Structure of crime paper————————————- Flashcards
Section A (unseen crime)
Read the extract once through and work out what is going on.
Consider
when it was written (is it modern/Golden Age (1920 to 1939)etc.)
what is the narrative perspective (e.g. 1st/3rd person or focalised through a character?
what is its focus (e.g. detection of crime, the criminal, the victim, the discovery etc.)
Pick out three elements of crime you feel confident discussing.
For each one:
Find a quote you could use to illustrate it
Pick out some method you could explore.
Consider how the presentation of this element is significant, to the text as a whole, and to the wider crime genre.
Think about how you will introduce and conclude your answer.
Structure of answer (section A)
Introduction – discuss the extract as a whole.
Where does it come in the novel?
Is the date it was written significant?
How does it fit into the wider genre of crime fiction?
What kind of text does it appear to be?
What is its focus – is it on the criminal, the victim, the detection, the legal aspects etc?
How is it narrated and what might be the significance of this?
Does it fit with typical expectations of a certain type of crime text?
Discuss your chosen element of crime in terms of the passage as a whole.
Zoom in on the quote you have chosen to illustrate it.
Explore how the author has used various methods to present it.
Develop your ideas and add other quotes which link to and develop your ideas.
Add in further quotes to develop your point and to take it in different directions.
Explain the significance of the way this element of crime is presented, firstly to the novel as a whole, then broaden out and explain how this fits into the wider genre of crime fiction.
Section B (Specific text question)
Question on one of the texts (Atonement, Ackroyd or Mariner) about a specific character or theme
Example:
The Mariner is more victim than criminal
Plan:
pick the best out of the 3, but also consider section C which is on the other 2
Weigh up the question on both sides of the argument
Structure of answer (Section B)
Mention author
Intro:
give an overview of the text within the wider context of the crime fiction genre
Link to elements of crime referred to in question
Overview of possible arguments
End with own personal view(?)
Main:
Series of points that can agree, disagree or both
for each paragraph:
make a clear point which links to the question and your argument
use quotes
analyze method
consider author’s purpose
effect on reader
links to context, genre and different interpretations
Conclusion:
sum up your view on the question
don’t make new points
cumulate your arguments from throughout the essay into the conclusion
Section C (two text question)
A question on two texts such as
“In crime writing there is always punishment”
always focuses on a specific element of crime
Structure of answer (Section C)
Intro:
talk briefly about the crime element in relation to the genre of crime
give an overview of each text, and link them to the crime element
View on question must be clear
Main:
write in 2 separate sections, one for each text
focus on the events/characters which are significant for the key element of crime
For each, explore:
significance of the key element in the text
quotes as evidence
analyze method
author’s purpose in using the elements in that way
effect on reader
link to context, genre and different interpretations.
Elements of crime (things to look for in Q1 extract)
Type of crime text
Setting
Crimes + criminal
Motives + actions
violence, murder, theft, betrayal
The detection of the criminal
investigation that leads to capture/punishment
moral purpose and restoration of order
Guilt and remorse, confession and the desire for forgiveness;
The creation of the criminal and the detective hero
Resolution and criminal punished;
victims suffering
love, money, danger and death;
Punishment, justice, retribution, injustice, accusation, the legal system, criminal trials and courtroom dramas, imprisonment, death
structural patterning
plotting
language- criminal register, legal register, police register
comment on society
How crime stories affect audiences and readers
suspense, repugnance, excitement and relief.
