HUE UNIVERSITY

HUE UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES

AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
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BRITISH LITERATURE 1
MID-TERM TEST
Full name: Đặng Nguyễn Vân Anh
ID: 21F7510287
Group : 1
Lecture: Nguyễn Thị Hà Uyên

Hue, April 2024

Câu 1: Within 250 words, write about your favourite Three witches introduction
among these two and explain your reason(s).
 Answer
In Justin Kurzel's 2015 adaptation of "Macbeth," the three witches are not only
iconic supporting characters but also centers of mystery and obsess, contributing significantly
to the atmosphere of the story. entire work. Their appearance, from the very first scenes,
establishes a dark and mysterious atmosphere, leading the viewer into a world where fate and
prophecy have an invisible power over every decision and character's actions.
Director Kurzel skillfully used images and sound to highlight the mystery of the
three witches, creating images that are not only beautiful but also haunting. Their costumes
and makeup create an almost alien image, adding to the ghostliness of the screen. The
combination of electronic music and dark footage enhances the power of these images,
making the appearance of the three witches a memorable highlight.
Most importantly, the three witches have a profound impact on the plot, stimulating
ambition and fear in Macbeth's heart, thereby driving the story forward. They are not only the
harbingers of fate but also powerful natural forces that govern and change the flow of events,
demonstrating invisible but powerful power in forming and breaking. fates. This
reinterpretation not only refreshes the classic character but also expands their meaning and
stature in the work, making Kurzel's three witches memorable and lastingly influential.

Câu 2: F. Scott Fitzgerald once said: “That is part of the beauty of all
literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you're not lonely
and isolated from anyone. You belong.” In relation to at least two of the texts in the
course book, please provide an essay (no more than 1000 words) to elaborate on this
idea.
Answer
F. Scott Fitzgerald's observation on the nature of literature reflects a profound
understanding of its universal appeal and the intrinsic connection it fosters among humans
across different times and spaces. Literature, in its myriad forms, has the unique ability to
articulate emotions, desires, and experiences that, though deeply personal, are also
universally relatable. This essay will explore how Fitzgerald's notion is exemplified in
William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” showcasing
how these texts, despite their historical and cultural differences, resonate with the idea that
our individual longings and experiences are shared, connecting us in our common humanity.
Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” delves into the complexities of the human condition,
grappling with themes of existential angst, morality, revenge, and the search for truth.
Hamlet's soliloquies, particularly the famous “To be, or not to be” speech, reveal the depth of
his internal conflict and his longing for understanding and peace in a morally ambiguous
world. This universal quest for meaning and the struggle with one’s conscience is something
that resonates deeply with readers, transcending the boundaries of time and geography.
Hamlet's existential questions and his feelings of disillusionment and despair reflect our own
moments of doubt and introspection, reminding us that the search for purpose and the
confrontation with the darker aspects of human nature are common to all.
 “To Kill a Mockingbird,” on the other hand, explores themes of racial injustice,
moral growth, and the loss of innocence through the eyes of Scout Finch, a young girl in the
racially divided American South of the 1930s. The novel’s exploration of these themes
speaks to the universal longings for justice, compassion, and understanding in a world often
marred by prejudice and hatred. Scout’s journey from innocence to a deeper awareness of the
complexities of human nature and society reflects a universal coming-of-age experience. The
longing for a moral compass in an imperfect world, and the desire to stand up for what is
right, even when it is difficult, are sentiments that resonate with readers across different
cultures and eras.
Both texts, though rooted in their specific socio-historical contexts, explore themes
that touch upon universal aspects of the human experience. Hamlet’s existential crisis and
Scout’s moral awakening serve as mirrors to our own lives, reflecting our deepest fears,
hopes, and ethical dilemmas. Literature’s power lies in its ability to articulate these universal
longings and experiences, creating a space where readers can find solace in the shared human
condition.
Fitzgerald’s assertion that literature reveals our longings as universal underscores the
idea that through engaging with texts, we come to realize that our personal struggles,
emotions, and questions are not ours alone. This realization fosters a sense of belonging and
connection, as we understand that the essence of what it means to be human is shared.
“Hamlet” and “To Kill a Mockingbird” exemplify this by showing us that, despite the
differences in our lives and the epochs we live in, the core emotions and dilemmas remain
constant.
Furthermore, literature does not merely reflect universal longings; it also offers a
bridge between the individual and the collective, between the personal and the universal. It
allows us to live lives not our own, to empathize with characters vastly different from us, and
yet to see ourselves in them. This empathetic connection is at the heart of what makes
literature a powerful medium for understanding and belonging. Through Hamlet’s
introspection and Scout’s growth, we are invited to reflect on our own lives, to question, to
feel, and ultimately to connect with the larger tapestry of human experience.
In conclusion, literature, through its exploration of universal themes and emotions,
validates our individual experiences and connects us to the broader human story. “Hamlet”
and “To Kill a Mockingbird” serve as potent reminders of Fitzgerald’s insight that in our
longing and searching, we are not isolated but deeply connected to the continuum of human
existence. These texts not only mirror the complexity of the human condition but also
celebrate the shared nature of our struggles and aspirations. In doing so, they affirm that in
the realm of literature, we find a common ground, a sense of belonging that transcends the
confines of our individual lives.