“What excited me about studying English Literature was the opportunity to explore so many areas - history, philosophy, psychology, religion, gender and much more! I loved that writers respond to their specific historical, cultural and personal contexts, whilst also addressing themes which remain important and interesting to us.”
- Jaycie Carter, English Language and Literature

If you want to find out more about the potential dangers of love, Jaycie recommends…

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

This novel tells the story of a young woman haunted by the memory of her husband’s first, dead, wife, exploring themes of marriage, jealousy, memory and gender roles along the way.

The Awakening by Kate Chopin

This book turned some heads when it was published in 1899. It explores a married woman’s desire for greater personal freedom and a more fulfilling life, a topic seen as outrageous at the time.

Daughters of Decadence, edited by Elaine Showalter

A collection of daring, original and meaningful stories by celebrated female writers of the late 19th Century.

Enjoyed this Big Question? University study offers the opportunity to ask all your big questions, and develop the skills to find the answers. The university subjects covered in this question include…

Archaeology and Anthropology

Study humankind from the origins of the human species to the present day. Find out more on their course page.

History and Politics

Analyse present day political problems from a historical viewpoint, and study the past with knowledge taken from modern political study. Find out more on their course page.

Human Sciences

Study the biological, social and cultural aspects of human life to gain a greater understanding of important issues that modern societies face. Find out more on their course page.