Personal statement, fourth draft. 3949 characters
I have always maintained an admiration for English, whether it be the delicacy of language or the
complexity of literature. As I grow as a person, my love for English always seems to evolve with me, so
much so that I would consider English a piece of my soul - from the books I adore to the language that
has inspired me and motivated me to achieve my goals.
In my studying of the course of literature so far, I have become particularly compelled by the concept of
challenging the CANONS. As somebody who is entranced by literature, I found this difficult at first,
however with a different mindset, I was enabled to see the feminists, Marxist and other ways that a novel
could be interpreted. As a result, I have also become more interested in the personal lives of authors and
why these authors were writing with certain influences, encouraging me to investigate academic material
such as James Kissane, “The Authorization of John Keats'', Keats-Shelley Journal, Vol. 37, (1988), pp.
58-74. This helped me to understand Keat’s poetry from a Marxist perspective as I was able to
understand the social discrimination in his lack of respect as a poet due to his social position. This interest
has also encouraged me to visit the home of William Shakespeare in Stratford Upon Avon, as well as
Winchester Cathedral where Jane Austen is buried. This has allowed me to have a greater understanding
of an author’s motivations in their novel, for example, Charlotte Bronte expressing her frustrations of a
woman’s restrictions in society in Jane Eyre, most likely inspired by her inability as a woman to publish
under her true identity.
My understanding of English literature and language has provided me with the essential skills to pursue a
degree in the subjects. My study of politics has resulted in me further being able to appreciate the English
language, as in such articles you feel an ideological persuasion based on the way that an article writes
mainly due to its tone. In my EPQ, I used a careful consideration of the available evidence to explore why
euthanasia is an increasingly important area of interest for many. I believe that euthanasia is a topic often
neglected by the media and in common conversation, something in which is rather astounding given the
rising approval rates the UK at present. Further readings of Benjamin E. Moulton, Terrence D. Hill, and
Amy Burdette, “Religion and Trends in Euthanasia Attitudes among U.S. Adults”, 1977-2004, Sociological
Forum, Vol. 21, No. 2 (Jun, 2006), pp. 249-272” have further provided me with a greater and more
impactful insight into the discussion on Euthanasia.
Outside of my studies, I actively run a popular online support group for those adjusting or living long term
with food intolerances called ‘gluten and free from on the Isle of Wight.’ As of October 2021, the group
has supported over 740 members including local businesses. The group has given me the opportunity to
show leadership to a community of people which as a result has provided me the ability to improve my
communication skills as well as my commitment and responsibility. I work in a food establishment which
has also provided me with the ability to work well in a team as, although I am reliant on myself, I depend
on others to guarantee that we can collectively create a functioning environment in which is both time
officiant and satisfactory to customers. I believe these skills will be beneficial at university, as they show
my dedication and work ethic as somebody who always gives their all.
My ambition to further study English is driven by my passion for the subject, and my need to further
explore my love for the topics of English. One day I aspire to write my own piece of artistic history, not
because I want to be a successful author, but because I would love to provide a reader the same escape
from reality that my own favourite novels have offered me.
