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Calling all English Literature students!
The THOMAS HARDY SOCIETY WRITING COMPETITION
Open to Y9, Y10, Y11 and A-level students.
Write an essay on any aspect of the work and legacy of Thomas Hardy, or a piece of creative writing in your own voice inspired by Hardy.
You could consider:
* is Thomas Hardy’s writing relevant to today’s world? For example, what does Hardy’s concern for the natural world mean in the context of today’s protests about threats to the environment?
* how might one of Hardy’s characters experience life in the 21st century? Imagine yourself into the character of Bathsheba, Tess, Jude, or any one of Hardy’s many invented people.
* if you are a writer yourself, does Hardy stimulate your writing? How?
Students are invited to submit an essay of 1500-2000 words on any novel, short story, or poem, (which could be based on coursework on Hardy that you are already undertaking
or could be an extra-curricular project)
or a poem of 12-40 lines
or a piece of creative writing of 400-1000 words
by 30 June 2021
for a chance to win £50 in Amazon vouchers for yourself and £50 for your school library.
Please include on a separate sheet or in the covering email:
Your name, age, and school year (entries will be grouped by year for judging purposes)
The name and address of your school
The title of your essay or piece of writing and if it is an essay, poem, or creative writing piece
A statement confirming that it is your own original work.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Rebecca Shipp at: students@hardysociety.org
A writing competition for Y9, Y10 and Y11 and A-level students sponsored by the Thomas Hardy Society
The Thomas Hardy Society, one of the world’s largest literary societies, was founded in 1968 to promote understanding and celebration of the works of Thomas Hardy. The Society sponsors an annual writing competition for Y9-11 and A-level students in the UK, or students abroad at an equivalent stage in their education.
£50 vouchers to be won for the winner and for their school library
Students: You are invited to contribute an essay on any aspect of the work and legacy of Thomas Hardy, or a poem or piece of creative writing inspired by him.
This could be based on coursework on Hardy that you are already undertaking or could be an extracurricular project.
Deadline: 30 June 2021
Although appropriate critical practices and conventions should be followed for essay submissions, the judges will be looking for passion and originality as much as for critical maturity and depth. Entries will be judged in July so that the winner and any runners-up can be informed in August.
Please type your entries (if possible) double-spaced on numbered pages with the title of your piece at the bottom of each page, and attach a covering note with your name, age, and school year (entries will be grouped by year for judging purposes); the name and address of your school; the title of your piece; and a statement confirming that it is your own original work.
Please send your entry and covering note, and/or any queries about the competition, to: students@hardysociety.org
If you cannot submit your entry electronically, you may post or deliver it in an envelope marked ‘Writing Competition’ to:
The Thomas Hardy Society, c/o Dorchester Town Council, 19 North Square, Dorchester, DT1 1JF
The winner will also receive free membership for one year in the Thomas Hardy Society.
Teachers: Please feel free to encourage as many of your students as wish to take part. If possible, it would be helpful if you could ensure the information requested in the covering note is provided.
The Thomas Hardy Society is interested in engaging with schools and can offer workshops and enrichment activities for English Literature students at Y9- 11 and A-level, or those considering an English Literature qualification. Please contact us for more information!
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