AQA GCSE English Language: Examining Literary Non-Fiction

AQA GCSE English Language: Examining Literary Non-Fiction

This tutorial focuses on how to analyze literary non-fiction texts in AQA GCSE English Language, specifically for Paper 2, Section A. This section assesses your ability to analyze viewpoint and narrative style, contributing to a total of 40 marks for reading tasks.

What is Literary Non-Fiction?

Literary non-fiction is writing that uses literary techniques to explore real-life events and experiences. This includes genres like:

• Autobiography: Personal accounts of the author's life.
• Biography: Accounts of another person's life, often with a specific focus.
• Essays: Explores a particular topic with a persuasive argument or analysis.
• Journalism: Reports on current events, often with a strong narrative element.
• Travel writing: Accounts of travel experiences, often blending personal reflections with cultural observations.
• Memoir: A personal account of a specific period in the author's life.

Key Aspects to Focus on:

1. Narrative Style:

• Structure: How the writer organizes their ideas and information.
  • Chronological: Events are presented in the order they occurred.
  • Flashbacks: The narrative jumps back to a previous event.
  • Non-linear: The narrative jumps back and forth in time, sometimes without a clear order.
  • Thematic: Ideas are grouped together based on their relevance to a specific theme.
• Point of View: The perspective from which the story is told.
  • First-person: "I" or "we" – the narrator is directly involved in the story.
  • Second-person: "You" – The narrator addresses the reader directly.
  • Third-person: "He," "she," "they" – The narrator is an outside observer.
  • Omniscient: The narrator knows everything about the characters and events.
• Voice: The author's unique style and personality that emerges through their writing.
  • Formal: Impersonal and objective, often used in academic writing.
  • Informal: Conversational and personal, often used in personal essays.
  • Humorous: Uses wit and irony to engage the reader.
  • Sombre: Serious and reflective, often used in accounts of loss or hardship.
• Imagery: Language that creates vivid pictures in the reader's mind.
• Figurative Language: Language that goes beyond literal meaning to create a specific effect.
  • Similes: Comparisons using "like" or "as."
  • Metaphors: Implied comparisons.
  • Personification: Giving human qualities to inanimate objects.
  • Symbolism: Objects or events that represent something else.

2. Tone:

The overall feeling or attitude conveyed by the writer. Some common tones in literary non-fiction include:

• Informative: Focuses on presenting facts and information.
• Persuasive: Aims to convince the reader to agree with a particular point of view.
• Reflective: Explores personal thoughts and feelings.
• Critical: Analyzes and evaluates a particular topic or issue.
• Humorous: Lighthearted and entertaining.

Analyzing Literary Non-Fiction Texts:

1. Identify the Genre: Determine the type of literary non-fiction you are reading (autobiography, essay, etc.). This helps you understand the writer's purpose and the conventions of the genre.

2. Analyze the Narrative Style:

   • Identify the point of view.
   • Analyze the structure of the narrative.
   • Examine the language features used (imagery, figurative language, etc.).
   • Consider how the writer's voice contributes to the overall effect.

3. Determine the Tone:

   • What is the writer's attitude towards the topic?
   • How is the tone conveyed through language and structure?

4. Analyze the Viewpoint:

   • What is the author's perspective on the events or ideas presented?
   • How does the author's viewpoint influence the narrative?
   • Are there any biases or limitations to the author's viewpoint?

5. Consider the Purpose:

   • What is the writer's aim in writing this piece?
   • What is the intended audience?

Example: Analyzing an Autobiographical Passage

Excerpt: “I remember the day I first learned to ride a bike. The rusty handlebars felt cold in my hands, and the wind whipped through my hair as I wobbled down the sidewalk. The fear was a knot in my stomach, but the joy of the wind beneath my wings was worth it. That day, I felt free, like I could fly.”

Analysis:

• Genre: Autobiography – the passage is a personal account of a childhood memory.
• Narrative Style:
  • Point of View: First-person – “I” is used to describe the experience.
  • Structure: Chronological – the passage follows the order of events.
  • Voice: Informal – uses vivid imagery and sensory details, creating a conversational tone.
  • Imagery: “Rusty handlebars,” “wind whipped through my hair,” “knot in my stomach,” “wind beneath my wings.”
  • Figurative Language: “Wind beneath my wings” – metaphor conveying a sense of freedom and exhilaration.
• Tone: Reflective and nostalgic.
• Viewpoint: The author shares their personal experience of learning to ride a bike, emphasizing the feelings of fear and joy associated with this event.

Remember: When analyzing literary non-fiction texts, focus on how the writer uses language to create meaning and effect. Pay attention to narrative style, tone, and viewpoint, and consider how these elements contribute to the overall message of the text.