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MIA6 Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

tense in literature

I think when we write an essay about literature, we use 'present tense' no matter if the literature itself is in past tense. But for example, "Ben suddenly recalled his high school life. When he was in the ninth grade, he was very popular. But now, he was not. He was such an ordinary man. No one would notice him." Then, if I want to say his past, should I use past tense to make a contrast with present tense, so that reader will understand which is Ben's past life, and which is his present? Let's say: Ben always remembers his glory in high school, he was/is a such popular student. Teachers loved him/love him. However, now he is not well-liked by his boss or co-workers.

Thanks for help.
  

Top answer

I think when we write an essay about literature, we use 'present tense' no matter if the literature itself is in past tense Not at all. And you are not creating reported speech when writing an essay; you are narrating the story. Do your example this way: Ben always remembers his glory in high school: he was a such popular student.

— Mister Micawber

  • I think when we write an essay about literature, we use 'present tense' no matter if the literature itself is in past tense Not at all.
  • And you are not creating reported speech when writing an essay; you are narrating the story.
  • Do your example this way: Ben always remembers his glory in high school: he was a such popular student.
  • Teachers loved him .
  • However, now he is not well-liked by his boss or co-workers.
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1 Answers
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I think when we write an essay about literature, we use 'present tense' no matter if the literature itself is in past tense
Not at all.
And you are not creating reported speech when writing an essay; you are narrating the story.

Do your example this way:

Ben always remembers his glory in high school: he was a such popular student. Teachers
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