RPR - advice

As you know, you will be writing your RPR in class next week. You will get four periods of writing in total, finishing it off on Monday 12th, period 1.

The sheet handed out in class gives you the full instructions. For extra advice, I have copied below some advice that Mrs Muir has written (many thanks Mrs Muir).


S2 RPR Notes



It is important to have a plan to work from when writing a critical piece. The thinking should be done at this stage so that when you write the full RPR, it shows logical development in the ideas. This can be lost if the emphasis is on producing a huge volume of words from the first. You should spend a long time on the plan although you will produce relatively brief notes. It is worth it!

The character study
You are now starting to shift towards an essay style RPR and away from the junior “chunked up” work. Consider these points when planning the crucial character points.

Show development.
You should not present a random selection of characteristics, however true individually. Pursue character development. Establish what the character is like at the beginning and at the end. Consider the points of transition along the way. You have a plan!

Order carefully.
Often it is simplest to follow the order of the plot: it was designed with development in mind. This has the added advantage of allowing the story to emerge without having to explain how bits fit in. (Of course, the plot will emerge almost accidentally. Never just fall into relating the narrative.) Write links which show how the points relate to each other.

Consider complexity.
The best authors often focus on a complex character who struggles with dilemmas and opposing characteristics. Acknowledge this by linking the characteristics: “Although he was shy with girls, Colin was bold amongst the lads…” This naturally invites you to analyse why the contradiction exists and how it is resolved.

Acknowledge the theme.
You must take account of the central concerns of the book. The main character is always linked to theme. For example, in a book where the theme is racism, we could expect to meet a racist character or a victim of racism (or both in one). The development might be about the character learning to hate then oppose racism. You see, the character is tied to the theme. It should come into your analysis of character. If it does not, your points may too trivial.

Plan your paragraphs
P
Point. This should be specific and analytical but it should not include details. It should never be an episode of the plot.

Q
Offer evidence to support your point. Keep quotes brief. Never repeat the wording of the quote. Introduce carefully. Double indent.

D
Development. Now bring in all the detail necessary. Go into the plot to see how the author explored this aspect of character. Offer analysis – no lengthy narrative!

Focus on the author, rather than the character.
Do not speak about characters as if they are real.
Begin with expressions such as:
· Smith establishes Bob as a man of principle in the opening pages of his thriller…
· The author portrays Ethel as...
· Jones makes it clear that Bertie is … when he…
· Scott demonstrates that Killer Jim is actually timid…
· The writer introduces complexity in his main character when he shows that as well as being ... , he is ...
· Tolkien has transformed his character. He has gone from being… to being…

Contrast these mini pieces on “The Hobbit”. Which is better? Why? Try writing down some points of advice on those which you consider to be weak.

· Bilbo is hospitable. We see this when…

· Bilbo is quiet. He can creep about….

· Bilbo is always hungry. He likes to eat two breakfasts.

· Tolkien introduces his main character as a typical hobbit. Like all of his kind, he is homely and has no time for adventures.

· Although the dwarfs are contemptuous of Bilbo’s burgling skills, the author demonstrates to them and to us that he can be quiet and crafty enough to save them from danger. This becomes clear when…

· By the end, Tolkien has demonstrated a transformation in Bilbo, or perhaps he has exposed the potential he always had to be an adventurer. He will no longer be satisfied with the homely life of a typical hobbit.


You may want to copy out the following on to a sheet to help you to structure your notes:


Character Study Plan

Title:
Author:
Task:

Point 1
Quote
Development

Point 2
Quote
Development

Point 3
Quote
Development

Point 4
Quote
Development

Point 5
Quote
Development


Finally, don't worry too much about this. Although it's natural that you want to do well, it is just a book review after all, and nothing to lose sleep over. It's an opportunity to begin to develop your skills in critical analysis, and a good learning opportunity.