literature and culture essay

New Approaches to Literature for Language Learning pp 81–97 Cite as

Literature and Culture

• Jeneen Naji 4 ,
• Ganakumaran Subramaniam 5 &
• Goodith White 6  
• First Online: 11 April 2019

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1 Citations

Many theoretical approaches to literary studies assume that the relationship between literature and culture is an important one, in the sense that literature both reflects and is a means of reflecting on the culture in which it is produced. In defining culture, the writers describe the effects of global culture on what is read, and the notion that any literary text cannot help being a partial and biased representation of the culture it portrays. Students need to be supported in questioning the cultural assumptions made in texts and questioning stereotypes. The components of cultural awareness are explored and illustrated, and the chapter ends with a discussion of high and low culture as they apply to the texts students read.

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Department of Media Studies, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Maynooth, Kildare, Ireland

Jeneen Naji

School of Education, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia

Ganakumaran Subramaniam

Goodith White

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Naji, J., Subramaniam, G., White, G. (2019). Literature and Culture. In: New Approaches to Literature for Language Learning. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-15256-7_4

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Published : 11 April 2019

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Literature and Culture Essay

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• German Literature
• German Culture

• European Studies
• European Studies: German Studies

From Goethe to Gundolf

Essays on german literature and culture.

• Roger Paulin ( author )

This is literary criticism and historical insight in the very best tradition: readable, accessible, transparently intelligent, connected, and enlightening. By joining the earlier literary historian Friedrich Gundolf with Goethe in the title, Paulin brings together two centuries of 'Geistesgeschichte', intellectual history at its finest. Bibliography and index are excellent; knowledge of German will be most helpful.

S. Gittleman

CHOICE Connect, vol. 59, no. 9, 2022.

Additional Resources

1. goethe: die leiden des jungen werthers, roger paulin, 2. goethe and stolberg in italy: the consequences for romantic art, 3. schiller: wallenstein, 4. laocoon, dante, shakespeare, august wilhelm schlegel and the overcoming of tragedy, 5. adding stones to the edifice: patterns of german biography, 6. kleist’s metamorphoses: some remarks on the use of mythology in penthesilea, 7. goethe, the brothers grimm and academic freedom, 8. fairy stories for very sophisticated children: ludwig tieck’s phantasus, 9. gundolf’s romanticism, 10. some remarks on the new edition of the works of wilhelm müller, 11. heine and shakespeare, 12. the ‘schillerfeier’ of 1859 and the ‘shakespearefest’ of 1864: with some remarks on theodor fontane’s contributions, 13. under the horse’s tail: the poets, statuary and the literary canon in nineteenth-century germany, 14. friedrich gottlieb klopstock: ‘der zürchersee’, 15. annette von droste-hülshoff, 16. rilke: duino elegy ten: in memoriam leslie seiffert, 1934–90, 17. julius hare’s german books in trinity college library, cambridge, contributors.

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If you need help with “ write my UK essay ” for an English literature class, it can seem difficult, but with the right approach, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Whether you’re analyzing a novel, a play, or a collection of poems, the key is to understand the work deeply and convey your insights in a clear and compelling way. In this post, we’ll explore some practical tips and strategies to help you write a solid English literature essay.

Read and Understand the Work Thoroughly

The first and most crucial step is to read the literary work carefully and attentively, even if you’re considering using best essay writing services . Don’t just skim through it; take your time and immerse yourself in the text. Pay attention to the characters, plot, themes, symbols, and literary devices used by the author. Make notes, highlight passages, and jot down your initial thoughts and reactions.

Develop a Clear Thesis Statement

Every good essay needs a strong thesis statement. This is the central argument or claim that you’ll be making about the literary work. Your thesis should be specific, debatable, and supported by evidence from the text. Avoid making broad, vague statements; instead, strive for a focused and well-defined thesis that will guide your analysis.

Organize Your Ideas

Once you have a clear thesis statement, it’s time to organize your ideas. Create an outline that will serve as a roadmap for your essay. Decide on the main points you want to make and the evidence you’ll use to support them. Group related ideas together and arrange them in a logical order.

Introduce the Work and Your Thesis

Your introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide some context about the literary work you’re analyzing. Give a brief summary of the plot or main themes, but avoid retelling the entire story. Then, clearly state your thesis statement and let the reader know what to expect from your essay.

Use Textual Evidence to Support Your Claims

In a literature essay, your arguments should be backed up by evidence from the text. Cite specific passages, quotes, or examples that illustrate your points. Don’t just summarize the plot; analyze and interpret the evidence to show how it supports your thesis.

Tip: When quoting from the text, be sure to properly introduce and integrate the quotes into your own writing.

Analyze Literary Devices and Techniques

Great literature is often rich in literary devices and techniques, such as symbolism, imagery, metaphor, and foreshadowing. Explore how the author uses these devices to convey deeper meanings and enhance the overall reading experience. Analyzing these elements can add depth and sophistication to your essay.

Consider Different Perspectives and Interpretations

While developing your analysis, it’s important to consider alternative perspectives and interpretations. Acknowledge counterarguments or differing viewpoints, and then explain why your interpretation is more compelling or valid. This shows that you’ve thought critically about the work and strengthened your own argument.

For example:

Some critics argue that the protagonist’s actions are driven by selfishness, but a closer examination of the text suggests that her motivations are more complex and rooted in a desire for personal growth.

Provide a Clear and Compelling Conclusion

Your conclusion should do more than simply restate your thesis; it should synthesize your main points and leave the reader with a lasting impression. Reflect on the broader implications or significance of your analysis, and consider how it contributes to a deeper understanding of the literary work or the human experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Clearly restate your thesis
• Summarize your main points
• Explore the broader implications of your analysis
• Leave the reader with a thought-provoking or insightful final statement

Edit and Proofread Carefully

Once you’ve finished your first draft, take a step back and review your essay with a critical eye. Check for clarity, coherence, and logical flow. Ensure that your arguments are well-supported and that your writing is free of grammatical errors, typos, and other technical issues.

Seek Feedback and Revise

Finally, don’t be afraid to seek feedback from others. Share your essay with a trusted friend, classmate, or instructor, and be open to constructive criticism. Use this feedback to refine and improve your essay before submitting it.

Writing a good English literature essay requires careful planning, deep analysis, and effective communication. By following these tips and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to producing a compelling and insightful essay that showcases your understanding of the literary work and your ability to engage with it critically.

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