Personal Statement - English Literature 4

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Shelley's belief that poets are the "unacknowledged legislators of the world" might seem like an exaggeration to some people, but in my opinion, his essay "A Defence of Poetry" eloquently expresses the importance of poetry, and other forms of literature. Studying literature is intrinsically valuable, but it also helps to illuminate other aspects of culture. Writers, as Shelley observed, "apprehend the true and the beautiful" while reflecting the society in which they live. It is the catholic nature of literature that I find intriguing, which is why I am keen to study English Literature at a higher level.

English Literature, for me, is not merely an academic subject but an interest which influences many different areas of my life, whether I am reading significant works of the Victorian canon or writing my thoughts on novels in my reading journal. Consequently, I am thoroughly looking forward to the prospect of studying English Literature at university.

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

I have enjoyed the English Literature A-Level course, with the variety of texts covered and the challenges of writing more sophisticated essays. I particularly enjoyed studying Keats's poetry, as I have a deep appreciation of the Romantics; I find the expression of Shelley's spiritual and political beliefs in his poetry especially interesting. I also read widely for pleasure, from Angela Carter's magic realist novels to the satirical writing of Evelyn Waugh. I have recently become interested in the work of English novelists from the modernist era, including Virginia Woolf and Patrick Hamilton. Hamilton's work has, I believe, been unfairly neglected; his astute observations of relationships and his ability to explore darker sides of human nature make him a writer worthy of study.

My own attempts at creative writing have helped me to appreciate the challenges of writing novels, and to understand the thoughts and intentions of certain novelists. I admire "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov and Gunter Grass's "The Tin Drum" in particular, the former as a "love letter to the English language" and the latter for its playful, subversive style and idiosyncratic narrator. Through the voice of Oskar Matzerath, Grass conveys the horrors of Nazism, but reminds the reader that in spite of Hitler's nihilistic attitude towards the arts, creativity could not be suppressed, thus conveying both the true and the beautiful.

My other A-Level subjects complement my study of English Literature very well. Writing History essays has encouraged me to develop my analytical skills, and I believe that reading the works of classical writers such as Homer and Sophocles is essential for any English Literature student.

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

Attending performances of plays by Euripides ("The Bacchae" and "Women of Troy") as well as seeing "King Lear" at the Globe and an adaptation of one of my favourite novels, Patrick Hamilton's "Hangover Square", has increased my appreciation and understanding of the texts. I also subscribe to the "Times Literary Supplement", which has helped me to discover new critical approaches to literature, as well as enabling me to learn of important new publications.

I have a wide variety of interests, and spend much of my spare time visiting art galleries and museums. Furthermore, I have found taking part in the "Share the Care" project, which involves helping a fourteen year old disabled girl to gain more independence, extremely rewarding.

Universities applied to:

• Oxford
• UCL
• King's College
• Queen Mary
• Royal Holloway

Grades achieved:

• AAA
• AAB
• 320 points
• AAB

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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