How do I include literary critics into my essays?

Literary critics are a great way to show off to the examiner that you understand your chosen texts and the issues that arise from them. In order to include literary critics succesfully, you need to ask yourself 'how does this improve my essay?' Since English Literature is about your interpretation you need to ensure that it strengthens your point. Following a PEE (Point, Evidence, Explanation) format can often help, by placing the literary critic in the explanation section. Once you've made your point, evidenced with textual support, explained your point and analysed the text, then move onto the critic. This can be done with various sentence signposts such as 'This interpretation has also been raised by...' or 'an alternative opinion was brought forward by...' 

CH

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

“The pleasures of pursuit are greater than the thrill of the conquest” - In light of this statement, how far and in what ways do you agree with this view of TPODG


How do I plan my coursework and where do I start?


Compare the ways in which the writers of your two chosen texts present good and evil. You must relate your discussion to relevant contextual factors. (Total for Question 10 = 40 marks)


Through a detailed study of Hamlet and comparative reference to The Revenger’s Tragedy, discuss the ways tragedies do or do not reassure audiences that good can triumph over evil.