Detailed Syllabus Outline
- Bertrand Russell (The Conquest of Happiness)
- George Orwell (Politics and the English Language; The Prevention of Literature)
- Ralph Waldo Emerson (The Transcendentalist; Self-Reliance)
- Somerset Maugham (The Lotus-Eater)
- G.K. Chesterton (A Somewhat Improbable Story)
- O'Henry (The Gift of the Magi)
- William Wordsworth (Resolution and Independence; Lines Composed Few Miles Above, Tintern Abbey)
- John Keats (Ode to a Nightingale; Ode to Autumn)
- Lord Alfred Tennyson (Ulysses; The Lady of Shalott)
- Yeats (A Dialogue of Self and Soul; The Second Coming)
- Eliot (The Wasteland; Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock)
- Philip Larkin (Maturity; Continuing to Live; The Trees)
- Wallace Stevens (A Postcard from the Volcano; Continual Conversation with a Silent Man; Dry Loaf) OR Walt Whitman (As I Ponder'd in Silence; Are You the New Person Drawn Toward Me?; This Moment Yearning and Thoughtful)
- Shakespeare (Hamlet; King Lear; Twelfth Night)
- William Congreve (The Way of the World)
- Shaw (Pygmalion; Heartbreak House)
- Harold Pinter (The Caretaker)
- Samuel Beckett (Waiting for Godot)
- Eugene O'Neill (Long Day's Journey into Night)
- Thomas Hardy (Far from the Madding Crowd)
- D.H. Lawrence (Sons and Lovers)
- George Orwell (Nineteen Eighty-four)
- James Joyce (A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man)
- Iris Murdoch (Under the Net)
- Nathaniel Hawthorne (The Scarlet Letter) or William Faulkner (The Sound and the Fury)
- Structuralism
- Marxism
- Deconstructionism
- Psychoanalytic criticism
- Feminist criticism
- Postcolonial Criticism
FPSC Recommended Books
| Book Title | Author |
|---|---|
| The Basics Literary Theory (Second edition). Routledge | Bertens, H. (2008) |
| Literary Theory: An Introduction (Anniversary Edition) | Eagleton, E. (2008) |
| A New Handbook of Literary Terms | Mikics, W. (2007) |
| A Companion to Twentieth Century Poetry | Roberts, N. (2003) |
| A Reader's Guide to Contemporary Literary Theory (Fifth edition) | Selden, R., Widdowson, P., & Brooker, P. (2005) |
| Twentieth Century British Drama | Smart, J. (2001) |
| Modern Critical Views & Interpretations, ed: 80's and 90's editions | Harold Bloom (these include all range of authors and their works given above) |
| A Companion to 20th Century Drama Oxford: Blackwell | Krasner David. 2005 |
Academic Strategy for English Literature
English Literature (100 marks) requires specialized aesthetic appreciation, critical theory application, and an expressive writing style.
1. Master the Classics: You must intensely read and analyze the prescribed texts (Shakespeare, Milton, Austen, Dickens). Summaries will not suffice; examiners look for deep thematic analysis.
2. Critical Theories: Apply literary criticism (e.g., feminism, post-colonialism, psychoanalysis) when analyzing characters or plots to demonstrate academic maturity.
3. Extensive Quotation: Your answers must be generously peppered with exact textual quotes from the specific poems or plays to validate your literary arguments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many marks does English Literature carry in the CSS Exam?
English Literature is a 100-mark subject in the FPSC CSS examination.
2. What are the core topics covered in English Literature?
The syllabus primarily revolves around I. Essays (10 Marks), II. Short Stories (10 Marks), III. Poetry (20 Marks) and related topics. Check the detailed syllabus breakdown above for the exact structure.
3. Is English Literature a scoring subject?
Yes, English Literature is generally considered highly scoring if you stick strictly to the official FPSC syllabus, practice past papers, and use strong analytical arguments rather than generic statements.
4. How long does it typically take to prepare for English Literature?
For a 100-mark subject, a strategic preparation plan typically requires 2 to 3 weeks of dedicated, consistent study and note-making.
5. What are the best recommended books for English Literature?
FPSC recommends referring to authentic textbooks and journals. Some key referenced authors include Bertens, H. (2008) and Eagleton, E. (2008). Avoid purely relying on local guidebooks.
6. Do I need a university degree in English Literature to opt for it?
While an academic background provides a massive advantage, it is not strictly mandatory. Many candidates successfully prepare for English Literature from scratch by consulting thoroughly recommended readings.
7. Are past papers important for English Literature preparation?
Absolutely. Analyzing the last 5 to 7 years of CSS past papers for English Literature is critical. It helps identify recurring themes, examiner traps, and high-frequency syllabus blocks.
8. How should I structure my answers in the English Literature subjective paper?
To score highly, structure your subjective answers with clear introductions, relevant headings, bullet points, flowcharts (if applicable), and a balanced, critical conclusion.
9. Does English Literature overlap with Compulsory CSS subjects?
Many concepts in English Literature can build a strong analytical foundation for the English Essay and Current Affairs papers. Always look for cross-disciplinary linkages while studying.
10. Is coaching necessary to pass English Literature?
No, professional coaching is not mandatory. With immense discipline, standard syllabus tracking, and self-evaluation via mock exams, candidates can secure excellent marks on their own.