, ENG2611 PORTFOLIO OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2026 - DUE DATE OCTOBER 2026
3 ESSAYS PROVIDED
Using Metaphorical and Critical Approaches to Understand Literature
Literature helps learners improve their language skills, develop their imagination and become
independent thinkers. Studying a literary text involves more than understanding the events in
a story because learners must also explore its deeper meanings, examine characters and
interpret the messages communicated by the writer. Six approaches can be used to analyse
language and literature: metaphorical, philosophical, aesthetic, analytical, intertextual and
critical stances (Leland et al., 2013, p. 116). Each approach provides a different way of
understanding a literary work. The metaphorical and critical stances are particularly useful
when teaching Aesop’s The Lion and the Mouse to Grade 5 learners aged between 10 and 11
years. These approaches help learners interpret symbols, evaluate characters’ decisions and
develop a deeper understanding of how writers communicate meaning.
The metaphorical stance encourages learners to look beyond the literal meaning of words and
examine the ideas represented by symbols, images and characters (Leland et al., 2013, p.
116). This approach is suitable for Grade 5 learners because it helps them recognise that
stories can communicate messages beyond the events described. It also stimulates their
imagination and encourages them to connect literary ideas with their everyday experiences.
By identifying symbolic meanings, learners can develop their comprehension skills and
understand how writers use language to express ideas indirectly.
Aesop’s The Lion and the Mouse provides a suitable example of metaphorical analysis. The
story describes how a lion catches a mouse but eventually allows it to escape. Later, the lion
becomes trapped in a hunter’s net, and the mouse saves him by chewing through the ropes.
Although the lion is much larger and stronger, he depends on the mouse for his freedom
(Aesop, n.d.). I would introduce the story by reading it aloud while showing learners pictures
of the two animals. After reading, learners would discuss the qualities associated with each
character. The lion could represent strength and power, while the mouse could symbolise
3 ESSAYS PROVIDED
Using Metaphorical and Critical Approaches to Understand Literature
Literature helps learners improve their language skills, develop their imagination and become
independent thinkers. Studying a literary text involves more than understanding the events in
a story because learners must also explore its deeper meanings, examine characters and
interpret the messages communicated by the writer. Six approaches can be used to analyse
language and literature: metaphorical, philosophical, aesthetic, analytical, intertextual and
critical stances (Leland et al., 2013, p. 116). Each approach provides a different way of
understanding a literary work. The metaphorical and critical stances are particularly useful
when teaching Aesop’s The Lion and the Mouse to Grade 5 learners aged between 10 and 11
years. These approaches help learners interpret symbols, evaluate characters’ decisions and
develop a deeper understanding of how writers communicate meaning.
The metaphorical stance encourages learners to look beyond the literal meaning of words and
examine the ideas represented by symbols, images and characters (Leland et al., 2013, p.
116). This approach is suitable for Grade 5 learners because it helps them recognise that
stories can communicate messages beyond the events described. It also stimulates their
imagination and encourages them to connect literary ideas with their everyday experiences.
By identifying symbolic meanings, learners can develop their comprehension skills and
understand how writers use language to express ideas indirectly.
Aesop’s The Lion and the Mouse provides a suitable example of metaphorical analysis. The
story describes how a lion catches a mouse but eventually allows it to escape. Later, the lion
becomes trapped in a hunter’s net, and the mouse saves him by chewing through the ropes.
Although the lion is much larger and stronger, he depends on the mouse for his freedom
(Aesop, n.d.). I would introduce the story by reading it aloud while showing learners pictures
of the two animals. After reading, learners would discuss the qualities associated with each
character. The lion could represent strength and power, while the mouse could symbolise
