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• B. When you're writing about Literature, some special conventions apply. Most of these involve what we call the "literary present," the idea that fiction exists in a timeless world properly described in the present tense. Such conventions apply to discussions of theme, plot, or authorial intent.

   

  * In The Color Purple Alice Walker shows the lasting affection between two women.

  * In The Crucible John Proctor decides to die rather than tarnish his reputation.

  * Pope satirizes the frivolity of a privileged society.

   

  At times, you may need to use other tenses to help clarify complex chronological relationships.

  * Even though Claudius earlier killed Hamlet's father, he now expects few problems from the young prince.

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