made sure to include a mention of how well the book did in its portrayal of women. I learned the "Farla" lens before ever hearing of the standard, school-taught lenses. How would I translate my way of reading into the categories of my school?
While there was no lens available that fit well with worldbuilding or characterization, the feminist way of looking at a book was one both I and the school system could agree on. I chose the feminist lens so I could stick with one I naturally use; it's not that I don’t want to challenge myself, but I have a feeling that I’ll need the motivation and interest I have for this lens to propel myself through Beloved (it’s not what I would choose to read if I was given the choice). I foresee my greatest difficulty will be in separating what is faithfully portrayed period-typical biases and the cultural views and sexism of the author, but I look forward to being able to explore new regions of a perspective I already enjoy.
