SOP Sample for Master's in English Literature in the UK

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Like most children in India, I grew up reading [AUTHOR_NAME] every night before bed because according to teachers in my school, it would better my command over the English language. I was born in a small town in India called [CITY] where popular belief is that English literature is studied by students who aren't "smart enough" for science. However, at a young age, I outgrew that belief. For as long as I can remember, I've known that literature entails more than just well-articulated words, it is art, it has the power to mould and bring about change. Every time I read a piece of fantasy, I know that it is teaching me a great deal about the world not just as it is but as it ought to be. Literature speaks to me with an unfailing truth not only about the writer and the characters in the book but also about myself and my understanding of the world around me which is why I am confident that my decision to pursue a master's in English literature is right. I've never been more sure of anything else.

Throughout my undergraduate study in English literature, I discovered new versions of myself that I probably wouldn't have come across otherwise. Like in [AUTHOR_NAME]'s *Robinson Crusoe*, as [CRITIC_NAME] observes, Crusoe becomes "the universal representative, the person for whom every reader could substitute himself". Crusoe reached into my private soul when he learnt to work with his surroundings rather than loathing in his misfortune. His perseverance gave me hope and courage. Crusoe with all his qualities represents the whole of human society: "we are all Crusoes, for to be Crusoe is the human fate". I scored top marks in my class in all the exams conducted by the university and I'm grateful for that, but I know with all my heart that the purpose of studying English literature is much more than what meets the eye—it's cosmic. My undergraduate study in English literature has made me efficient enough to interpret literary works and my absolute love for reading makes me a good fit for the sometimes challenging graduate program.

The fact that I could read a Greek tragedy or classics written hundreds of years before me and still be able to connect with and relate to its characters for the simple fact that they were humans and I am a human is what makes literature enriching and significant. With the tangible and sometimes intangible possibilities that literature possesses, I see it as the only medium that can console and sustain this ever complicated world. To an average mind, only scientists and doctors may seem intelligent. To me though, the very essence of being able to read, to write and to love and appreciate art is what makes us interesting and more human. Reading sets us free from the responsibilities and problems of this world but also ties us down to the same. It's an imperative balance.

I am aware that I am horribly limited and that I will never be able to study literature in its entirety, but I want to learn as much as is possible and a master's degree will ensure the enhancement of my understanding of literature and refine my writing skills as well. It will equip me to the best of my abilities for my future goals. The reason why I choose to pursue my master's in the UK is simple: it will give me an added exposure to a world different from my own. It's an opportunity for me to learn and unlearn, to meet people who are different culturally and otherwise which will benefit and only change me for the better. I look forward to an independent life, away from my comfort zone. I know that it'll shape me into a more responsible and able person. I wish to pursue a PhD right after my master's and do research work to make a genuine contribution in the field of literature no matter how small.

My career goal is to teach at university level. I want to be able to serve and help prospective learners and readers to explore their own path among novels, sonnets, poetry and the vast array of literature. The English teachers of my past, great authors, playwrights and poets have enlightened and enabled me to look and think within and beyond myself. From them, I have learnt to be a more compassionate and honest person, to always strive to be better, to help, to never judge, to introspect, to give, to always love, to find the humanity within my own heart, to connect to generations of humans before and around me, to have faith and this is what I hope to give back to my society in whatever way I can, whenever is possible.

[APPLICANT_NAME]