With inputs from Ajay Prakash (AIR 9, CSE 2010) and Shuchita Kishore (AIR 39, CSE 2010) who chose English Literature as an optional, here is a strategy for the subject.
Novels and Drama:
For English-origin novels and drama, either ‘Worldview edition’ or ‘Norton Critical edition’ is recommended. One should supplement the analysis/criticism provided in these books with content available on websites such as Sparknotes , Cliffnotes, Wikipedia etc.
Text of a novel should be read at least once. Do not try to understand the meaning of each and every sentence; instead see a chapter in its entirety and in relation to the overall plot.
Critical essays and analysis of a work should be read thoroughly and important points memorized, especially vital themes, symbols and motifs.
For Indian-origin novels (where Worldview and Norton are not available), one should read the text well and search the net for essays, criticisms and analysis.
Poetry:
Dig the internet to gather as much in-depth knowledge about a poem as possible. Memorizing important lines of a poem is a good idea as its usage in an answer gives a very good impression. You can sail through by using your own analysis during reading of a poem.
History of English Literature:
(Covers important literary periods like Renaissance, Elizabethan era etc. refer syllabus)
Many good books are available for this:
- Introduction to English Literature by W.H Hudson
- The Routledge History of Literature in English
- A short History of English Literature (Pramod K. Nayar)
- Wikipedia is also a good source.
Unseen Poetry and Prose:
In paper-I, one has to answer questions based on unseen poem and in paper-II, there is similarly a passage from which questions are based. Both combined constitute 100 marks (50 each) and are compulsory.
These can be answered by using one’s common sense without any intensive prior preparation. A book Practical Criticism (Oxford University Press) can be useful in this regard.
A Glossary of Literary Terms by M.H Abrams is useful for familiarizing oneself with various literary terms.
General Tips:
- If one is fairly interested in literature, one can go for this optional very safely notwithstanding his/her graduation stream.
- Coverage of complete syllabus should be a priority. Questions asked, especially in the recent years are so based as to test this aspect.
- 3 months is sufficient for a person having background in English to complete the syllabus.
- For one with a different background, around 6 months is sufficient depending on one’s familiarity with the texts.
- Read the historical portion after completion of the literary works. In most novels, the plot and characters depict clearly the traits of a particular literary period. That way, one would get a fair idea of various periods without any extra effort.
- Use simple language while answering questions. Deliberate and unnecessary use of complex lexicon won’t fetch any extra marks. It is a test of one’s knowledge of ‘literature’ and not ‘English’.
- Answer-writing practice is of utmost importance. One should do it on a regular basis using the previous year questions (questions from past 10 year paper are relevant).
- Since professional guidance (as per UPSC requirement) for this optional is virtually non-existent, one can approach any good university professor for evaluation of one’s answers. If not, even self-evaluation is sufficient.
- Do not refer books which are often used by university students for securing a mere passing grade in exams (one such example is Ramji Lall). Their use, if necessitated, should only be restricted to summary of the plot/play. They cannot serve as a basic book for one’s preparation in CS exams.
