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Button Button Back to Topic Menu Analysing Poetry Analysing Poetry Literature (Year 12) - Poetry Erin Tuckwell Essential parts of poetry to look at Contexts Context of production This refers to the circumstances around the creation of a piece of literature, such as historical events, cultural influences, and societal norms. Unpacking this context assists with understanding how these factors may have shaped both the author’s perspective and themes explored in the text. Author’s context This denotes the background, circumstances, and influences surrounding the author of a text. This could include researching the author’s personal experiences, cultural environment, and social, political and literary influences. These will help with indicating the motivations, themes, and messages contained in their writing. Context of reception The context of reception is related to the circumstances surrounding a current reading of a text, such as current cultural and social events, and reader’s personal experiences, beliefs, and values. This is crucial for comprehending how a text is interpreted and valued differently by different audiences across time. Main themes and ideas Themes in poetry can encompass a large number of central ideas. When analysing poems, it can be useful to think both about the immediate impressions gained from a first reading, followed by a more in-depth examination of the more subtle messages that are conveyed through poetic devices, structure, and form. Cultural identities In poetry, cultural identities can often be represented, reflected, critiqued, or commented on, either that of the nation it was produced in or others. By exploring these in their works, authors can often create connections with their readers and the communities around them. Representations You can also look at the values, beliefs, and attitudes conveyed in the text and what themes these work to support. Additionally, you can examine how these work to support and/or challenge dominant ideologies. Generic features Generic features as a concept refers to the characteristic elements that define a particular genre or type of literary work. When analysing, you can examine how a text is an example of its form and genre, how it borrows from other genres, and follow this with considering how genre works to position readers towards a particular theme or message. Language and literary devices When analysing poetry, one of the key ways to provide a solid analysis of themes backed up my evidence is to identify the techniques used by the author. A comprehensive list of recommend techniques to be able to spot is provided below. Furthermore, it is important to note how these shape your response to the text, as well as how they fit within a particular style. Reading practices/strategies/lens When analysing a poem, one technique is to apply a reading lens that you are confident in, such as a Marxist or Feminist perspective. This is known as establishing the dominant reading, which is the practice which the poem most easily lends itself to. Once this has been done, you can then potentially apply a resistant or alternative reading, when leads to more of a comparative essay. However, it should be understood that particularly in a Close Reading, it is not necessary to apply a lens and a comprehensive, well-rewarded essay can be written without one. Intertextuality Intertextuality in literature is the way in which texts refer to and draw upon other texts, either through direct references, allusions, or implicit connections. This can be seen as enriching a singular text through added meaning and depth. Additionally, these references bring together the collective cultural and literary knowledge amongst a community and connects otherwise standalone pieces. Personal responses When analysing poetry, it can be useful to include a personal response to the poem when appropriate to the question, as well as in a close reading. Noting your emotional and intellectual responses to a text, as well as the aesthetic appreciation gained, can help with comprehending how readers are positioned by the text. Poetic Conventions The sound of words Alliteration A literary device characterised by the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words within a phrase or sentence. E.g. Susan sells sunglasses by the seashore. Assonance A literary device characterised by the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words or phrases, used to create a musical or rhythmic effect in the text. E.g. The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain (the long ‘a’ sound is repeated). Consonance The repetition of consonant sounds, especially at the ends of words, within close proximity in a phrase or sentence. Its use contributes to rhythm and musicality in language. E.g. The quick, quirky quokka quietly quivered. Onomatopoeia A literary device where words imitate the sound they represent, used to enhance auditory imagery within the text. E.g. Raindrops pitter-pattered on the windowpane. Refrain A repeated line, phrase, or stanza that appears at regular intervals throughout a poem. It is often seen as a chorus or key thematic element. On the shores of time, we’ll meet again, / Where memories dance and whispers reign. / On the shores of time, we’ll meet again. Repetition The intentional recurrence of words, phrases, sounds, or structural elements for emphasis, rhythm, or thematic effect. Rhyme The repetition of similar sounds at the end of lines or within lines, creating a musical and cohesive effect. E.g. Celebrate the night, under the moon’s bright light. Rhythm The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that creates a musical flow or beat within the lines. E.g. The rain falls gently on the roof, / A soothing rhythm, a calming proof. Tone/mood The poet’s attitude or emotions towards the subject matter, conveyed through language, imagery, and poetic devices. E.g. “The woods are lovely, dark and deep, / But I have promises to keep, / And miles to go before I sleep, / And miles to go before I sleep.” – Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening , by Robert Frost. The meaning of words Allegory A narrative or description that has a second hidden meaning, which often acts as a symbol for a deeper concept. E.g. The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan serves as an allegory for the spiritual journey of a Christian believer. Allusion A brief, indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of significance, whether that is historical, cultural, literary, or political. E.g. “In the room the women come and go/ Talking of Michelangelo.” – The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock , by T.S. Eliot, alludes to the Renaissance artist Michelangelo. This is used to suggest a sense of sophistication and cultural awareness. Antithesis The comparison of contrasting ideas or elements within a verse to create a noticeable effect. E.g. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” – Charles Dickens. Cliché An overused phrase or expression that lacks originality and often diminishes the impact of the poem. E.g. Her eyes were as bright as the stars in the sky. Connotation The additional meaning or emotional association that a word carries beyond its literal definition, which often influences the poem’s imagery or tone. E.g. A bakery filled with the smell of fresh bread connotes warmth, or the colour black connotes evil or darkness. Denotation The literal or dictionary meaning of a word. E.g. The sentence above this is the denotation of the word denotation. Euphemism The use of milder or indirect language to express something unpleasant or taboo in a more socially acceptable or less offensive way. E.g. Celestial retirement home, as a euphemism for cemetery. Hyperbole An exaggerated statement or claim not intended to be taken literally, and is used for emphasis or heightened effect. E.g. My backpack weighs a tonne. Imagery The use of vivid and descriptive language to create sensory experiences and evoke emotions in readers. There are five common types, those being visual (sight), auditory (sound), olfactory (smell), gustatory (taste), and tactile (touch). E.g. The moon hung like a glowing pearl in the midnight blue sky. Irony Where there is a contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs. It often results in a humorous or satirical effect. E.g. After waiting all week for the sunny weekend, the forecast predicted rain. Metaphor A figure of speech that directly compares two unrelated things to suggest a similarity between them, without using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’. E.g. Her laughter was a melody. Oxymoron A literary device that combines contradictory or opposing terms in a single expression or phrase. E.g. Bittersweet, deafening silence Paradox A statement or situation that appears contradictory or absurd, but upon closer examination reveals a deeper truth or meaning. E.g. Less is more Personification A literary device where human qualities are attributed to non-human entities or objects. E.g. The candles danced in the darkness. Pun A play on words that exploits the multiple meanings of a word or phrase. E.g. I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough. Simile A figure of speech that compares two different things using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’. E.g. Her smile was like sunshine on a rainy day. Symbol A tangible or abstract object, person, or idea that represents a deeper meaning or concept. E.g. A dove symbolising peace Synecdoche A figure of speech where a part of something is used to represent the whole, or vice versa. E.g. His wheels arrived at the finish line first. Synaesthesia The poetic technique of blending sensory experiences, where one sensory perception triggers another. E.g. The taste of the sunset lingered on her lips. Arranging the words Caesura A deliberate pause or break within a line, often marked by punctuation. This creates a rhythmic or dramatic effect. E.g. Sing a song of sixpence, a pocket full of rye Couplet A pair of consecutive lines that typically rhyme and have the same meter, serving as a complete unit within a poem. E.g. In sweet embrace, their love will forever bloom, / Underneath the moonlight’s silver plume. Enjambment Occurs when a line or verse extends beyond the end of the line, continuing into the next line without a pause or punctuation, creating a flow-on effect. E.g. The river flows / swiftly through the / lush green valley. Form The structure and organisation of a poem, including elements such as rhyme scheme, meter, and stanzaic arrangement. E.g. A haiku Line A single row of words arranged according to a predetermined pattern or structure. E.g. Whispers of the wind caress the weary willow. Meter The rhythmic structure created by a pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of verse. Point of view The perspective from which the poem is narrated or expressed, shaping the reader’s understanding. Rhetorical question A query that does not require an answer from the reader, often posed for effect, emphasis, to provoke a thought, or make a point. E.g. “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” – Sonnet 18, by William Shakespeare Rhyme scheme The pattern of rhymes at the end of each line or stanza, typically denoted with letters to represent the different rhyme sounds. Stanza A grouped set of lines within a poem, often separated by a space or indentation, functioning as a unit within the larger structure of the poem. Verse A single line or grouping of lines that form a unit within a poem, typically characterised by meter, rhyme, or a coherent theme. Previous Page Back to Topic Next Page

Button Button Back to Topic Menu Feminism Marxism Eco-critical Gendered Eco-critical Literature (Year 12) - Readings Rebecca Sainsbury History Ecocriticism came into prominence during the 1960s, coinciding with the rise of the environmental movement and the publication of Rachel Carson's influential work, "Silent Spring," in 1962. However, its significant development occurred primarily in the 1980s. Since then, ecocriticism has experienced two distinct periods of heightened interest: the initial surge in the 1980s and a subsequent resurgence in the 1990s. What is the theory? Ecocriticism is an interdisciplinary approach that examines the intersection of literature and the environment, drawing upon insights from various scientific disciplines to analyse how literary works reflect and engage with environmental issues. This field seeks to understand the complex relationships between humans and the natural world, while also proposing potential solutions for addressing contemporary environmental challenges. The emergence of ecocriticism as a formal field of study was marked by the publication of influential works in the mid-1990s, including "The Ecocriticism Reader", edited by Cheryll Glotfelty and Harold Fromm, and "The Environmental Imagination", by Lawrence Buell. This type of analysis has garnered significant interest in recent times, spurred by growing societal concern over environmental degradation and advancements in technology. As a result, it offers a novel perspective for examining and understanding literary texts, enriching the field of literary and theoretical studies with fresh insights. Ecocriticism, which encompasses various related terms such as "green (cultural) studies", "ecopoetics", and "environmental literary criticism", takes a broad approach deliberately, aiming to explore the intricate connections between literature and the environment. It challenges traditional Western views that often perceive nature as merely a resource for human exploitation and utility. Elements of the Reading Ecocriticism, as a literary theory, encompasses several key elements that shape its approach to analysing texts in relation to the natural environment. Here are the main elements of ecocriticism: Nature as Multifaceted Ecocriticism stands as a literary lens that elevates nature to a central position within the analysis, going beyond mere backdrop status to perceive it as a dynamic and integral component of the text itself. In this approach, nature emerges as a nuanced character, endowed with agency, symbolism, and profound significance within the narrative landscape. Such a perspective underscores the intricate interplay between humanity and its surroundings, revealing how literary works both reflect and respond to pressing ecological concerns. One of the hallmarks of ecocriticism lies in its interdisciplinary nature, drawing upon a rich tapestry of insights from diverse fields including literature, environmental science, philosophy, sociology, and cultural studies. This interdisciplinary framework empowers eco-critics to delve into the multifaceted interactions between humans and their environment, enriching literary analysis with scientific, philosophical, and cultural depth. Furthermore, ecocriticism places a strong emphasis on the significance of place and landscape in shaping human identity, culture, and imagination. Eco-critics meticulously dissect how authors portray specific geographical locations, ecosystems, and landscapes, meticulously unravelling the layers of cultural, historical, and ecological significance embedded within these settings. By scrutinising the portrayal of landscapes, eco-critics unveil the intricate ways in which literature reflects and moulds our intricate relationship with the natural world. Moreover, ecocriticism delves into the pivotal role of literature in nurturing an ecological imagination—a worldview that fosters an acute awareness of and profound empathy for the interconnectedness of all living beings and ecosystems. Through meticulous literary analysis, eco-critics probe how literature serves as a catalyst for readers, inviting them to perceive and engage with the natural world in deeply transformative and enriching ways. This perspective not only facilitates a deeper understanding of environmental issues but also kindles a sense of responsibility towards ecological stewardship, inspiring readers to embrace a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with the planet. Environmental Ethics In novels, ecocriticism delves into both environmental justice and environmental ethics, illuminating the intersection of social issues and ethical considerations within the narrative landscape. Ecocriticism is grounded in environmental ethics, which examines human responsibilities and ethical obligations towards the natural world. Eco-critics often assess literary texts in light of ethical questions related to environmental sustainability, stewardship, conservation, and justice. For instance, in Octavia E. Butler's "Parable of the Sower", the protagonist, Lauren Olamina, navigates a dystopian world plagued by environmental degradation and social inequality, shedding light on the injustices faced by marginalised communities. Butler's narrative serves as a poignant exploration of environmental justice, reflecting real-world struggles against environmental racism. Similarly, Aldo Leopold's "A Sand County Almanac" offers a literary testament to environmental ethics, advocating for a land ethic that emphasises humanity's ethical responsibilities towards the natural world. Through these literary examples, ecocriticism demonstrates its capacity to engage with complex environmental issues while enriching our understanding of human interactions with the environment. Anthropocentrism Anthropocentrism, the belief that humans are the central or most significant species on Earth, underpins many cultural attitudes and practices that contribute to environmental destruction. Eco-critics critique anthropocentric narratives in literature and culture that portray nature as a resource to be exploited for human benefit, overlooking the intrinsic value of non-human beings and ecosystems. These narratives often reinforce hierarchical power structures that privilege human interests at the expense of ecological integrity and biodiversity. Through ecocritical analysis, scholars examine how literature reflects and perpetuates anthropocentric worldviews, uncovering the ways in which human-centred ideologies shape narratives of progress, conquest, and domination over nature. For example, in Joseph Conrad's novel "Heart of Darkness", the protagonist's journey into the African wilderness serves as a metaphor for Western imperialism and the exploitation of natural resources, reflecting a colonialist mindset that views nature as a resource to be conquered and exploited for economic gain. Eco-critics also challenge anthropocentric assumptions about human exceptionalism and superiority, advocating for a more inclusive and holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of all living beings and ecosystems. By centring non-human perspectives and experiences in literature, eco-critics highlight the agency and subjectivity of non-human beings, challenging readers to empathise with and respect the inherent value of all life forms. Moreover, ecocriticism promotes alternative narratives and worldviews that prioritise ecological sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and environmental justice. By examining literary texts that imagine worlds where humans coexist harmoniously with nature, eco-critics inspire readers to envision more equitable and sustainable ways of inhabiting the Earth. Through critical engagement with anthropocentric narratives, ecocriticism encourages readers to recognise their responsibility as stewards of the planet and advocate for the protection and preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems for future generations. Sustainability One prominent theme in ecocritical literature is sustainability, which encompasses the notion of living in balance with nature to meet the needs of present and future generations. Literary works often explore the consequences of unsustainable practices such as deforestation, pollution, and overconsumption, highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship and conservation efforts. For example, Barbara Kingsolver's novel "Prodigal Summer" interweaves narratives of human and non-human characters to illustrate the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the need for sustainable agricultural practices. Resilience is another key concept examined in ecocritical literature, referring to the capacity of ecosystems and communities to adapt and recover from environmental disruptions. Literary texts often depict characters and landscapes grappling with environmental challenges such as natural disasters, climate change, and habitat loss. Through narratives of resilience, literature celebrates the resilience of nature and explores the human capacity for adaptation and survival. In Cormac McCarthy's novel "The Road", the protagonist and his son navigate a post-apocalyptic landscape devastated by an unspecified environmental catastrophe, reflecting on themes of resilience, hope, and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of environmental collapse. Moreover, ecocritical literature encourages readers to envision alternative ways of living that prioritise ecological sustainability and environmental justice. By exploring utopian and dystopian visions of the future, literary texts provoke critical reflection on current environmental issues and inspire readers to take action to protect the planet. Ursula K. Le Guin's novel "The Dispossessed" imagines a society on a desert planet that practices sustainable living and embraces principles of ecological balance, offering a compelling vision of a world where humans coexist harmoniously with nature. Examples of Ecocritical Novels Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi Silent Spring by Rachel Carson The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck The Fifth Sacred Thing by Starhawk Previous Page Back to Topic Next Page

Button Button Back to Topic Menu Feminism Marxism Eco-critical Gendered Gendered Literature (Year 12) - Readings Erin Tuckwell What is a Gendered reading? Historical context, origins and development To begin with, it needs to be understood that when examining gender as a concept, we are analysing how men, women, and all people act according to society’s expectations. Because of this, a gendered reading can very easily accidentally become an evaluation of stereotypes and naturalised assumptions regarding gender. Literature can be used to either perpetrate and support these beliefs or, through a gendered reading, can be seen for the ways they subvert them. Additionally, one of the most important things to consider is that gender is socially constructed. This lends itself particularly to LGBTQ+ narratives, analyses of power dynamics and patriarchy, representations of masculinity and femininity, and gender roles. Through this lens, we can uncover perhaps previously unseen meanings, power structures, and societal norms within a studied text. The historical context of a gendered reading stems innately from a feminist critique perspective, and has been developed over time to encompass queer theory, which introduced non-normative gender and sexual identities, as well as intersectionality, which brought forth the interconnectedness of gender with race, class, and other social factors. How is it different to a feminist reading? Essentially, a gendered reading is similar to a feminist reading in that it examines the way in which women are depicted and portrayed in a selected text, but differs in that it analyses the way all other genders are as well. Both a feminist and a gendered reading should consider the depicted relationships between men and women, and in a gendered reading, a useful paragraph to include is one on masculinity and the patriarchy. Significant ideas Representations and stereotypes A gendered reading seeks to investigate how a text depicts men, women, and non-binary individuals and how they conform or resist traditional archetypes. Through examining single characters’ representations of these, we can gain a broader understanding of the text’s cultural attitudes towards gender. Particularly in an essay integrating personal voice, this provides a valuable opportunity for a critique of gender expectations. Below is a table providing a brief overview of some conventional gender representations that you can look out for. This only covers orthodox feminine and masculine traits. Female Male Objects of the male gaze The observer Temptresses Competitive Passive – dutiful, patient Leaders Emotional – hysterical, irrational Rational – calm, level-headed Dependent Independent Heroes Power dynamics Through a gendered reading, we can scrutinise how power hierarchies are formed between characters based on their gender identities. Through this, we can uncover how built-in patriarchal structures influence different characters. An analysis of power dynamics is particularly useful in criticising unjust systems and social orders that may be taken for granted in a text. Gender identity and agency A gendered reading also should consider how characters' actions are affected by their gender, as well as how they conform to or challenge traditional gender archetypes. Exploring the individual gender of each character also encourages discussing issues of agency and self-expression, such as how ‘free’ they are perceived to be due to/despite their gender and how they navigate societal expectations and constraints potentially placed on them. Subversion and resistance A particularly strong way to enact a gendered reading is to examine how particular characters subvert and resist gender norms and expectations that may be placed on them. Overt displays of this in a text include acts of defiance, rebellion, or even behaviour that goes against what is expected. Additionally, some of these actions could be hidden in the first reading of a text, but when viewed through a gendered lens, they become clear. Context Depending on the context of production of a studied text, the ways in which gender norms and ideologies have evolved over time can be examined through their differing representations. Gendered readings also allow us insight into how gender was viewed at the time a text was published, and depending on the text, can deepen our comprehension of how literature from the time was reflective of broader social and political issues. How to apply a Gendered reading A gendered reading can be easy to apply to a variety of texts once you understand what you’re looking for. One way of implementing this lens is to identify common representations of a gender in the text, and examine how they are portrayed. For example, if a woman is depicted as being the object of a male gaze, you can analyse how this puts forward a diminished character, and explain how through a gendered lens, this stereotype can be identified and critiqued. In terms of essay structure, a gendered reading is one which can be used throughout a whole piece of writing with relative ease. This could be done by splitting up your analysis into three paragraphs on feminine, masculine, and queer representations respectively. Alternatively, a gendered reading can work as a single paragraph in a broader debate essay covering a few different lenses that work cohesively together, such as a piece of writing that moves from a feminist lens, to a Marxist lens, to a gendered reading. Questions to ask whilst you read Who makes the majority of important decisions in the text? Think about their gender, race, and class. How many characters are women? Do they play an important role in the text? How do the men and women in the text interact? Does the text seem to have the interests of a particular group in favour of another’s? How are traditional stereotypes for both men and women viewed in the world of the text? How is masculinity portrayed in the text? How is language used to describe characters? Are the descriptions for women overly focused on physical characteristics? Conclusion A gendered reading provides an opportunity to compare, contrast and critique representations of all genders in a text. Particularly in more contemporary novels, it also allows you to perform a study of representations of genderfluid individuals of whom a lens such as feminism may not traditionally pertain. Previous Page Back to Topic Next Page

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