Imagine this: You’re staring at two books from your IB Literature course on your desk. One is a battered old copy of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”, filled with words that clearly don’t belong in this century. The other is a sleek, modern novel like Kazuo Ishiguro’s “Never Let Me Go”, where everything is written in simple English, yet it’s a task to find the deeper meaning.
Which one do you think would be harder to analyse?
If you’re preparing for IB English Literature, this question may have occurred to you. Some students find older texts overwhelming because of their archaic language and historical context. Others struggle with modern works because their subtle themes and experimental styles leave too much room for interpretation.
So, which is truly more difficult—classic or modern literature? And more importantly, how can you conquer both in your IB exams? Let’s dive in.
Classic Literature: The Challenge of Language and Context
Classic literature, spanning from Shakespeare to Austen to Dickens, forms a significant part of the IB English Literature syllabus. These texts, often written centuries ago, require students to decipher archaic language, unfamiliar idioms, and cultural references that may seem alien to modern readers.
Take Shakespeare, for example. His plays are literary masterpieces, but they also contain metaphors, puns, and poetic structures that demand careful dissection. Understanding Elizabethan English is a task in itself, let alone analysing the multiple layers of meaning behind his words.
Why Classic Texts Can Be Harder to Analyse:
- Complex Language – Unfamiliar vocabulary and sentence structures can slow down comprehension.
- Historical Context – Without understanding the social, political, and cultural climate of the time, key themes may be lost.
- Dense Symbolism and Themes – Many classics are packed with allegories, references, and deeper meanings that require extensive research.
Why Classic Literature Can Be Easier:
- The themes are often universal – love, power, revenge, ambition – making them relevant across generations.
- Critics and scholars have written plenty of resources on classic texts, helping students access interpretations and discussions that enrich their analysis.
Modern Literature: The Challenge of Interpretation
On the other end of the spectrum, modern literature offers texts written in more accessible language. Books from the 20th and 21st centuries often tackle contemporary themes, making them relatable and easier to digest. However, this does not mean they are simple to analyse.
Contemporary authors experiment with narrative structures, unreliable narrators, and fragmented storytelling. A novel like Kazuo Ishiguro’s “Never Let Me Go” or Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” challenges readers not with complex words, but with abstract themes, implicit symbolism, and layered storytelling.
Why Modern Texts Can Be Harder to Analyse:
- Ambiguity – Unlike classics that follow clear structures, modern works often leave interpretations open-ended.
- Experimental Forms – Non-linear narratives, stream-of-consciousness writing, and shifting perspectives can be confusing.
- Subtlety of Themes – Modern authors rarely explain their messages explicitly, requiring readers to infer meaning through nuanced details.
Why Modern Literature Can Be Easier:
- The language is more familiar, making the text accessible from the first read.
- Contemporary themes, such as identity, technology, or mental health, feel relevant to students.
Which is Harder in IB English Literature?
The difficulty of analysis depends on individual students’ strengths and preferences.
- If you excel in historical research and enjoy digging into deeper meanings, you might find classics easier to analyse.
- If you are good at detecting subtext and interpreting implicit messages, modern texts might be your strong suit.
From an IB English Paper 1 perspective (unseen text analysis), modern texts might be slightly easier due to their familiar language. However, IB English Paper 2 (comparative essays) might challenge students more with modern texts because of their abstract themes.
How to Master IB English Literature Analysis
Regardless of whether you’re tackling Shakespeare or Atwood, here are some top tips to improve your analysis skills:
1. Understand the Context
For classics, research the historical background. For modern texts, consider the social and political influences on the author.
2. Annotate as You Read
Make notes on key themes, motifs, and stylistic features to build a strong argument in essays.
3. Compare and Contrast
Think about how classic and modern texts approach similar themes differently. This helps in IB Paper 2 when comparing works.
4. Practise Timed Analysis
For Paper 1, practise breaking down unseen texts within 90 minutes to improve your speed and precision.
5. Seek Guidance and Feedback
Join group classes or solo sessions for expert guidance in breaking down literary texts and structuring your answers effectively.
Ace Your IB English Exams with Young Scholarz
At Young Scholarz, we specialise in helping IB students master literary analysis for IB English Paper 1 and Paper 2. Whether you prefer the richness of classics or the subtlety of modern texts, our expert tutors will guide you in group classes or individual sessions to refine your skills.
Why Choose Young Scholarz?
- Expert IB Tutors with years of experience
- Personalised Coaching – tailored strategies for each student
- Interactive Classes – engaging discussions that bring literature to life
- Proven Exam Prep Techniques to maximise your score
Register today and start your journey towards excelling in IB English Literature!
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