The Silence of the Girls Study Guide

Overview

Pat Barker’s novel, The Silence of the Girls, offers a powerful reimagining of Homer’s Iliad. It presents the Trojan War from the perspective of the women, particularly Briseis, who are often overlooked in traditional narratives.

The novel explores themes of trauma, power, and the devastating impact of war on women. It challenges readers to reconsider historical accounts and appreciate the untold stories within them.

Navigation

• The Silence of the Girls Summary
• Themes in The Silence of the Girls
• Key Moments in The Silence of the Girls
• Key Quotes in The Silence of the Girls
• Characters in The Silence of the Girls
• Relationships in The Silence of the Girls
• Setting and Context of The Silence of the Girls
• Literary Devices in The Silence of the Girls
• General Vision and Viewpoint in The Silence of the Girls
• Critical Approaches to The Silence of the Girls
• The Silence of the Girls Sample Answers
• The Silence of the Girls Essay Plans
• The Silence of the Girls Exam Tips

How to Use This Guide for Exam Preparation

This study guide is designed to help you excel in the Leaving Certificate English exam. Focus on understanding the novel’s complexities and developing analytical skills.

Engage with the material actively, connecting themes and character developments to specific textual examples. Practice essay writing frequently to refine your arguments.

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Key Exam Question Types

You will encounter various question types on The Silence of the Girls. These often require a deep understanding of character motivation and thematic concerns.

Character-Based Questions

Expect questions on Briseis’s journey, Achilles’s portrayal, or the roles of other women. Analyse their development and significance within the narrative.

Thematic Questions

Questions will likely explore themes such as the impact of war, the nature of power, or the silencing of women’s voices. Provide detailed textual evidence to support your points.

General Vision and Viewpoint Questions

Assess the overall outlook presented by Barker, considering its hopeful or pessimistic elements. Discuss how the author manipenses the reader’s perception.

Suggested Study Timeline

A structured approach to your studies will maximise your understanding and retention for the exam.

Weeks 1-2: Initial Reading and Understanding

• Read the novel carefully, noting initial impressions and key events.
• Familiarise yourself with the main characters and their relationships.
• Begin to identify overarching themes and narrative techniques.

Weeks 3-4: Deeper Analysis and Note-Taking

• Reread specific sections, focusing on character development and thematic significance.
• Create detailed notes on key quotes, literary devices, and authorial intent.
• Explore critical interpretations of the novel.

Weeks 5-6: Essay Planning and Practice

• Develop essay plans for various question types, outlining arguments and evidence.
• Write timed essays to improve your speed and structure.
• Review feedback on your essays and refine your writing style.

Weeks 7-8: Revision and Refinement

• Consolidate all notes and key information.
• Practice past exam questions under exam conditions.
• Focus on areas where you feel less confident.

Quick Reference

This section provides essential details for quick revision.

Main Characters

• Briseis: The central female protagonist, a queen captured by Achilles. Her perspective drives much of the narrative.
• Achilles: The renowned Greek warrior, depicted with complex motivations and flaws. He holds Briseis captive.
• Patroclus: Achilles’s close companion, whose death significantly impacts the plot. His relationship with Achilles is central.
• Hecuba: The queen of Troy, who embodies the suffering of women during wartime. She offers a maternal presence.

Setting

The novel is set during the Trojan War, primarily within the Greek camp outside the city of Troy. This confined setting highlights the women’s limited agency.

Time Period

The events unfold over several years during the Late Bronze Age, around the 12th century BCE, mirroring the timeframe of the Iliad.

Related Pages

• The Silence of the Girls Summary
• Themes in The Silence of the Girls
• Key Moments in The Silence of the Girls
• Key Quotes in The Silence of the Girls