AS Unit F662: Literature post-1900

The Linked Essay Task

 

Candidates submit an essay considering two texts exploring contrasts and comparisons between them, informed by interpretations of other readers. The term ‘other readers’ is defined as:
 

• 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.

 

Titling your Analysis

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.