Shakespeare put the original question to us in Hamlet when Prince Hamlet poses to audiences in a dramatic speech, “To be, or not to be”.
That question seems to resonate as we prepare to write essays on his timeless pieces of literature as we are now positioned to consider the question of whether to memorise or not to memorise.
One element of absolute clarity is that quotes and pieces of evidence must be memorised as you will critically need these to complete any 
response under exam conditions. The thing about memory is that the brain responds better when the things that you are trying to memorise are in order and is connected to something else. It is also then easier to recall the evidence that you are trying to remember as it is connected to other pieces so when one comes to mind, the rest will naturally flow and make the process easier.
So, one recommendation we share with our students when studying for English exams is to group evidence according to the thematic tropes that you will inevitably incorporate into your essay. A very basic example is set out below that you can use as a base and then mold and manipulate for the module you are doing.
| Theme/Trope | Evidence (Including Context) | Technique | Analysis and meaning |
| Here you would note the idea or conceptual theme for this group of evidence | Evidence 1
Make sure that you include context for each of your evidences so that the marker appreciates your knowledge of
|
It’s a good idea to also include the technique so that you can make sure that you have a variety | |
| Evidence 2
This is just a sample but you are wanting to collect 4-5 pieces of evidence per table
|
Make sure you have some points jotted down so that the entirety of the evidence’s value is captured – unless you have all three elements each on their own won’t do you justice |
You would then replicate this table for each of the different themes that you are analysing. Remember that sometimes less is more. Rather than compile 10 different themes (because this is an unnecessary amount to write about) focus on more evidence for fewer number of themes.
Right, so now we have cleared up what needs to memorised no matter what – the evidence.
Now the other elements of the essay: thesis, topic sentences, analysis, body paragraphs, introduction and conclusion. Whether or not to memorise these elements.
Well, memorising anything word for word wouldn’t do you any good because that wouldn’t allow scope to answer the particular question given on the day.
So rather what you are looking to do when memorising is strike a balance between what must be memorised (evidence) and then what can be more of recalling (being everything else listed above as the other elements). This way you bring in the essentials and then leave room for yourself to adapt what you have prepared to the question.
So just as Prince Hamlet resolves in his soliloquy, it’s a little bit of both and there isn’t one set approach. Bring in some memorised evidence and material ready to go but also allow yourself to adapt to the question.
We hope this helps and good luck as you prepare!