Standard modules

Close study of text

Standard Module B: Close study of text

Some notes on what to look for in prose texts

The highlighted forms are those relevant to texts set for study in 2008.

Some prose forms tell a story:

1. the novel

The novel is loosely described as an extended piece of writing that is both prose and fiction. In very general terms, it will contain characters, action and a plot. These may be combined by the composer to present an overall message or theme for the responder.

• Some forms of novel (or genres)

Social criticism

Satire

Historical

Science fiction and fantasy

Romance

Adventure

Thriller

Horror etc

• Studying the novel means thinking about:

- Theme(s) or central issue(s) of the novel and the attitudes expressed about the theme(s)

- The approach the composer has taken to their material, for example, the method of narration may make the narration more objective or subjective

- The form of the novel or genre will mean the responder can reasonably expect certain features to appear within the novel. The composer may also manipulate these features in an experimental way.

- The construction of the plot, for example, the existence of a main storyline with a secondary storyline or the use of flashback.

- Character

- The context of the novel and its atmosphere. When is it set and what is the background to the events within the novel. These will play a role in the atmosphere of the novel.

- The literary qualities of the novel refers to features like the use of dialogue, description, the creation of atmosphere, the complexity of characterisation, the sincerity of characterisation and dialogue, and even originality of thought and feeling.

2. the novella

3. the short story

4. drama

Drama is the work performed on a performance space, often a stage, by actors. Drama is often thought of as a more serious performance or text. Like the novel it has a theme, a plot and characters. However these are revealed in a shorter real time frame and usually theme and plot are revealed largely through the dialogue and interaction of the characters. This is supported by sound, setting and costume.

• Some forms of drama

comedy

tragedy

morality

musical

cabaret

Some prose forms examine lives or issues or events:

1. the biography

A biography is the account of a person's life written by someone other than the subject. Biographies draw on many sources for their information: letters, journals, memoirs of others, interview, official documentation, witnesses, photographs and so on. In this modern age, material can also be drawn from digital and other media sources.

2. the essay

3. journalism

4. travel writing

Travel writing is a very old form of writing. A simple example is the journals people keep when they travel. These have been kept by all sorts of people, for example, diplomats, explorers, navigators, archeologists and journalists, for as long as man could write and travel from one place to another. Before photography, people often illustrated their journals to record what they had seen. Artists still keep these kinds of journals. These days, people use digital cameras to record their travels, another form of travel 'writing'.

5. the treatise