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INTRODUCTION
All Literature Study Guides share several common purposes; this one claims to be little different in this respect. It is structured in a way which will show you how to enhance and deepen your appreciation and enjoyment of literature. It will suggest methods which will constructively develop your awareness of our thoughts and origins by demonstrating the importance of literature to life. And, given the nature of most syllabi, there must be scope for the student to practice and develop their exploratory and analytical skills.
In order to satisfy the above objectives, it is necessary to take in to account the expectations of the examiners themselves. Whether you are producing written course work assignments, or preparing for a traditional written examination, all examiners will be looking for certain key elements. They will credit demonstrations of sensitive interaction with the text, and will reward the understanding of subtleties of character, theme and language. However well you understand your text, you must also be able to extract the information asked for, marshal your evidence precisely and constructively, and communicate your ideas persuasively. To do this, you will need to show that you are in full command of the material, that you possess a good working knowledge of your text.
This guide will also address ways in which the student can improve their own critical abilities. You will find the exploration of literature much more satisfying and rewarding if you read widely within your area; secondary sources will provide invaluable interpretations which will help stimulate, and shape, your own responses. A good knowledge of other works by the same author, as well as their contemporaries, will contextualize your novel / poem / play, and give you a larger picture of exactly what kind of contribution your writer made to the literary atmosphere of the age. Once your knowledge and understanding of the age in which your author was working becomes clearer to you, attempt to discuss your findings with others. Discussions and debates will exercise your knowledge, show you your strengths, and highlight areas for improvement. And, wherever possible, put this growing understanding to relevant use: practise examination questions so that you become familiar with the line of questioning and the standard expected.
The above are general...