English Literature Essay Planning and Structure Guide

1. Read the question carefully and identify which characters or themes you need to focus on.

Think back to your revision notes. What is your opinion about this character or theme?

For each character:

1. Consider why they are important in the play. Why do you think the writer included this character?
2. Consider how the character changes in the play. How does this character develop as the play progresses?
3. Identify the key moments for this character. Which scenes do they play an important part in?
4. Think of your notes about the different themes in the play. Does thinking about a theme develop your understanding of a character? How could you also talk about themes here?
5. Think of your notes about the historical context of the play. Does this develop your understanding of the character?
6. Analyse quotations and consider how the writer has used language to tell us something about the characters.

For each theme:

1. Consider why they are important in the play. Why do you think the writer wants the audience to think about this issue?
2. Consider how the theme changes in the play. How does this theme develop as the play progresses?
3. Identify the key moments for this theme. Which scenes do they play an important part in?
4. Look at your notes about the different characters in the play. Does thinking about a character develop your understanding of a theme?
5. Look at your notes about the historical context of the play. Does this develop your understanding of the theme?
6. Pick at least three quotations for each theme. Annotate them to consider how the writer has used language to tell us something.

• Read the extract and pick out 2/3 quotations you would like to focus on. Annotate these to consider how the writer has used language/structure/form for effect. • Identify other moments in the play that you think are important in exploring your opinion about the characters/themes. • Consider what information about historical context will help your explore your opinion. • When planning, order your notes into 4-6 clear points you are going to make.

Aiming for top grades?

• Can you see how a particular motif is important in this extract/the whole play? • Have you got a point to make about structure and/or form? • Can you consider alternative opinions to your own? What do other people think about this theme or character? • Make sure you have a clear line or argument (thesis) that answers the question.

How do you structure a paragraph for the 19th-century novel essay in English Literature Paper?

Example Question: Explore the role of social class in "Jane Eyre."

1. Start with a Clear Point:

   Social class is a crucial factor influencing the interactions and decisions of the characters in "Jane Eyre."

2. Introduce the Quotation and embed the quotation within a sentence to support your point:

   For instance, when Mr. Rochester reveals to Jane that he is a wealthy man, he states, 'I am not a rich man; I have nothing but my name and my money.'

3. Analyse and Explain the Quote - Analyse how the quote reflects the character's relationship with social class and its impact.

   This statement demonstrates Mr. Rochester's self-awareness of his social position, acknowledging that his wealth does not define his true self or happiness. It also highlights how social class, despite its importance, does not always equate to personal worth or fulfilment.

4. Provide Further Evidence to support your point and further your analysis:

   Similarly, Jane's experience at Lowood School reveals the harsh realities of class discrimination. The novel describes how Jane and other orphaned girls are subjected to severe treatment because of their lower social status, as illustrated when Mr. Brocklehurst criticises Jane for her appearance, saying she is 'deceiving us with her pretended meekness.'

5. Explain how this additional evidence supports your initial point and link it back to the question:

   This interaction illustrates the way social class dictates not only the treatment of individuals but also their self-perception and the judgments they face from others. In Jane's case, it fuels her determination to rise above her circumstances, which is a central theme in her personal growth throughout the novel.

• Do this 3 times!

Points to Remember:

• Use a variety of sophisticated words beyond "shows" to enhance your writing (illustrates, signifies, reveals, etc.). • Consider the historical and social context of the novel to provide deeper insights. • Use evaluative language to discuss the effectiveness of social class portrayal (effectively, significantly, notably).