The Tempest

Although I am a scientist at heart I stupidly decided to do AS English Literature as my fourth AS level for something different, and because I was told to go for what I enjoy. Damn stupid advice cos now ive realised that Ive got an English Exam in like 2 months time that I have no chance in doing any well in.

So ive got the closed book or whatever u call it exam on the Tempest and ive got NO IDEA where to start revising/learning for it. Since I REALLY need an A in it because i want to study Medicine at university, can ANYBODY help me and give me some tips on how i should be doing this??? PLEASE and put me out of my misery and stress.

Get York Notes on it

As suggested above, get York Notes! Also visit www.sparknotes.com. I think it's deadly important you do further reading on your play to spark off new ideas.

I'd also write down information on characters, language, themes etc. After that you have to try exam questions. They allow you to revise whilst also practise essay technique. Other than reading the play again whenever you can, that's all you can do. :smile:

Reply 3

bohogirlie

3

happysunshine

As suggested above, get York Notes! Also visit www.sparknotes.com. I think it's deadly important you do further reading on your play to spark off new ideas.

I'd also write down information on characters, language, themes etc. After that you have to try exam questions. They allow you to revise whilst also practise essay technique. Other than reading the play again whenever you can, that's all you can do. :smile:

I'm do 'The tempest' for my A2 exam right now...we haven't finished going through it in class...but i find it so hard to concentrate cos its one of the most boring plays i've ever done. But Spark notes really helped me to understand to the play, so go there and print off all the notes :smile:

Reply 4

happysunshine

8

bohogirlie

I'm do 'The tempest' for my A2 exam right now...we haven't finished going through it in class...but i find it so hard to concentrate cos its one of the most boring plays i've ever done. But Spark notes really helped me to understand to the play, so go there and print off all the notes :smile:

Ha definitely. I'm waiting to find out whether I get "done" for more coursework - I only slightly copied sparknotes.

Reply 5

bohogirlie

3

happysunshine

Ha definitely. I'm waiting to find out whether I get "done" for more coursework - I only slightly copied sparknotes.

hehe

i think everyone 'slightly' copies some notes

Reply 6

Endymion

9

If you're not feeling comfortable with the text after almost a year of preperation, I suggest you go and talk to your teacher about it and get some professional advice.

Incidently, you will always have the option to do another AS level (scientific based perhaps?) in the next academic year whilst finishing your A2s so don't worry too much.

Reply 7

naystar

2

(This isn't necessarily help, but more in response to the empathising replies saying "it's boring" and the like.)
(I'm studying 'The Tempest' synoptically with 'Translations' for Unit 6- A2)

I found 'The Tempest' a really funny play to read (I want to see it, but haven't heard of any performances in London as yet), however I didn't find my lessons as great, as they had a tendency to turn into lectures and that isn't my preferred method of learning. But poor teaching aside, I find the play really humourous, and also excellent for any curses or insults you may ever need! (Especially between Caliban and Prospero in Act I.)

I tend to find that York Notes and the like are good for outlining main themes and characters, but aren't extensive and the only thing that will be an extensive revision guide is re-reading the play again a few times and making thorough notes. Takes a long time, but all the time is worth it! And the play isn't that long either. Also, the glossary, commentary and introduction to whichever edition of the text you have is normally well worth reading- it often provides critics to paraphrase for AO4 (yes, I scarily know my assessment objectives) and also explains lots more than you would have even thought about. They also often track themes or imagery.

Reply 8

Vickybaker

I understand your pain completely. I was unfortunate enough to play Stephano in a school prod of it (yes I know its a male part - delight of an all girls school) and I nearly fell asleep whilst acting in it!!! Normally a massivo fan of old shakie, but god this one shows he was losing his touch! The first thing you have to do is to understand whats going on coz theres no point trying 2 revise it if u don't get it.... i can help with any of the bits with stephano, trinculo and caliban (although for my own sanity I have tried to block it from my mind) so ask away.

Reply 9

Vickybaker

ooh and incidently naystar - its on at the globe for the spring/summer season, seen the posters and it looks ok!!! nothing like the soundbeam and drums we had in our disastrous production...

Reply 10

bohogirlie

3

naystar

I want to see it, but haven't heard of any performances in London as yet

There is a performance at the Globe in either may or june, as we're going to see it. I'm doing the same synoptic paper as you except i'm doing the Tempest and Who's afraid of Virginia Woolf, I did Translations last year and am very glad that i don't have to do it again as some sets are doing!

Reply 11

naystar

2

Cheers about the production at the Globe. I may well go and see it.

We didn't do 'Translations' last year, only this year, although I read it in year 10 when I was going through a "read every book in the house" phase, and liked it then and haven't overly gone off it. There's such pathos and humour and it really is a tragi-comedy.

Reply 12

hipchickluce

naystar

(This isn't necessarily help, but more in response to the empathising replies saying "it's boring" and the like.)
(I'm studying 'The Tempest' synoptically with 'Translations' for Unit 6- A2)

help! do you have any typed notes on it? or do you know of any web sites or resources? my teachers have been useless and im a little stuck on tempest translations revision
x

Reply 13

naystar

2

Um, my notes are all handwritten, and I'm not one for typing them all up! Also, I have very few notes comparing the two texts, but rather notes as if they were completely separate entities. Sorry. :s:

I've found www.teachit.co.uk handy for notes on the separate texts. Nowhere on the net that I've found has anything comparative. (To demonstrate this, when I googled both texts, I ended up with hits of my posts on the two texts on here.) www.enotes.com has some stuff without having to subscribe, and lots more if you pay money (although I haven't). Sorry, most people I know are having problems with the comparison! I know that I keep forgetting to include critics' opinions and context for both texts, which is just frankly bugging... I can't believe one has to remember quotations of both critics and of the two texts.. I reckon my teacher doesn't know her facts properly. I barely quoted in last year's closed text exam, and I did alright.

Anyway, sorry I haven't been hugely of help. :s-smilie:

: It's mainly separate stuff I have, and unfortunately not typed.

The Tempest

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