Personal Statement - English Literature 15

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

What fascinates me about literature is that it is one of the greatest forms of expression and manipulation. Literature can not only reflect and change the course of history; it can also have a profound emotional impact on the individual. In the words of E. M. Forster, great literature "transforms the man who reads it towards the condition of the man who wrote". I have experienced this with many of the works that I've read, in particular Jack Kerouac's 'On The Road'. The pulsating, romanticised descriptions of Dean, "a burning shuddering frightful Angel", made it impossible for me to dislike him. It is my love of reading and enthusiasm for close analysis and study which make English the subject that I wish to pursue.

I read widely for pleasure and have explored a range of periods and genres, from Thomas More's 'Utopia' to modernist short stories such as 'Miss Anstruther's Letters'; reading Rose Macaulay's harrowing exploration of loss and decay, framed by her own personal experiences, seemed almost intrusive. I have enjoyed works by Auden, Scott Fitzgerald and Joyce; the parallels between Stephen and Icarus in 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man' as he attempts to break free from the constraints of his childhood really interest me. I also admire 'Frankenstein' and 'The Turn of the Screw', the former for its subversive political voice and the latter as a Gothic exploration of the psychological versus the actual.

I am developing an interest in the works of Shakespeare. His plays are to me not only forms of art and escapism in themselves but also deeply thought provoking: 'The Tempest', for example, raises questions of morality and parenthood. I find Shakespeare's essential ambiguity appealing: his work, like that of More, encourages the audience to form their own opinions on complex characters and ideas. Watching 'As You Like It' in performance at the Globe Theatre opened up new interpretations which I hadn't imagined from reading the text. Interestingly the character of Jacques was played by a woman, which seems fitting for a play so concerned with gender roles.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

My A Level English studies have been enjoyable, especially the theme of tragedy. I lean towards Bradley's view that Othello is one of Shakespeare's most romantic characters, but feel that there is some truth in Leavis's analysis of his flawed character. Arthur Miller's focus on "the heart and spirit of the average man" inspired me to read more of his work. As a keen follower of current affairs and a member of my local university debating society, I was drawn to the political nature of his plays: their damning critique of capitalism and its consequences for ordinary people is disconcertingly relevant. A study of the pastoral genre this year has introduced me to the haunting realist works of Hardy; the idea of nature in 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles' as a conspirer in human suffering struck me as chillingly fatalistic.

I enjoy studying History as a companion to English: the context and reception of a work of literature can reveal much about its significance. I also hope that my A Levels in French and German will be useful to me when studying Old and Middle English. The Oxford and Cambridge summer schools in English Literature introduced me to undergraduate level work, which was challenging and stimulating. Academic intensity comes naturally to me; my zeal for literature underpins its intrinsic value in my academic and personal life.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

As well as going to the theatre whenever I can, I am a member of a county orchestra and play the piano and clarinet to Grades 5 and 8 respectively; I have also been a peer mentor and chair of the school council, actively campaigning for student issues. My work experience at a local school for children with severe learning difficulties was immensely rewarding and I have since returned as a volunteer. The role requires commitment, patience and maturity, attributes which I feel will be invaluable to my university studies.

Universities applied to:

• University of Oxford
• Bristol University
• Durham University
• University of Leeds
• University College London

Grades achieved:

• A* (English Literature A2)
• A (History A2)
• A (French A2)
• A (German AS)

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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