Using Critics In HSC Module B
For years, the inclusion of critics in a Module B essay has been a frequent source of stress and confusion for HSC students.
Every year, students are constantly asking questions such as ‘What are critical responses?’, ‘Where can I find what critics have said about a particular text?’ and ‘Will I be marked down for not including them?’. In this blog post, I will answer all of your questions pertaining to critics, and hopefully you will gain a greater understanding of this topic!
Firstly, let’s take a look at the Module B rubric from the Stage 6 English syllabus.
Exponents of including critics in Module B responses foreground the underlined sentence. As the rubric explicitly states, you are expected to read other critical interpretations (e.g. historicist, psychoanalytic, feminist and Marxist readings are usually the most common) of the particular text you are studying.
Get Alex Luo’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
But notice how these critics must be tested against YOUR ‘understanding and interpretation of the text’. The use of critics in a response should support your informed understanding of the text, not constitute the main focus of it. As evidenced by the syllabus, the whole crux of this module is that the markers are looking for YOUR personal interpretation of the text. This thesis can be substantiated by critics with whom you either align your view with, or you can refute the views of a particular critic or school of literary criticism.
What are critics and schools of literary criticism?
Simply put, critics are literary scholars who proffer views on a particular text. Schools of literary criticism are certain approaches to texts, and include feminist literary criticism, New Historicism, Marxism and post-structuralism (to name a few!). Here is a very short summary of each:
- Feminist criticism explores the representation, roles and position of women in texts, and why the composer has chosen to feature women in this way.
- New Historicism focuses on the significance of the context of production (that is, the context of the author).
- Marxism focuses on how texts parallel class struggle, dominant ideologies and economic conditions.
- Post-structuralism adopts the view that there is no single, correct interpretation of a text. Meaning is fluid and is created by the reader
Of course, these definitions of these schools of criticism are quite basic. I would suggest that you further research these if you want to include any of them in your responses.
How do I find critical responses to my text?
Critical responses can be found in books, academic journal articles, PhD thesis, which can be sourced from JSTOR, Google Books and Google Scholar. Don’t forget libraries either (and librarians, they have a wealth of knowledge!), so be sure to consider your school, local, university, and state library when seeking sources. And of course, the handouts you receive at Delta are excellent points of departure!
Will I get marked down for not having critics in my essay?
No, as the module’s main focus is your personal interpretation of the text. Let’s take a look at the marking guidelines for Module B in 2015. A Band 6 response has the following components:
As you can see, the marking criteria does not explicitly mention the inclusion of critics. The markers are simply looking for a skilful exploration of the text, with a well-informed understanding of devices and textual references. Whilst not mandatory, this analysis can be supported by critics.
If I do include critics in my response, how should I incorporate them?
Remember that the use of critics in a response should support your informed understanding of the text, not constitute the main focus of it.
The whole crux of this particular module is that the markers are looking for YOUR personal interpretation of the text. This thesis can be substantiated by critics with whom you either align your view with, or you can refute the views of a particular critic or school of literary criticism.
Something very simple such as: ‘Aligning with X’s astute premise that……Hamlet explores….’ or ‘This construal of Cloudstreet is validated by the psychoanalytic view espoused by X’. Your response does not have to feature lots of critics — a maximum of three critics in the whole response is ideal.
If I want a Band 6, should I include critics?
If you are striving for a Band 6, I personally recommend the use of critics. Think about how many students would incorporate elements of post-structuralism in their responses. Something like this would distinguish your script from the rest of the candidates!
The inclusion of critics in HSC essays also demonstrates that you have a further interest in the text you are studying, and the study of literature itself. Including around two to three critics definitely adds sophistication and nuance to your response, as it indicates to the marker that you have read more widely than other candidates (although you actually need to read these responses!).
Yet, achieving a Band 6 is still possible if you make no reference to critical responses. It is entirely up to you whether you include them or not.
Found this article useful and want more state ranking resources for English Advanced? Check out Delta Specialist Education below:
