IGCSE English Literature 0475 - Component 1: Poetry and Prose

These notes provide a framework for responding to questions in the Poetry and Prose section of the IGCSE English Literature 0475 exam. They cover key aspects of analysis, including understanding context, exploring literary techniques, and constructing well-supported arguments.

Responding to Poetry

Understanding the Question

Carefully read the question. Identify the key terms (e.g., 'explore', 'analyse', 'discuss') and the specific aspects of the poem the question asks you to focus on. Underline keywords.

Key Areas of Analysis

• Context: Consider the historical, social, and biographical context of the poem. How might this have influenced the poet and the poem's meaning?
• Language and Imagery: Analyse the poet's use of figurative language (e.g., metaphors, similes, personification), imagery, and sound devices (e.g., alliteration, assonance, rhyme). What effect do these have on the reader?
• Structure and Form: Examine the poem's structure (e.g., stanzas, rhyme scheme, rhythm). How does the form contribute to the poem's meaning?
• Theme: Identify the central themes of the poem (e.g., love, loss, nature, identity). How are these themes developed?
• Poet's Craft: Consider the poet's choices and how they contribute to the overall impact of the poem.

Structuring Your Response

1. Introduction: Briefly introduce the poem and state your main argument (your response to the question).
2. Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the poem and provide textual evidence to support your claims.
3. Textual Evidence: Use direct quotes from the poem to illustrate your points. Integrate these quotes smoothly into your writing.
4. Analysis: Explain the significance of your textual evidence. How does it support your argument?
5. Conclusion: Summarise your main points and restate your overall argument.

Example Analysis Points

Aspect	Analytical Questions
Imagery	What types of images are used? What do these images suggest? How do they create a particular mood or atmosphere?
Metaphor/Simile	What is being compared? What is the effect of this comparison? What does it reveal about the subject?
Sound Devices	How do alliteration, assonance, or rhyme contribute to the poem's rhythm and meaning?
Structure	How does the stanza structure affect the flow of the poem? Does the rhyme scheme create any particular emphasis?

Responding to Prose

Understanding the Question

Similar to poetry, carefully read the question and identify the key terms and the specific aspects of the text you need to address.

Key Areas of Analysis

• Context: Consider the historical, social, and biographical context of the novel or short story. How might this have influenced the author and the narrative?
• Characterisation: Analyse the development and portrayal of the characters. How are they presented? What motivates their actions?
• Plot and Narrative Structure: Examine the plot structure (e.g., exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution). How does the narrative unfold?
• Setting: How does the setting contribute to the mood, atmosphere, and themes of the text?
• Themes: Identify the central themes of the prose text (e.g., ambition, love, social injustice, identity). How are these themes explored?
• Author's Style: Consider the author's writing style (e.g., use of language, tone, point of view). How does this contribute to the overall effect of the text?

Structuring Your Response

Follow the same paragraph structure as for poetry: Introduction, Body Paragraphs (with textual evidence and analysis), and Conclusion.

Example Analysis Points

Aspect	Analytical Questions
Character Development	How does the character change throughout the text? What events or interactions contribute to this change?
Plot Development	How does the plot build tension or create suspense? What are the key turning points in the story?
Setting and Atmosphere	How does the setting create a particular mood or atmosphere? How does it reflect the characters or themes?
Author's Use of Language	What kind of language does the author use? How does this contribute to the tone and style of the text?

Remember to always support your points with specific examples and analysis from the text.