Personal Statement - English Literature 9

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

One of the main attractions of literature to me is that it can be read simply for pleasure, or carefully analysed to reveal new layers of meaning. The study of context, critical theory and literary techniques is something in which I would love to immerse myself. I value the opportunity to gain an insight into other points of view, historical periods and social values and intend to take advantage of it as much as I can.

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

My A level studies have furthered my literary development and aided the depth of my analysis. In particular, I found ‘The Remains of the Day’ to be a moving insight into a tragically flawed character. Ishiguro’s use of the unreliable narrator particularly intrigues me – whenever Stevens attempts to withhold information from the reader, he simply sheds more light on his own neuroses. Another famous employer of the unreliable narrator is, of course, Chaucer. Studying his work has given me a welcome introduction to Middle English as well as to the social attitudes of the time.

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

Outside of formal education, I have discovered a love of gothic horror. ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ ranks among my favourite novels. Wilde’s discussion of the connection between life, art, sexuality and morality caused me to re-examine the link between literature and culture. The novel was originally received with well-documented shock, confirming my belief that a people’s reaction to literature reveals much about the society in which they live. I also enjoy reading Edgar Allan Poe’s chilling short stories and poems. His work displays how easily love can tip over into dangerous obsession, bordering on insanity. Another author’s exploration of madness is Iain Banks’ ‘The Wasp Factory’. Despite its lurid plotline, the protagonist’s calm, clinical depiction of the three murders he has committed is the most disturbing aspect of the novel. Other contemporary authors I admire include Ian McEwan and Lionel Shriver. Poetry and drama also make up a fundamental part of my reading. ‘The Love Story of J. Alfred Prufrock’ is one of my favourite poems, and I was greatly intrigued by the haunting imagery and mythological allusions employed in Dante’s ‘Inferno’. I enjoy visiting the theatre and recently saw ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’.

Beyond my studies, I am a member of both the Debating Society and the Creative Writing club. I certainly welcome the opportunity to voice my opinions, and I feel debating has allowed me to become more articulate and further shape my views. I have always enjoyed creative writing, and attending the club has helped to sharpen my skills. I am also in the process of completing my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Our four-day expedition was challenging to say the least, and proved my strength, organisation and determination. Last October I attended an English master class at UCL. I loved meeting and talking to people who shared my interests. Discussing deconstructionism and psychoanalytic criticism gave me a taster of university life, and confirmed that an English degree is for me.

Universities applied to:

• UCL
• York
• Exeter
• Sheffield
• UEA
• Leicester

Grades achieved:

• AS Levels: AABB
• A-level predictions: AAA

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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