The purpose of this series is to offer some practical assistance and advice to students preparing for Leaving Certificate Higher Level English Paper 2. The notes presented here explain and analyse the three elements of the literature syllabus for 2026.

Single Text: Macbeth

• Scene-by-Scene Summary and Commentary
• Key Points after each scene
• Guidelines for Answering Exam Questions
• Exam Topics and Themes
• Characters of the Play and their Key Adjectives

Comparative Study

• Texts: Small Things Like These – Claire Keegan
• The Crucible – Arthur Miller
• The Shawshank Redemption – Frank Darabont (Dir.)

Comparative Modes:

• A: Cultural Context
• B: General Vision and Viewpoint
• C: Literary Genre
• Analysis and Commentary
• Key Points of Comparison / Contrast after each section
• Guidelines for Answering Exam Questions
• Sample Answers

Poetry

• Analysis and Commentary
• Key Points
• Sample Answers