Context and appreciation of literature

Understanding Cultural Context

Comprehend the significance of setting - this includes the time, place, and socio-cultural backdrop of the texts.
Delicate awareness of the historic events or social changes at the time the work was written can often illuminate its themes and characteristics.
Understand and appraise the values, beliefs, and customs depicted in literary pieces in relation to their specific cultural contexts.

Interpretation and Appreciation of Texts

Employ a close reading strategy, focusing on details, pacing, and the arrangement of words, sentences, paragraphs, and sections.
Scrutinise the language and style used by authors to convey meaning, invoke emotions, or communicate themes.
Analyse literary devices and structures, such as imagery, symbolism, metaphors and points of view used in the texts.
Acknowledge and evaluate the ways in which different interpretations can be supported by evidence from the text.

Comparative Literature

Develop insightful comparative analyses of different texts, focusing on common themes, stylistic approaches or cultural contexts.
Recognise the influence of culture on literature, as well as the ability of literature to shape and express cultural values.
Discuss and appraise the differences and similarities in the treatment of themes within and across different cultural contexts.

Engagement with Critical Material

Familiarise yourself with a range of literary criticism both to deepen your understanding of texts and to consider varying interpretations.
Effectively use secondary sources (such as scholarly articles and critical essays) with acknowledgment and discretion.
Demonstrate a keen understanding of the limitations and potential biases of different critical perspectives.

Enhancing Literary Appreciation

Cultivate an appreciation for the complexity and beauty of literary language, noticing subtleties of meaning, tone, and mood.
Reflect personally and critically on the readings and discussion, creating your own meaningful interpretations.
Understand the importance of keeping an open mind and the influence individual perspective can have on interpretation and appreciate.
Recognise the unfolding pleasure of literature as achieved through repeated readings and deepened understanding over time.