My Passion For The Study Of Literature

My interest in Literature began in high school, during my introduction to Frankenstein and Gothic literature in year 9 where the readings of supernatural themes, the question of power and the uncanny provoked such diverse opinions and revealed the varied effects that stories can have on people. I believe that this first insight into the impact of literature is what inspired to want me to teach it in the future.

The study of Literature has helped to illuminate issues from both around the world and from other time periods which, as a history student, enthralls me in a way that no other subject does. I feel that I have excelled in literature at college, especially in renaissance and postcolonial literature such as in Shakespeare and Donne. In my personal studies, I have investigated ideas of Freudianism in Romeo and Juliet, deepening my knowledge of Shakespeare. This psychoanalytical approach places the lovers dilemma within the concept of ego and id and arguing their ‘love’ to be simply the repressed primitive impulses. My study of Modern History has also helped to refine my contextual skills greatly and, with music, has assisted in the development of my critical thinking as I can now effectively create informed judgments.

My independent EPQ explored the progression of female authors and protagonists across three consecutive centuries. Looking at Austen, Wolfe and Holly Bourne, my analysis considered how they reflected issues presented in their society. The conclusion of my project found the authors used their heroines to prompt a change of perception of women in literature by challenging conventions. In summer, I attended the Lancaster University summer school, studying beginnings in literature. This residential expanded my knowledge of analysis with my favorite tutorial introducing me to the element of pretexts and what contextual and literary elements they can add to the text that would previously have been missed. I chose to study the children's text Alice in Wonderland and the pretextual poem that precedes the story. Through research, I discovered that the poem was designed to not stand alone but form the framework for the tale to come and, in this way, place the reader in the correct mindset in which to understand Carroll’s nonsensical world. It was interesting to see that although the poem was a gateway into the world, it wouldn’t fully make any sense without the context of the story. I have gained experience writing as part of the award-winning Sixth Sense college magazine. In my published articles, I have explored a range of topics such as how mental health is portrayed in media and how it affects a person's identity and also produced articles giving advice to new college students. In all of my articles, I strive to look at issues through a range of different views and so circulate questionnaires around fellow students to aid in my research. I also take part in the creative writing group in college, enjoying the ability to have my own work critiqued as well as helping others to develop their own writing. From developing stories, we also look at script writing and other media and our work is published in the magazine. As part of my upper year, I have enrolled in a peer teaching program and will be tutoring new students in some of my subjects. This will help me to gain experience in the field of teaching and also allow me to share my enthusiasm for my subjects. Whilst in my first year I also undertook a series of extracurricular lessons under award-winning teacher Pete Wright, that taught me the basics of teaching methods and ways of engaging with students, I wish to employ these methods within my mentoring.

I believe that I have demonstrated my passion for the study of literature and believe that I would be a dedicated and willing addition to your course. I hope that studying at your university will be the first step on my journey to teaching in the future, hoping to share my enthusiasm as my teachers have done with me.