Essay questions – 1602 first term assignment October 20th, 2008 The following topics are understood to be with reference to any of the texts of this term, except the poetry which has its own option. You may choose one or two texts if you like, or you may choose to analyse a poem not studied in class, along with, should you like, any that were. 1. Explore the function of narrative technique. This topic will allow you to explore how the way a novel is written affects the way it is understood. 2. The function of absence in a novel can be as votal as any matter present. 3. Discuss the presentation of “the other” or “The monstrous” in a novel(s). 4. The use of irony often defines the 20th century novel. Analyse the role of irony in a text. 5. much of the tension in this term’s text concentrates over the anxiety over the heroic. How does this operate? 6. Explore the importance of place/geography/history/class/gender in a novel. 7. Describe the function of discourses in a novel. This means, that a specific, say, discourse of a science might affect Dracula, or of adventure in King soloman’s mines, or of theatre in The mating season, etc. 8. humour is a slippery concept to isolate. Asses the use of humour in a text. Poetry: You have the option, as outline above, of taking one WWI poem not covered in class, with or without another one, and write on them. Explore the intersection of life and writing in a poet. With reference to at least two poems, discuss the use of a particular symbol or image in manifestly different ways.