Why Study English Literature?

In studying English Literature, you will develop interest in and enjoyment of the subject through reading widely, critically, and independently across centuries, genre and gender. You will consider how writers – including you – succeed in shaping the responses and opinions of others. In essence, “The study of English Literature trains the brain and frees the imagination; it is about life and living and just where you fit into the world around you.’’

What Does the course Involve?

Component One: Drama and Poetry pre-1900 (40 %) You must study one play by Shakespeare. In addition, you are required to study one pre-1900 poetry text.

At HBK, we study the texts below:

• Shakespeare: HAMLET Murder, revenge, corruption, madness, religion…. On this course, you will study Shakespeare’s most popular and most performed play, getting to grips with the language, structure, and rich themes of the text.
• Pre-1900 Drama: A DOLL’S HOUSE by Henrik Ibsen Gender roles, marriage, lies and deceit, 19th century bourgeoise values… Ibsen’s play caused ‘a storm of outraged controversy’ upon release, as it explored the role of women in a rigid male-dominated society.
• Pre-1900 Poetry: PARADISE LOST, BOOKS 9 & 10 by John Milton Sin and innocence, hierarchy and order, the Fall of Man, Satan… Milton’s Paradise Lost, an epic poem considered to be his masterpiece, solidified his reputation as one of the greatest English poets of all time.

Component Two: Comparative and Contextual study 40% On this part of the course, you study at least two whole texts in your chosen topic area.

At HBK, we opt for:

• American Literature 1880-1940 THE GREAT GATSBY by F Scott Fitzgerald The American Dream, infidelity, organised crime, morality, class boundaries… Fitzgerald’s text is one of the most celebrated literary masterpieces of all time and an example of the Great American Novel.
• PASSING by Nella Larsen Race and racism, Black identity, privilege, deception… New to the course from 2022, Larsen’s Passing, set in 1920s New York, explores the reunion between two old friends whose lives have taken very different paths.

Component Three: Literature post-1900 (20% coursework) You choose and study one poetry text, one drama text and one prose text all written after 1900.

• Poetry: SYLVIA PLATH You will explore an array of works from one of the world’s most celebrated poets, before choosing one piece to explore in greater depth for your coursework.
• Drama text: ARCADIA by Tom Stoppard Sex, literature, death and …pigeons. Stoppard’s farcical comedy explores knowledge, lust, and what it means to get things very wrong.
• Prose text: ATONEMENT by Ian McEwan Guilt, innocence, regret, war, remorse… widely regarded as McEwan’s best work, the text explores the devastating, lasting effects of a misunderstanding.

How will I be assessed?

80% exam, 20% coursework.

Leading to a career in?

A Level English Literature can lead to many career paths including journalism, writing, teaching, politics and the law