Part one-Structuring your response.
All English Literature GCSE exam boards include essay-style questions which require you to respond analytically to a poem, play or novel. So, what exactly does the word ‘analyse’ mean? In simple terms, the examiner wants to know if you can identify the techniques used by the writer and comment on the effects on the reader/audience. They want to know that you can read between the lines, rather than stating the obvious. They do NOT want you to simply paraphrase the text. This is a chance to show your understanding of the ways in which the writer creates meaning.
Let’s look at an example question from the AQA exam board:
(Paper 2, modern texts)
‘An Inspector Calls’
How does Priestley present Sheila as a character who learns important lessons about herself and society?
Write about:
• some of the things Sheila learns in the play
• how Priestley presents Sheila as a character who learns important lessons about herself and society
The question is always worded in a similar way. It focuses on the writer, Priestley, and HOW he presents the character of Sheila. So, in your response, your topic sentences should be related to HOW Priestley presents Sheila.
Consider WHAT she learns and HOW she changes from the beginning of the play to the end.
Some brief ideas to consider in your plan:
-At the beginning she is presented as a young girl who is interested in material goods and status:
'(Excited) Oh – Gerald – you’ve got it – is it the one [ring] you wanted me to have?'
‘Oh, it’s wonderful! Look-mummy, isn’t it a beauty?’
But she does show sympathy when she hears about Eva’s death:
“Oh, how horrible, was it an accident?”
-Later in the play she is presented as an empathetic character with socialist views:
'But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.'
-By the end of the play, Priestley presents her as a responsible individual who admits her mistakes and has learnt from them:
‘(with sudden alarm) Mother-stop-Stop!’ 'Between us we drove that girl to commit suicide.'
Once you have your main ideas and quotes, think about your topic sentences. Each paragraph should link to the question and have a strong argument.
Good example of a TOPIC SENTENCE:
Priestley initially presents Sheila as a young, naïve girl who is impressed by material goods and status.
Bad example:
I think Sheila is a spoilt child who loves her new ring because it was expensive.
The second example doesn’t focus on the writer and his intentions. It is based on an opinion only. Sheila is not a real person, she is a character who has been carefully created by the writer.
Further points to consider:
-Each paragraph should include a POINT-EVIDENCE-TECHNIQUE-ANALYSIS -LINK (PETAL)
-Aim to write quality analytical paragraphs with an introduction and conclusion. QUALITY not QUANTITY.
-Don’t simply re-tell the story or write about a character as though they are a real person.
-Remember, writers create characters and present them in a particular way for a specific effect on the reader/audience.
-You should not be afraid to voice your own opinions with regards to Literature.
My next blog will explain how to analyse language in more detail, to gain higher marks in the exam.
For more help and support with analytical essays, or any questions that you may have about this blog, please get in touch via email/WhatsApp.
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