English Literature

A/A* Literature Tips

Adding skilful touches to your essays

Tip #1 – A Little Says A Lot – BE CONCISE

Learn and practise carefully constructed sentences that cram in understanding – here is one for the poem Belfast Confetti:
Carson’s autobiographical account of the detonation of a ‘dirty’ bomb utilises a series of examples of orthographic imagery, creating a sense of the very foundations of his understanding falling apart like the buildings around him.
High-level technical and specific language, and a final clause that comments on the effect.

Tip #2 – Plan carefully

Select the ideas that you will use – while all your ideas may be relevant, not all will fit together cohesively to create an effective essay. A good essay takes the reader on a circular journey, and there are no stops or jumps – link your ideas carefully.
What do you think is the importance of the Inspector and how does Priestley present him?
Catalyst – mirror – conscience – prosecution lawyer – narrator – voice of reason – foil to Mr Birling

Tip #3 – Write with an academic tone

Example:
An Inspector Calls
Edna – Priestley not only employs the character of Eva Smith to respresent the oppression of the working class, he also uses the silent maid, Edna, in order to symbolise the silence of the working class: they were politically disenfranchised; morally subjugated and socially alienated from Edwardian Britain.

Tip #4 Evaluate

Give a qualified opinion on how effective the writing is at achieving the writer’s purposes – using adverbs.
effectively, skilfully, coherently, brashly, quietly, gradually, subtly, thoroughly, demonstrably, brilliantly, deliberately, increasingly, impressively, patiently, successfully, methodically, partially

Cummings effectively creates a parody of a politician that incisively strikes out at the smugness and self-satisfaction of those who had no part in the war, yet claim its glory; although the finer points of his case are lost somewhat by the incoherency of the speaker.

Tip #5 Alternative Interpretations

Walk around a device or technique – see it from several angles – imagine the reaction from several different audiences. A good way to achieve this with heritage texts is to contrast the reaction of the original audience with the modern audience:
To a modern audience, Romeo and Juliet have become symbols of the grandness of love – sacrificing self and family honour to be with the one we love. However, it’s likely that Shakespeare’s original audience would have perceived the story very differently: from their perspective, the lovers get their just deserts for abandoning the role they play in their families and society to selfishly follow their own desires. Shakespeare may have intended the play as a ‘horrible warning’ rather than an example of love as it should be.

For examples please go to www.whsteamenglish.edublogs.org