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Personal Statement:English Language and Literature 4TSR Wiki > University > Applying to University > Personal Statement Library > Statement:English Language and Literature 4
English Language and Literature Personal StatementMy passion for English Literature stems from an overwhelming desire to understand in greater depth the influence and impact of a writer's words on the emotional and psychological state of an individual reader. I have a voracious appetite for challenging and stimulating works, including iconic Victorian novels such as 'Wuthering Heights', Emily Bronte's timeless romance, highlighting the tragedy that differences in class can bring and the destructiveness of irrecoverable love, as well as novels such as 'Jane Eyre' and 'Pride and Prejudice', whose authors also examine the impacts of social class, but focus on the women of the story who attempt to assert their authority in a male dominated society. I have read a great deal of dystopian fiction, with my favourites including 'A Clockwork Orange' and Burgess' unique portrayal of the invulnerability of free will, and of Alex's need for individual freedom even if it leads to depravity. I also have a particular interest in American Literature, with Fitzgerald's portrayal of the disappointment and devastation caused by the American dream in 'The Great Gatsby' being among my favourites. One of the most inspiring novels I have encountered is 'To Kill a Mockingbird', and I find Harper Lee's depiction of the social inequality that existed in America fascinating and incredibly moving. I find the study of English Language both interesting and rewarding, and I particularly enjoy studying how the changing nature of society, identity, culture and power have had such a profound influence on the English Language. For example, how changes in society have resulted in huge differences to language, such as the increased use of colloquialisms and taboo language, which has also been influenced by the increasing prominence of the media. I have also studied History, which undeniably compliments my study of English; for example, I have completed an English Language investigation comparing the political speeches of Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler. In this investigation I focused on the lexis and semantics and the pronoun use of the speakers, analysing both similarities and differences and considering the context of the contrasting leadership styles of Churchill and Hitler. Outside of school, I have regularly performed in local productions and have found the experience of adapting literature very inspiring. I have assisted in writing and editing productions, and this experience has been incomparable in my hope for a career in creative writing. One production I found particularly challenging to adapt was 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner', as our audience may have struggled on occasions to understand the complex language of the play, and so often our actions were more important in conveying the story than our dialogue. I believe dramatic productions can be extremely helpful in understanding literature texts, as they can appeal to a much wider audience than novels, and also emphasize aspects such as music that can often be overlooked in a novel. In the sixth form I have mentored a year seven pupil in a paired maths scheme, an extremely rewarding experience which has inspired me to consider a career in teaching. I played netball for five years and served as captain, helping me to develop confident and focused leadership skills. I have enjoyed working in a local bakery and have proven myself to be a punctual, diligent and reliable person, providing me with skills including the ability to complete tasks independently and to work effectively to meet deadlines. In the future I would love to share my passion for English through either teaching or creative writing, in the hope that I can inspire future readers as I have been inspired myself, and perhaps give something back to the field that has already given me so much. Universities Applied to:
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