A2 Literature Summer Tasks

These tasks are not optional. In order to best prepare yourself for the rigours of A2 Literature you must complete the following. 1. Frankenstein Mary Shelley Dr Faustus- Christopher Marlowe Macbeth- William Shakespeare Read all three of the set texts- annotate for Gothic concepts as you

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Also, try to watch Branaghs Frankenstein and a production of Macbeth ( RSC or Polanski). You will not have opportunity to read in class . You will have two lessons a week on each set text, starting from Week 1. 2. Read through the critical anthology and visit the blog js-alevelliterature.blogspot.com. for more

explanation. Apply one of the critical schools outlines in the Critical Anthology to one of the Gothic set texts. This is NOT coursework; however, it is your introduction to critical theory in preparation for the coursework in January and the Section A questions in the exam tend to come from critical theory. You need to write 1200-1500 words Due: Week beginning the 12th September. Sample Questions An application of a Marxist reading to Dr Faustus. This is a text about the perversion of power. A Feminist reading of Macbeth Lady Macbeth and the Witches hold the balance of power in the text. Discuss this claim in reference to Feminist theory. Aesthetics Argue that The Gothic as a genre, should have a more prominent place in the literary canon. Metaphor An analysis of the journey metaphor in relation to Frankenstein. These are just suggested ideas. As long as you apply a critical reading to one of the set texts you are on the right track.