Coursework essay: Far from the Madding Crowd

Choose one of the following three titles:

"In much of the novel, there are hints that Bathsheba is an unconventional woman, but at the end she has learned to conform." Do you agree that in this novel Hardy portrays a very conservative view of the role of women? Refer to at least four key moments in Bathsheba's life before drawing your conclusions.

In what ways is the agricultural and rural matter more than just a setting for a story? Think about the conflict between continuity and change, and about the changing seasons. Refer to at least four moments in the life of the farms before drawing your conclusion.

“Hardy is a great cinematographic novelist: his work hardly needs changing to be adapted for the screen.” Evaluate this statement by examining four key scenes in detail.

This essay is marked for reading. An A grade essay is defined by the examination board as follows:

Candidates respond critically and sensitively to texts, exploring alternative approaches and interpretations. They consider and evaluate the ways meaning, ideas and feelings are conveyed through language, structure and form. They respond in appropriate forms, conveying their ideas coherently, vigorously and persuasively. They show analytical and interpretative skills when evaluating the social and historical settings of texts, their cultural contexts od the literary traditions on which they draw.

Candidates show analytical and interpretative skills when evaluating:

• the range of effects achieved by the writer
• the effects of writers' choice of language and form
• the social and historical setting or cultural context or literary tradition.

A* candidates will add an element of originality in their work.

First draft due in on 20th November

Work will be completed in the scheduled lessons of the week ending 27th November.

Deadline:
4th December, 2009