Exam Prep For English Literature
Exam Prep For English Literature
Exam Prep For English Literature
The story centers around Constance Reid (Lady Chatterley), who is married to Sir
Clifford Chatterley, a wealthy landowner. Clifford is paralyzed from the waist down due
to a war injury, which has a profound effect on their marriage, particularly their intimate
life. Feeling emotionally and physically isolated, Constance embarks on a passionate
affair with Oliver Mellors, the estate's gamekeeper. This relationship is controversial not
only because it breaches societal norms of the time regarding class and marital fidelity
but also because it involves explicit sexual descriptions, which was groundbreaking and
controversial for literature of that era.
The novel explores themes of nature, class, and human sexuality with a focus on the
need for physical and emotional intimacy.
20th century, first published in 1922. It is known for its complex structure, extensive use
of literary and cultural references, and deep exploration of the disillusionment and
The Burial of the Dead: This section introduces the themes of death and rebirth,
touching on the desolation and fragmentation of the modern world. It references
various cultural and literary works, setting the tone for the rest of the poem.
A Game of Chess: This section delves into the theme of sexual frustration and
the complexities of human relationships, using imagery from Shakespeare and
other sources to convey a sense of decay and disillusionment.
The Fire Sermon: Here, Eliot draws on the Buddhist sermon about detaching
from earthly desires. The section critiques the moral decay of society, exploring
themes of lust, greed, and the spiritual emptiness of modern life.
Death by Water: This brief section describes a drowned Phoenician sailor,
alluding to the theme of death as a form of purification and renewal. It serves as
a metaphor for the potential of spiritual rebirth.
What the Thunder Said: The final section weaves together themes of despair and
hope, drawing on Hindu texts to suggest the possibility of renewal and
regeneration after destruction. It ends with a fragmented yet impactful chorus of
voices, underscoring the poem's themes of fragmentation and the search for
meaning in a fractured world.
Throughout "The Waste Land," Eliot employs a wide range of cultural, literary, and
religious references from Western and Eastern traditions, including the Bible, Greek
mythology, Buddhism, and the works of Dante and Shakespeare, among others. The
poem's use of fragmentation, juxtaposition, and a multitude of voices reflects the chaos
and disorientation of the modern age. It challenges readers to find coherence and
modernist literature.
, the novel is a complex, day-long journey through Dublin, Ireland, on June 16, 1904,
famously known as Bloomsday. It intricately explores the lives and inner thoughts of its
three main characters: Leopold Bloom, a Jewish advertising canvasser; Stephen
Dedalus, a young teacher and aspiring writer; and Molly Bloom, Leopold's wife. The
narrative parallels Homer's epic, "The Odyssey," with its characters and events mirroring
those of Odysseus, Telemachus, and Penelope.
The novel is renowned for its intricate symbolism, dense narrative structure, and the
vivid portrayal of Firmin's inner turmoil and the haunting, atmospheric setting. Through
Firmin's tragic trajectory, Lowry explores themes of despair, existential crisis, and the
search for redemption and meaning in a chaotic world. The volcano, looming over the
town, serves as a powerful metaphor for Firmin's internal struggle and the impending
doom that he faces.
As Kate confronts her own aging and changing appearance, she experiences a profound
existential crisis that forces her to examine the societal expectations placed upon
women and the limited roles available to them. The novel vividly captures Kate's
psychological state as she grapples with her sense of self, leading to a period of
isolation and introspection in which she confronts her inner fears and desires.
Bradley's interactions with Julian Baffin, the daughter of his rival and friend Arnold
Baffin, become central to the plot as he falls in love with her, despite their significant age
difference and the moral and ethical dilemmas this relationship presents. The novel is
also marked by its exploration of the artistic process and the struggle for creative
expression, with Bradley's quest to write his masterpiece mirroring his search for love
and meaning in life
Under the Net by Iris Murdoch
"Under the Net" is Iris Murdoch's first published novel, released in 1954. The novel is set
in post-war London and follows the misadventures of its protagonist, Jake Donaghue, a
struggling writer and translator with a penchant for philosophical musings and a
somewhat aimless approach to life. Jake finds himself embroiled in a series of comedic
and often absurd situations as he navigates relationships with friends, lovers, and
acquaintances, including his enigmatic ex-girlfriend, Anna Quentin; her sister, Sadie;
Hugo Belfounder, Jake's philosophical mentor and friend; and a host of other characters
that contribute to his existential and somewhat quixotic quest for meaning.
"Under the Net" is notable for its exploration of themes such as the complexity of
communication and miscommunication, the pursuit of authenticity, and the quest for
personal identity. The novel's title refers to the philosophical concept of language and
reality, suggesting the difficulty of capturing truth "under the net" of language.
The narrative is catalyzed by the discovery of a medieval bell meant to replace the
original, lost bell of the convent, which is said to be cursed. The plan to secretly replace
the bell without the nuns' knowledge sets off a series of events that bring to light the
hidden tensions, desires, and moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Themes of
freedom, guilt, redemption, and the nature of love are explored deeply as the characters
navigate their personal conflicts and relationships within the microcosm of the
community.
Changing Places
"Changing Places" is a novel by David Lodge, first published in 1975. It is the first book
in Lodge's "Campus Trilogy," which satirizes academic life, particularly focusing on the
exchange between two professors who swap their teaching positions and countries for
a semester. The novel humorously explores the cultural and professional shocks they
experience through this exchange.
The two main characters are Philip Swallow, a somewhat naive and reserved English
professor from the fictional University of Rummidge in England, and Morris Zapp, an
ambitious, assertive, and highly analytical American professor from the fictional
Euphoric State University in California. As they settle into their new environments, both
men encounter personal and professional challenges that test their identities, values,
and assumptions about academia and life.
"Small World" by David Lodge, published in 1984, is the second novel in his "Campus
Trilogy," following "Changing Places." This satirical work delves deeper into the world of
academia, specifically focusing on the international circuit of literary conferences that
academics frequent, highlighting the interconnectedness and, often, the competitive
nature of their relationships.
The novel follows a diverse cast of characters, many of whom are ambitious academics
chasing a prestigious, and possibly mythical, UNESCO Chair of Literary Criticism, which
promises fame and fortune. Among the key characters are Persse McGarrigle, a naive
and romantically inexperienced young lecturer from Ireland who becomes entangled in a
series of comic and romantic pursuits; Philip Swallow and Morris Zapp from "Changing
Places," who find themselves navigating the complexities of their careers and personal
lives amidst the academic jet-set; and Angelica Pabst, a seductive and enigmatic literary
scholar who becomes the object of Persse's affection.
"Seven Pillars of Wisdom" is a work of literary memoir by T.E. Lawrence, also known as
Lawrence of Arabia, first published in 1926. The book recounts Lawrence's experiences
during the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I, from 1916 to
1918. Lawrence played a significant role in this revolt as a liaison officer with rebel
forces, and his narrative offers a detailed account of the strategies, battles, and
alliances formed during this period, as well as his personal reflections on the desert
landscape, the people he encountered, and the nature of warfare and politics.
"A Room of One's Own" by Virginia Woolf, published in 1929, is a seminal feminist essay
that expands upon two lectures Woolf delivered in October 1928 at Newnham and
Girton Colleges, women's colleges at the University of Cambridge. The essay explores
the conditions necessary for women to write and achieve the same literary success as
men. Woolf's central thesis is that a woman must have financial independence and a
space of her own ("a room of one's own") if she is to write creatively.
Tradition and the Individual Talent by T.S. Eliot
"Tradition and the Individual Talent" is an essay by T.S. Eliot, first published in 1919 and
later included in his book "The Sacred Wood: Essays on Poetry and Criticism" (1920).
This essay is one of Eliot's most influential and enduring works of literary criticism, in
which he articulates his views on the importance of tradition in literature and the
"The Idea of a Christian Society" is an extended essay by T.S. Eliot, first published in
1939. In this work, Eliot explores the state of Christianity and its role in the cultural and
social fabric of society, particularly in a Europe that was facing the rise of totalitarian
regimes and the aftermath of the Great Depression. Eliot, having converted to
Anglicanism in 1927, presents a thoughtful and complex argument for the integration of
Christian principles into the organization of society, arguing against both secularism
"The Power and the Glory" is a novel by Graham Greene, first published in 1940. Set in
the Mexican state of Tabasco during the 1930s, a time when the Mexican government
sought to suppress the Catholic Church, the novel centers around a fugitive Roman
Catholic 'whisky priest' who is on the run from the authorities. This priest, who remains
compassion.
The novel explores themes of sin, redemption, and the complexities of faith in the face
of persecution. Greene uses the whisky priest's journey to highlight the contrast
between the idealism of the church's teachings and the challenging realities of
practicing faith in a hostile environment. The priest encounters various characters that
reflect different aspects of faith and morality, including a devoutly religious woman, a
"1984" by George Orwell, published in 1949, is a dystopian novel that explores the
perpetual war, omnipresent government surveillance, and public manipulation, the novel
introduces readers to a society controlled by the Party, led by the elusive Big Brother.
The protagonist, Winston Smith, is a low-ranking member of the Party in London, who
works at the Ministry of Truth (Minitrue), where his job is to rewrite historical records to
fit the Party's propaganda. Despite the oppressive regime, Winston harbors thoughts of
rebellion and dreams of breaking free from the Party's all-encompassing control. He
begins a forbidden love affair with Julia, a fellow Party member, which becomes an act
of defiance against the government's ban on personal relationships and sexual freedom.
"The Lord of the Flies" by William Golding, published in 1954, is a novel that explores the
dark side of human nature through the experiences of a group of British schoolboys
stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash during a wartime evacuation. With no
adult survivors, the boys attempt to govern themselves, creating their own society with
The novel begins with the boys electing Ralph as their leader, who prioritizes keeping a
signal fire burning for rescue and building shelters. However, conflicts quickly arise,
particularly with Jack, who leads a group of hunters obsessed with killing pigs for meat.
The struggle for power and the descent into savagery begin to fracture the group,
"A Clockwork Orange" is a dystopian novel by Anthony Burgess, first published in 1962.
The novel is known for its innovative use of language and its exploration of themes such
as free will, violence, and the possibility of redemption. It is set in a near-future society
including theft, assault, and rape. The first part of the novel details Alex's violent exploits
and his eventual capture by the authorities. In prison, Alex volunteers for an
conditions him to become physically ill at the thought of violence, effectively removing
Ryder," is a novel by Evelyn Waugh, first published in 1945. The novel is a reflective story
of forbidden love and the fading glory of the English aristocracy, set between the two
World Wars. It is narrated by Charles Ryder, an army captain, who finds himself
stationed at Brideshead Castle, the family home of his closest friend, Lord Sebastian
Flyte, during World War II. This setting prompts Charles to reminisce about his complex
and profound relationship with the Flyte family over the past two decades.
Sarah is a mysterious and independent woman who is rumored to be waiting for the
return of a French naval officer, believed to have seduced and abandoned her, which has
led to her social ostracization. Charles becomes fascinated by Sarah, and despite being
engaged to the conventional and suitable Ernestina Freeman, he finds himself drawn
into a relationship with Sarah that challenges his values and the rigid social norms of
Victorian society.
Waiting for Godot" is a play by Samuel Beckett, first performed in 1953 in Paris and
published in 1952 as "En attendant Godot." It is one of the most important and
influential works in the movement known as the Theatre of the Absurd. The play is
known for its minimalist setting, its concise, poetic dialogue, and its exploration of
existential despair.
The plot revolves around two characters, Vladimir (often called Didi) and Estragon
(Gogo), who are waiting by a barren tree for the arrival of someone named Godot. While
they wait, they engage in a variety of discussions, encounter other characters like Pozzo,
a pompous landowner, and his servant Lucky, who can only speak when ordered to
think, and a boy who intermittently arrives to inform them that Godot will not come
today, but surely tomorrow.
The play is set in a sparse, undefined location, described only as a bare room with two
small windows. The main characters are Hamm, an old, blind man who is unable to
stand; Clov, Hamm's servant, who cannot sit; and Nagg and Nell, Hamm's elderly
parents, who live in two ashbins. The title "Endgame" refers to the final part of a chess
game when the outcome is already known, mirroring the characters' awareness of their
impending end.
"The Caretaker" is a play by Harold Pinter, first performed in 1960. It is one of Pinter's
most celebrated works and is a prime example of what came to be known as the
"Pinteresque" style, characterized by implicit dialogue, pauses, and the menacing or
ambiguous undercurrents within seemingly mundane situations. The play explores
themes of power, identity, and the fluidity of roles within the dynamics of social and
familial relationships.
The story revolves around three characters: Aston, a quiet and somewhat withdrawn
man who lives in a cluttered, dilapidated apartment; Mick, Aston's younger, more
menacing brother; and Davies, an elderly, homeless man whom Aston brings home one
night. Aston offers Davies the job of caretaker of the apartment, a proposition that
seems straightforward but becomes complicated by the shifting power dynamics
among the three men.
Aston is dealing with the aftereffects of a traumatic brain injury, which has left him with
a reduced capacity to communicate and connect with others. He dreams of building a
shed in the garden, a project that symbolizes his desire for order and purpose. Mick, the
more dominant and aggressive of the two brothers, has his own plans for the apartment
and Davies. Davies, for his part, is a manipulative figure, constantly shifting his
allegiances and stories about his past, trying to secure his position in the apartment.
"The Hostage" is a play by Irish playwright Brendan Behan, first performed in 1958. It is a
tragicomedy that blends humor, song, and drama to examine political and social issues
in Ireland, particularly focusing on the tensions between the Irish Republican Army (IRA)
and the British authorities during the mid-20th century. The play was originally written in
Irish as "An Giall" and later adapted by Behan into English, expanding its content and
incorporating a wider array of characters and themes.
Set in a Dublin brothel that doubles as an informal boarding house, the story revolves
around the capture of a young British soldier, Leslie Williams, who is held hostage by the
IRA. They threaten to execute him in retaliation for the scheduled execution of an IRA
member in Belfast. The diverse group of characters in the boarding house includes
prostitutes, an old IRA man, a Cockney sailor, and various other eccentric lodgers, who
all become, in one way or another, involved in the hostage situation.
It is often considered one of the most important plays of the 20th century for its
introduction of a new form of drama and its influence on British theatre. The play
marked the emergence of the "angry young men," a group of playwrights and novelists
who depicted the frustrations of the post-war generation in Britain.
The play is set in a small, cramped apartment in the Midlands and centers around the
character of Jimmy Porter, a young, educated man disillusioned with his life and the
state of the country. Jimmy is articulate, passionate, and deeply angry at the social
injustices and stagnation he perceives around him. He directs much of his anger and
frustration towards his wife, Alison, who comes from a higher social class. Their volatile
marriage is at the heart of the play, showcasing the clash between their backgrounds
and values.
"Look Back in Anger" explores themes of class conflict, dissatisfaction with the status
quo, and the struggle to find meaning in a changing world.
"Equus" is a play by Peter Shaffer, first staged in 1973. It delves into the complex
relationship between a psychiatrist, Dr. Martin Dysart, and his patient, a
seventeen-year-old boy named Alan Strang, who has committed a violent act against
horses. The play is a psychological drama that explores themes of passion, religion, and
the conflict between societal norms and individual desires.
Alan Strang has blinded six horses with a metal spike, an act that brings him under the
care of Dysart. Through a series of psychiatric sessions, Dysart uncovers the
deep-seated emotional and psychological reasons behind Alan's actions. The boy has
developed a religious fascination with horses, merging his obsession with equine
strength and majesty with a form of worship. This obsession is intertwined with Alan's
repressed sexuality and family tensions, particularly those related to his parents'
conflicting religious and social views.
"Vinegar Tom" is a play by British playwright Caryl Churchill, first performed in 1976.
Unlike traditional historical dramas, the play employs a non-linear narrative and
integrates modern elements, including songs, to comment on the themes of gender and
power. Set in the 17th century during the witch hunts in England, "Vinegar Tom"
examines the societal and personal dynamics that led to the persecution of women
accused of witchcraft.
The play focuses on a series of characters in a rural community, primarily women, who
are targeted by witchcraft accusations for various reasons, such as poverty, personal
disputes, or non-conformity to societal norms. Central characters include Alice, a single
mother who seeks an abortion; her mother Joan, labeled a witch for her outspokenness
and poverty; and Ellen, a wise woman who provides herbal remedies.