The ManicaPost
Morris Mtisi Literature Corner
Has it ever occurred to you that the study of Literature (of written work), is fundamentally Comprehension Work? Yes it is.
Except that the questions you are asked in Literature come from whole novels, volumes of compilations of short stories, plays (drama) and sets of literary pieces as opposed to a two-three page Form 4 Comprehension passage!
It is critically important to interpret and follow the instructions exactly as they are given by the examiner. This skill involves knowledge or understanding of question types. What does the examiner want you to give as the correct response or answer? Please understand that a correct answer is not always the correct response.
An answer may be very correct, for all we know, but are you answering the question asked or you are simply reproducing what you know to be correct facts or information regardless of the demands of the question.
Contextual or Factual questions: These answer the questions who what where and when. I am sure even those who are not studying Literature know this or must know this from their Form 4 comprehension exercises. The answers to these simple questions are all there in the comprehension passage. Some language authorities or teachers call these Literal Questions!
Interpretative or Inferential Questions: These test your ability to understand beyond the written word . . . to understand the character of each written word. You are expected to delve deeper into the character of the word and decide what is being inferred . . . what is meant without being openly stated.
This now verges closer to the brinks of serious study of written work, which is basically what the study of Literature is all about. Reading between the lines, it is sometimes called, is a skill that Literature cannot be successfully studied and understood without.
To fully understand this skill, you ought to accurately comprehend the writer’s attitude, style and tone.
These 3 often provide the clue to an accurate or correct interpretation of meaning. Look at the following example: The commander roared the instructions to the young military trainees.
The word ‘roared’ here must be interpreted to have elements of wickedness, cruelty, toughness, roughness, bullishness, heartlessness etc.
These are the characteristics of the word. The mind-picture that is created is one of a lion.
When a lion roars it displays this character collectively built by use of these words. The word ‘roared’ has been used metaphorically, we say, in Literature.
A metaphor builds a mental or mind picture that helps you to interpret (infer) the meaning that is being conveyed.
It is the image (the picture) of a lion presented by the writer that helps you to interpret or infer meaning correctly.
Language Usage Questions: (HOW?) They answer the question HOW? These include vocabulary, grammar, punctuation and figurative language. The questions are usually asked in context.
Style Questions: Every question that asks about ‘style’, also asks HOW? How is a text written (presented) by its author?
Is the style narrative, descriptive, formal, informal, simple, elevated (complex, high-strung), scientific or humourous. This also includes, ‘Is the passage written in the first, second or third person?)
Tone Questions: (also Why-questions)
Does the passage or poem convey the writer’s feelings, moods and attitudes?
The tone may be angry, apologetic, arrogant, condescending, gloomy, humorous, neutral, personal or impersonal, persuasive, sarcastic, superficial or sympathetic.
These are not the only words that express feelings, attitudes and mood. There are many more.
Questions to do with Purpose, Intention or Objective: (Why?) Why does the writer write this piece? Certainly every writer writes for a purpose. What is it?
You must first define or explain what the purpose (the intention) is and then judge whether he or she (the writer) has achieved that purpose.
The purpose might be to amuse, condemn, criticise, attack, educate, entertain, explain, inform, persuade or ridicule. It may be just to share an attitude, the feelings and mood . . . to appreciate . . . to admire somebody or something.
Judgment or Evaluation . . . You may be asked to give an opinion. This involves offering a response to what you have read (studied).
◆ You may be asked to assess a character or a given situation.
◆ You may be asked to comment on the writer’s style, intention, thoughts and feelings.
◆ All the time you must be able to defend . . . to substantiate . . . to support . . . your opinion evaluation or judgement.
In Literature you are studying skills to use in the study of Law. Lawyers do not prophesy . . . they do not guess.
Good lawyers give evidence (V 11s) to whatever they claim or present.
Lest you forget! Every argument must be supported by full or convincing evidence.
Literature trains you to make such arguments. ENJOY IT!
