adminIN such wide subjects one tends to move in circles. In discussing one element we refer to issues discussed in the past. We have already learnt that literature helps learners acquire knowledge about themselves and their society as well as other societies. It is of interest that as learners go through their lessons they develop skills of critical thinking through discussing the characteristics of the different genres they study, be it novels, poetry or drama.
The exact definition of literature varies from one reader or critic to the next though most agree that it is written material such as poetry, novels, essays, plays and sometimes spoken material. Literature calls for extensive reading. There is a general expectation when learners do literature that they need to read widely. Well-read learners find Literature in English interesting as they relate what they have read elsewhere to the texts under review.
It is mostly assumed that the learners are able to read and express themselves in English when they study literature. Slow readers take longer to understand literature texts, though, this does not imply that they struggle to pass literature exercises or examinations as they gradually grasp the key concepts of literature. But, good readers and eloquent students generally perform better at literature hence the need to encourage learners of literature to improve their reading and comprehension skills.
Learners of Literature in English should be able to communicate their views to the readers as well as examiners clearly.
Learners have to study Shakespeare and I know that many learners are put off by what one critic calls weird language. The consolation is that it gets less scary with practice. The same applies to poetry where many learners have this fear about poetry.
At face value it appears impossible to come up with meanings in poetry. With a bit of practice it becomes less scary and enjoyable.
Shakespeare’s stories as well as others written in old fashioned English have stories full of violence, villains, murder, love, double-crossing and betrayal. Coming closer home some may not really understand words used by Shimmer Chinodya in his Harvest of Thorns (Classic: A play). The key thing about Shakespeare in particular is getting to grips with the funny old or strange language. There is no doubt that this is not easy but learners are encouraged to learn how to do it.
Learners should practice reading the scenes — the more they read them, the easier they will be to understand. They do not have to understand every word but get the basic idea of what is going on. Shakespeare write in verse or poetry. Do not stop reading or pause at the end of the lines — pause when you get to punctuation, the commas and full stops, like in other writing.
It will make much more sense. Bear in mind that characters use loads of words for ideas that are basically simple.
Learners need to understand that these long winded speeches are the key to getting good marks. They have to talk about how Shakespeare uses the flowery language to show what the characters are thinking and feeling. Learners should show that they know what is happening in the play. To show they understand the play, they need to write about the way the characters are feeling and Shakespeare’s choice of words.
Learners need to use quotes to back about their points. Examiners will not be convinced that learners know their stuff if they do not use quotes. Even though, they are answering questions on the play, they should not forget to write in paragraphs.
Every time they bring about a new idea, they should start a new paragraph. They should try to sound interested in the play even if they do not like it. They should show examiners that they are keen by using lots of interesting words and phrases in their answers.
Learners need to understand literary terms as the following to produce better answers: Characters are the people who take part in the action of a story, a novel, or drama. The most important characters are the main characters. The other characters are known as minor characters. These interact with the main characters and help move the story along. At times main characters undergo changes as the plot unfolds. Such characters are called dynamic characters.
Static characters remain the same throughout the story. Characterisation refers to the methods that a writer uses to develop characters. There are four basic methods of characterisation. A writer can describe a character’s physical appearance.
Secondly, a character’s nature may be revealed through his or her own speech, thoughts, feelings or actions. Thirdly, the speech, thoughts, feelings or actions of other characters can be used to develop a character and lastly, the character can make direct comments about a character.
There are more of these literary terms which need special attention in their own right as they cannot be exhausted in one issue. Literature in English students need to know all these aspects for better answers.
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