ok, so i called that advice line thing... out of my complete desperation.. and they're actually very good, well at least the lady i spoke to. ok so here's what i put together from what she said. hope it helps in some way!
HELPFUL REMINDERS:
* First of all look at question and ask yourself, what is this question asking me? Whilst ignoring what you already know you have to talk about.
* Don’t just talk about the different readings; always refer back to the text.
* The question may have a focal point, such as focus on a particular theme, eg. Characterisation. In that case, address that theme throughout the essay.
* If a broader question is asked, talk about universal themes.
* Remember to include TECHNIQUES! And QUOTES! And to say “the composer uses … (so and so technique) … to establish/create … (Whatever, maybe atmosphere) … and then link it back to your thesis/argument, eg. Thus widening the responder’s perspective.
* Remember that texts can be responded to in different ways.
TECHNIQUES:
* Structure – the narrative is given as a recount with multiple people telling their side of the story. It is at times a 2nd or 3rd hand recount. This is very interesting as the reader gains different perspectives yet must remember that due to the nature of recount, stories can be manipulated or bias. The structure also allows to give otherwise insignificant characters, a voice, eg. Isabella’s letter to Nelly.
* Imagery – Pathetic fallacy i.e. the technique used when nature empathises with the characters or situation, eg. Stormy weather when there’s a drastic change – I think this happens when Catherine tells Nelly that it would be degrading to marry Heathcliff and then Heathcliff leaves Wuthering Heights.
* Contrast – contrast is featured strongly, especially between characters, eg. Heathcliff and Edgar, and Catherine and Isabella.
* Language – use of evocative language to emphasise with certain characters. Note: the many ambiguities add strength to the novel. “Brontë’s defiance of rigid categories and her refusal to divide people into saints and sinners, is very un-Victorian … Heathcliff’s cruelty and Cathy’s selfishness do not prevent them from being attractive. The Lintons are spoiled and weak, but Isabella’s and her son’s sufferings and Edgar’s devotion to his wife win them sympathy.” – enotes.com
MARXIST:
- Look at:
* Heathcliff’s social disadvantage
* Otherness
* Race
* Class
* Education
* Contrast in lives – Thrushcross Grange: rich and pompous lives, they don’t seem to have to work, compared with Wuthering Heights: brutal, harsh – refer to specific descriptive language i.e. quote!
* A very Marxist idea was to start the novel with Heathcliff already the master – he’s at the top!
* This contrasts with feminist reading.
FEMINIST:
- Look at:
* Thrushcross Grange – the privilege and prestige to live there.
* The contrast between the different females – Catherine and Isabella, Catherine and Cathy.
* Behaviour “tone” of voice for these differences.
* Dialogue.
if anyone's got any good quotes for some of the things mentioned please add them!
