ENG1501
Assignment 3
DUE 11 August 2025
, SECTION A: Reflection (15 Marks)
Before beginning this module, my experience with reading novels was somewhat limited
and inconsistent. Although I had encountered a few literary works in the past, I had not
engaged with them in an analytical or academic way. One novel that left a strong
impression on me before the module was Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. I found it
captivating because of its vivid depiction of pre-colonial Igbo society and the complex
character of Okonkwo. Achebe’s use of cultural elements to explore themes like identity,
change, tradition, and colonial disruption made the story both educational and
emotionally resonant. Okonkwo, as the protagonist, fascinated me. His inner conflicts,
pride, and eventual downfall revealed the tragedy of a man torn between cultural
expectations and personal insecurities. His flaws made him relatable and human, and
this realism drew me into the narrative.
In contrast, I struggled with Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. While I appreciated
the historical significance and literary richness of the novel, I found the language archaic
and the pacing very slow. The long descriptions and elaborate sentences made it hard
for me to stay focused, especially when compared to more modern or culturally relevant
texts. Pip, the protagonist, did not engage me as strongly as Okonkwo did, possibly
because I found it difficult to relate to the time and context. Additionally, the novel's
length was daunting, and its Victorian style felt distant from my lived experience.
Studying Unit 4 of the module significantly changed how I approach and interpret
novels. The unit provided tools for literary analysis, particularly in understanding how
authors construct characters, explore themes, and use various techniques such as
symbolism, narration, and imagery. I gained insight into how to read beneath the
surface of a story and identify patterns in plot, character development, and stylistic
choices. One of the most useful aspects was learning how to analyze characterization
and theme in depth. I came to appreciate how characters are shaped by their context
and how their inner thoughts, actions, and relationships reflect broader societal issues.
Assignment 3
DUE 11 August 2025
, SECTION A: Reflection (15 Marks)
Before beginning this module, my experience with reading novels was somewhat limited
and inconsistent. Although I had encountered a few literary works in the past, I had not
engaged with them in an analytical or academic way. One novel that left a strong
impression on me before the module was Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. I found it
captivating because of its vivid depiction of pre-colonial Igbo society and the complex
character of Okonkwo. Achebe’s use of cultural elements to explore themes like identity,
change, tradition, and colonial disruption made the story both educational and
emotionally resonant. Okonkwo, as the protagonist, fascinated me. His inner conflicts,
pride, and eventual downfall revealed the tragedy of a man torn between cultural
expectations and personal insecurities. His flaws made him relatable and human, and
this realism drew me into the narrative.
In contrast, I struggled with Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. While I appreciated
the historical significance and literary richness of the novel, I found the language archaic
and the pacing very slow. The long descriptions and elaborate sentences made it hard
for me to stay focused, especially when compared to more modern or culturally relevant
texts. Pip, the protagonist, did not engage me as strongly as Okonkwo did, possibly
because I found it difficult to relate to the time and context. Additionally, the novel's
length was daunting, and its Victorian style felt distant from my lived experience.
Studying Unit 4 of the module significantly changed how I approach and interpret
novels. The unit provided tools for literary analysis, particularly in understanding how
authors construct characters, explore themes, and use various techniques such as
symbolism, narration, and imagery. I gained insight into how to read beneath the
surface of a story and identify patterns in plot, character development, and stylistic
choices. One of the most useful aspects was learning how to analyze characterization
and theme in depth. I came to appreciate how characters are shaped by their context
and how their inner thoughts, actions, and relationships reflect broader societal issues.
