The Linked Essay Task
• Reference
to recognised critics;
• Different
theatrical interpretations of drama where candidates discuss different
directors’ presentations or different actors’ portrayals;
• Exploring
a text in relation to, for example, Aristotelian or other concepts of tragedy;
• Developing
a theoretical approach to the study of their texts (feminism or Marxism, for example)
• Different
interpretations of texts produced through rewriting or television/ film
adaptations.
Assessment
Objectives
Candidates are
expected to demonstrate the following in the context of the content described:
AO1
Communication and Presentation
• Articulate
creative, informed and relevant responses to literary texts, using appropriate terminology
and concepts, and coherent, accurate written expression.
AO2 Analysis and
Understanding
• Demonstrate
detailed critical understanding in analysing the ways in which structure, form
and language shape meanings in literary texts.
AO3 Knowledge,
Understanding and Evaluation
• Explore
connections and comparisons between different literary texts, informed by interpretations
of other readers.
AO4 Knowledge
and Understanding
• Demonstrate
understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which
literary texts are written and received.
Example Title
Tasks
With close reference to Sons and Lovers and
The History Boys, compare how Winterson and Bennett present adult
influence on the developing youth.
Compare and contrast the presentation of
class in Sons and Lovers and The History Boys.
Compare and contrast how Sons and Lovers and
Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit present social expectations and
conventions.
By close comparison of the two novels, an
exploration of home life in Sons and Lovers and Oranges Are Not The
Only Fruit.
Compare the uses of formal invention in The
History Boys and Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit.
An exploration into the portrayal
of same sex relationships in The History Boys and Oranges Are Not The
Only Fruit.
Title
Tasks with Embedded Quotations
“Dystopian literature invites the reader to
reflect upon the mutability of identity.” By comparing The Handmaid’s Tale and
Never Let Me Go, discuss how far, and in what ways the two novels support or
refute this claim?
What is the impact of the author’s choice of
narrator in The Handmaid’s Tale and Never Let Me Go? Provide a comparative
discussion.
“If you want a picture of the future, imagine
a boot stamping on a human face – forever.” In the light of this statement, in
what ways would you see The Handmaid’s Tale and Never Let Me Go presenting any
sense of optimism?
“A mixture of social pressure inflicted on,
and path to self-destruction embraced by, the protagonists.” Compare and
contrast the plots of The Handmaid’s Tale and Never Let Me Go in the light of
this comment.
“A common feature of dystopian literature is
its celebration of the individual in the face of diversity.” Compare the
presentation of heroism in The Handmaid’s Tale and The Road.
“Speculative Fiction sounds like
it should be tentatively exploratory, but it is often deeply manipulative
writing.” An investigation into the didacticism of futuristic novels by a
comparison of The Road and Never Let Me Go.
