Great War Literature e-Book A-Level Study Guide on "Birdsong"

• **NEW EDITION**
• Ideal for A-Level Students (Key Stage 5);
• Supports new A-Level Syllabus;
• Useful in-depth summary/analysis of the novel;
• Detailed notes on Themes, Comparisons and Characters, Language and Form;
• Critical analysis of various aspects of the book;
• Coursework suggestions;
• REQUIRED: ADOBE READER version 7.0 or above is required to download and read this e-book document;
• NON-PRINTABLE ADOBE PDF - IF YOU WANT A PRINTABLE RESOURCE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Main Points of Interest: A concise explanation of the main events which take place in each part of the novel.

Characters: Vital to the comprehension of this novel, our Study Guide focuses on the main characters. Particular emphasis is given to Stephen Wraysford and Isabelle Azaire but also includes Jack Firebrace, Jeanne Fourmentier, Michael Weir and Elizabeth Benson, examining different aspects of their lives. This section also includes a critical analysis of the portrayal of each of these characters.

Themes and Comparisons: Of particular value and considered by many to be the key asset of our Guides, this section explains the main themes of Birdsong and helps students to compare and contrast these with other popular literature of the First World War, including poetry and plays as well as novels, such as Regeneration, Strange Meeting and A Long Long Way.

Critical Analysis: Unique to our A-Level Guides, here we provide a critical perspective of the novel, looking at various aspects, including Language and the Structure of the Novel. This section also includes an analysis of Part One of the book (with which many students struggle), and its signficance to the rest of the novel.

Historical Signficance: An understanding of the setting of an historical novel is fundamental to a full comprehension of the events that take place.

Coursework Suggestions: In line with recent changes to the syllabus, we have included a new section which features suggestions for coursework titles and ideas for content. This chapter includes advice on using Birdsong as a comparative piece in the Drama section of the coursework.

Further Reading: Useful suggestions of books, with brief descriptions, that we believe enhance one's understanding of the novel.

Bibliography