Now you’ve found it you can stop searching. This is The Guide you have been looking for – an explanation of both concepts together with a few pointers on how to actually create meaning and use these elements as part of your analysis for your next essay.
Let’s start with the definition provided by NESA for Textual Integrity:
The unity of a text; its coherent use of form and language to produce an integrated whole in terms of meaning and value.
Integrity is also a word used in daily practice, using the following meaning: the state of being whole and undivided.
We see some key trends here referring to the concept of being whole and united. So, if we put them together and add the idea of ‘textual’ then what we are looking for is the way that the composer has been able to create a text that is whole and unified. In reverse think about it this way – if we took away an element of the text then it would no longer be whole and subsequently fall apart. That means that you are looking for the specific forms and features of that text that come together and rely on each other to make it complete.
As a starting point to applying this meaning to your text, consider:
- The construction of characters
- Development of the plot
- Interplay of various settings
- Structural elements
Then think about the way these come together to create Textual Integrity. Here are some texts for thought…
An Artist of the Floating World – how is Ono’s voice and character specific to the way that the text is put together? If the text was written from a different perspective, would it still create the same meaning? Or what about the fact that it is constructed within three specific temporal episodes? How does this contribute to the unity of the text?
T.S Eliot selection of poetry – consider how the persona is established and then develops throughout the series of poetry. How has fragmented imagery used throughout all the pieces to create unity? Despite the fact that there are individual poems to study, what is it about them that makes it one whole piece of literature?
Emma – what does Austen do to create a novel that relies inextricably on each element to make it whole? How are her characters used as tools to serve a certain purpose and each of them, when they come together are unified?
NESA doesn’t provide a specific definition for Distinctive Qualities but we can apply our interpretation and create meaning. What is it about this text that makes it unique? What has the author done that isn’t typical of that text type? Perhaps some synonyms may help…original, special, uncommon or distinguishing.
Here are some texts for thought…
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time – how has the character of Christopher been shaped through the construction of the text? Think the chapters being prime numbers. Or the use of emoticons. Even the inclusion of letters at the end of the novel.
The Truman Show – what is it about the way that Weir created a film within a film (to an extent) to present the ideas and themes? Would he have been able to create the same message if the film was created without this distinctive element?
Hopefully the above helps with directing you to what’s needed when writing about Textual Integrity or Distinctive Qualities. If you require any further help or have specific questions feel free to get in touch with us anytime.