An example of less effective use of literary terms and concepts

Sample essay 3: 'Tragedies portray societies which are caught between conflicting value systems.' Discuss with reference to one or more plays.

This is an extract from the essay:

'The whole of Everyman consists of dramatic conflict and abstract argument as Everyman struggles for his soul. This is called Psycho Machia. This means that because of all the conflicting value systems, Everyman has to remain strong in the mind in order to make the right decisions.'

Q. How could this be improved?

TUTOR'S REPLY

'Psychomachia' is in fact one word rather than two. The essayist is using the term in an appropriate context, but needs to explain it with greater clarity. In particular, the relationship between the concepts referred to in the three sentences quoted above (dramatic conflict, abstract argument and the struggle for the character’s soul) needs to be made clear.

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