NB! See also my 21 Feb 2022 blog post.
Generally, Paper 2 exam essay questions seem to be concentrating on the following:
* Form and Structure
* Personal judgement, often can ask about a “lens” - cultural - feminist - etc.
* Themes or characterization - maybe conflict
* Broad Concept - beliefs - home - etc.
NB! See my 16 May 2022 blog post on assessment of essays.
What makes a text timeless and literary???
timeless = not affected by the passage of time or changes in fashion.
literary = having a marked style intended to create a particular emotional effect
Some sample Paper 2 questions:
1) Literature is often said to be timeless. To what extent is this true of two works you have studied?
2) How can we explain the continued interest in a particular work in different contexts and at different times?
The following could all be significant. Put them in the order of importance for you:
* an original, interesting plot
* well-rounded characters that are not perfect but easy to relate to
* a good conflict to build the story around, a good climax and resolution
* a well-done ending
* interesting use of language
* good use of literary devices and techniques
* being set in an interesting world
* themes of major importance and universal interest discussed
* aesthetic value
Possible reasons brought out by some earlier students (not a definitive list):
* reader being able to relate to the themes (real-life history, human struggle, epic fight good vs evil, existential questions)
* the characters have distinctive voices (characteristic of the time and place)
* life-like characters develop throughout the story (round and dynamic vs flat and static, see: https://prezi.com/c7kkzijg2-fa/characters-round-and-flat-static-vs-dynamic/)
* different elements work together (plot, character development, writing technique, etc)
* the text
includes several different viewpoints
is easily readable but not simplistic
allows multiple interpretations
gives a good overview of the world the story is set in
caters for the reader's intellectual, emotional, ethical, and
spiritual development
makes the reader question sth, ask questions
and search for answers
makes the reader think about themselves, their times,
their society, etc (familiarity)
Literary criticism
15 types: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/literary-theory-explained
Feminist criticism: https://www.thoughtco.com/feminist-literary-criticism-3528960#:~:text
Marxist criticism: https://writingcommons.org/section/research/research-methods/textual-methods/literary-criticism/marxist-criticism/#:~:text
Queer theory: https://literariness.org/2019/03/04/queer-theory/
Gay/lesbian studieshttps://literariness.org/2018/11/15/gay-lesbian-studies/
NB! See Literary criticism generic questions (on Tera)
