English Literature Personal Statement Example 12

I have always been intrigued by the way writers are able to manipulate the impact they will have on their reader's emotions and imaginations; and how they paint vivid and dramatic imagery. I believe that English literature offers a spectacular insight into centuries of thoughts and ideas as well as providing a gateway between us and the most eloquent writers in history.

A novel that has stimulated my mind has been “Lady Chatterley's Lover” by D.H. Lawrence. The themes that are explored by D.H. Lawrence have inspired me to query the opinions of aristocracy and how the lack of physical love can torment, as well as one's search for integrity and wholeness. My interest in literature varies from writers such as the Bronte sisters and Jane Austen, to Gothic novels such as The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Mary Shelly's Frankenstein.

I have also read The Color Purple and Beloved which I found to be similar in many ways as they both explore the extent of the racial discrimination and abuse, that both the major and minor characters went through; as well as the strength and robustness of the relationships whether it is filial (Beloved) or companionship (The colour of purple). I am also part of a book club which comes together every 2-3 weeks to discuss a book elected by the group.

Currently we are absorbed in Ian McEwan's The Cement Garden which I am finding incredibly interesting as McEwan as it tackles a greatly controversial subject such as incest and discusses it in a very convincing manner.
I also enjoy attending the theatre and have seen many plays which include Shakespeare's Hamlet and Othello which I enjoyed very much as it increased my understanding of the plays.

I have found many aspects of my English literature A-level interesting as well as challenging as it invites me to. The text that has appealed to me the most has been Thomas Hardy's Tess of D'Urbervilles. I especially liked this text as Hardy presents not only the divergence between the social classes of those in the 1800's, but the cruelty and mistreatment of the main heroine as well as the injustice towards women in general.

My other subjects have taught me a plethora of skills that I have learned to apply in everyday life. Economics has enhanced and developed my analytical skills as it requires analysing different sets of data and using it to reinforce the points you have made: which I have learned to apply in my other subjects including English.

Government and Politics has also helped me to better my debating skills as it encourages me to argue my points more clearly and effectively. Classical Civilisation has also has shown me a deep insight into the historical ways of Greek and Roman society; as well as exploring the tale of Odysseus and his journey home from the epic Trojan war.

I would like to study English Literature at degree level as it is not only a versatile subject that opens doors to many careers, but it is also a source of great enjoyment to me. Although I am not quite sure of which career I would like to pursue yet, I have considered using English for teaching or perhaps journalism.

I currently work in a fast food restaurant where I have enhanced my inter-personal and customer service skills. I also enjoy keeping fit and therefore attend my local gym regularly as I think it is important to keep fit and stay healthy.