English Advanced Question Thread

[conic curve]

What language technique is this:

When the hurly-burly’s done,
When the battle’s lost and won.

There's 7 syllables in the first line and 7 in the second

Also what does it mean by "ere"-used in this sort of context: That will be ere the set of sun

[jamonwindeyer]

What language technique is this:

When the hurly-burly’s done,
When the battle’s lost and won.

There's 7 syllables in the first line and 7 in the second

Also what does it mean by "ere"-used in this sort of context: That will be ere the set of sun

Hmm, there is rhyme/assonance, rhythm (7 syllables each as you state), euphemism (hurly burly instead of battle), juxtaposition, maybe a little bit of an oxymoron at the end there?

ere === before. As in, the battle will be done before sunset

[Lauradf36]

Should you always do your prescribed text first in essays? e.g. if you refer to your related material than contradict it almost with your prescribed?

[jamonwindeyer]

Should you always do your prescribed text first in essays? e.g. if you refer to your related material than contradict it almost with your prescribed?

Hi! Assuming you are doing an integrated response, the order doesn't matter too much. For a block response it does: I'd be careful doing an ORT first, purely because you do want to make it clear where your focus lies (with the Core). If you put the ORT first, you need to find some other way of accentuating your prescribed text, likely with longer paragraphs? It's definitely not convention, but I see no reason why it wouldn't work if done correctly

[conic curve]

In Macbeth, Macbeth is an "antagonist" not a protagonist. Why is this the case, usually the protagonist is the main character of the story but Macbeth is the protagonist

[ssarahj]

In Macbeth, Macbeth is an "antagonist" not a protagonist. Why is this the case, usually the protagonist is the main character of the story but Macbeth is the protagonist

Hmmm did you read this somewhere?

I'm confused since my basic understanding, like you, is that the protagonist is the main character and the antagonist is the character/group that opposes the protagonist. But the 'antagonist' aspect isn't always a character it can also exist inside the protagonist as a kind of inner conflict which works in terms of Macbeth since Macbeth goes from being a "hero" to a "anti-hero/villain".... What do you think?

[conic curve]

Hmmm did you read this somewhere?

I'm confused since my basic understanding, like you, is that the protagonist is the main character and the antagonist is the character/group that opposes the protagonist. But the 'antagonist' aspect isn't always a character it can also exist inside the protagonist as a kind of inner conflict which works in terms of Macbeth since Macbeth goes from being a "hero" to a "anti-hero/villain".... What do you think?

Here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Macbeth

Also if a question asks you identify the character/persona and explain why you have selected this character/persona, what would we have to say for the highlighted bit?

[ssarahj]

Here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Macbeth

Also if a question asks you identify the character/persona and explain why you have selected this character/persona, what would we have to say for the highlighted bit?

Ok I think I understand what its saying but I wouldn't stress since its not a major detail in terms of the whole play and the actual discourses of the characters. I don't think you would be penalised for referring to Macbeth as the protagonist only.

Spoiler

+ Wikipedia articles aren't the most scholarly resources, I'd be interested if you found this idea presented anywhere else...?

I'm unsure about your question, since it seems somewhat reflective/personal i.e. "why you have selected...". If this is for an assignment kind of thing it might be best to confirm with your teacher since your doing Prelim and schools can be quite specific in their questions.

[elysepopplewell]

In Macbeth, Macbeth is an "antagonist" not a protagonist. Why is this the case, usually the protagonist is the main character of the story but Macbeth is the protagonist

I studied Macbeth in year 9 and I remember asking my teacher this exact thing! The antagonist/protagonist split comes from a very typical story structure of two opposing forces/characters (good vs evil). However, you'll find that in plays of morality, like Shakespeares, the antagonist/protagonist isn't always clear. So, don't get too caught up in trying to make that distinction because it isn't necessary. It's just a label, and one that isn't completely important for Shakespeare all the time because there is that moral ambiguity in a lot of the plays. You could say that Macbeth is the protagonist and Lady Macbeth is the antagonist. Or vice versa. You could also say that as the main character, Macbeth espouses characteristics of an antagonist. This could be part of your analysis - that the main guy is the antagonist?

[amina_98]

In my module A essay (1984 + metropolis), could i use costumes as a technique?

[conic curve]

Spirits that tend on mortal thoughts

What technique is this?

[melprocrastinator]

Spirits that tend on mortal thoughts

What technique is this?

can you put it in context? maybe there could be some juxtaposition or contrast between the 'spirits' preying on 'mortal' thoughts. It depends on the context. Sometimes if i really like a line, but cant find a clear technique, ill go for "tone" because there is ALWAYS tone. However, be careful you dont use too much of that technique, and only if it is relevant Make sure you describe the tone as well. Im no expert, but i just wanted to help.

[melprocrastinator]

Does anyone do 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Letters to Alice' for Module A...
Its my weakest essay, and i would just love to know how it has been explained by other schools/teachers. Or get any key points that should really be included in my essay. Im not sure why i find it so hard, especially when it comes to manipulating it to the Question.

[amina_98]

Spirits that tend on mortal thoughts

What technique is this?

perhaps personification? true, context is needed

[jamonwindeyer]

can you put it in context? maybe there could be some juxtaposition or contrast between the 'spirits' preying on 'mortal' thoughts. It depends on the context. Sometimes if i really like a line, but cant find a clear technique, ill go for "tone" because there is ALWAYS tone. However, be careful you dont use too much of that technique, and only if it is relevant Make sure you describe the tone as well. Im no expert, but i just wanted to help.

Great answer Mel, thanks heaps! Hopefully someone has done those texts for Module A