Gavin Smithers

Understanding Emily Dickinson's Set Poems Gavin Smithers

Emily Dickinson is new to the OCR A-level specification. Candidates are expected to demonstrate "critical literary skills"; to show understanding and comment on "the variety of possible interpretations". But, with images of swimming butterflies, loaded guns and narrow fellows that turn out to be snakes, Emily Dickinson can seem daunting. Add in a writer who doesn't do titles or punctuation and where do you begin?! Why not start with this short guide. It has been written to help you, the A level student. -Develop a sense of Emily Dickinson's purpose as a poet. -Find connections between the 15 set poems. -Understand key themes. -Stretch your ability to write clear, critically sound essays. -Learn what to leave out. -Answer exam questions with confidence. As one of Gavin's Guide's for A and GCSE level, this short, thoughtful book has two aims - to help you come to admire the author AND raise your exam grade. Gavin's Guides are written by leading private tutors. They understand what a challenge understanding classic and modern literature can be. Each week, they work one-to-one with students and so are experts at unlocking individual potential. Now, in book and e-book, all GCSE and A level students can benefit from their skill at unravelling complex ideas into clear language.