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A level english lit

for my a2 coursework I have to complete a 2500 word detailed essay comparing and contrasting two novels based on your own chosen theme, one of which must be a post 2000 novel. You can do 2 post 2000 novels or 1 post 2000 novel and 1 pre 2000 novel.
Both books must be of a high literary standard. Any suggestions of what I could choose and what themes I could choose for each combo? The exam board is CCEA

I was thinking of the bell jar, me before you, one day etc but idk what to pair with each if I were to choose either of them.

Reply 1

Princebabra

Hi,
That sounds like an interesting coursework project! If you’re considering The Bell Jar, a good pairing might be The Perks of Being a Wallflower (post-2000) as both explore themes of mental health, identity, and coming of age. For Me Before You, you could pair it with Atonement by Ian McEwan, focusing on themes of love, sacrifice, and moral dilemmas.
If you’re thinking about One Day, perhaps try The Great Gatsby (pre-2000) to compare themes of time, love, and missed opportunities. Alternatively, you could explore Normal People by Sally Rooney (post-2000) for a more modern take on relationships and emotional connection.
It might also be helpful to think about themes like societal expectations, personal freedom, or loss, and build your novel choices around those. Good luck with your essay – it sounds like a brilliant challenge!

Reply 2

Kingston Eve

Official Rep

Original post

by maeghanjohnstonx

for my a2 coursework I have to complete a 2500 word detailed essay comparing and contrasting two novels based on your own chosen theme, one of which must be a post 2000 novel. You can do 2 post 2000 novels or 1 post 2000 novel and 1 pre 2000 novel.
Both books must be of a high literary standard. Any suggestions of what I could choose and what themes I could choose for each combo? The exam board is CCEA
I was thinking of the bell jar, me before you, one day etc but idk what to pair with each if I were to choose either of them.

Hey @maeghanjohnstonx!

I also did CCEA A2 English Literature: my two titles were The Picture of Dorian Gray (pre-2000) and Melmoth by Sarah Perry (post-2000). I chose the topic of sin as my main theme, with my question revolving around whether or not the novels portrayed sin as redeemable.

As Princebabra said above, I think One Day and The Great Gatsby would be a good pairing - The Great Gatsby is a relatively short novel, but it has a lot to dissect and it's one that a lot of my classmates chose. 🙂

Hope this was helpful and good luck!
Eve (Kingston Rep).