English Literature Personal Statement 12
What results from my study of literature is a sense of liberation, an appealing dual quality with the capacity to move, humour, entertain and yet satisfy intellectually*. In school, and during private study, I have enjoyed the opportunity to suffuse my studies with a desire for further depth and understanding. My appreciation and enjoyment of literature has rendered my determination to study English clear.
During my A-level studies I have expanded my knowledge of literature, and developed an affinity with Romantic poetry. I have read Wordsworth's 'Lyrical Ballads,' and especially enjoyed Shelley's adherence to the idea of art's sensuous powers being able to improve society in 'Ode to the West Wind.' Reading his essay 'A Defence of the Poem' aided my interpretation of his works, and it was interesting to learn more of Shelley's unique philosophy. Although different from Romantic poetry, I have recently taken an interest in the medieval epic 'Beowulf.' I am now reading Tolkien's 'Beowulf and the Critics,' 'The Canterbury Tales' and 'Sir Gawain' to feed my interest in Old and Middle English works.
A-level texts have introduced me to the works of Emily Bronte and Jane Austen, sparking an interest in feminism in literature. I found Gubar and Gilbert's 'The Madwoman in the Attic' invaluable in enriching my understanding of these texts. Their writing has influenced my perception of Victor Hugo's 'Les Miserables' and Alice Walker's 'The Colour Purple.' The former I observed highlights the problem that Gilbert and Gubar propose: that woman are depicted as transient, either mad or monster, imprisoned by the pen of their patriarchal authors. I read 'The Color Purple' as a sign of the changing tides of social discourse - in this contemporary classic, the protagonist Celie rises above the cruel dichotomy demonstrated in nineteenth-century works. I have enjoyed the comparative analysis of these texts, and am now reading Rivkin and Ryan's 'Literary Theory: An Anthology' to support further reading.
Viewing productions at the Globe Theatre was an exciting experience. I enjoyed Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' and 'King Lear' as probing insights into the nature of human suffering, and 'As You Like It' as a contrasting celebration of the divinity of love. While studying 'Othello' at A-level, I used Leah Scragg's 'Discovering Shakespeare's Meaning' to gain an understanding of The Bard's composition of his plays. I have also watched other productions including 'Waiting for Godot,' 'Equus' and 'The Real Thing.' I have found these plays as reflections on the human psyche enjoyable, and anticipate a growing interest in theatre.
The study of my other subjects at A-level has been rewarding. Skills from Tudor history and geography have allowed me to hone my skills of effective argument and communication through essay writing. While studying my A-levels, I performed recitals on the piano at Grade 8 level, serving as a valuable exercise in time management. Writing for my school's 'Wordsworth Magazine' has enriched my skills of written communication and I am now looking to participate in work experience with Future publishing. I have taken an active part in literary debates regarding Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby' as well as in the sixth-form book club, serving to stimulating my perceptive ability and broaden my literary horizons respectively. In addition, my work at a local retailer has gifted me with skills of initiative, communication and time management, skills that I believe can be transposed to university life.
I am dedicated to exploiting my enthusiasm for English, and would appreciate the opportunity to give further practical expression to my ability at degree level.
Universities Applied to:
- King's College, London (English Literature)
- University of Warwick (English Literature)
- University of Exeter (English Literature)
