One thing I could advise you to keep in mind for academic readings is that often these critical analysis of texts are not in the context of the HSC rubric, so while they may broaden your understanding, this broadening of understanding may not necessarily be in the desirable directions, for example, no point in knowing how Shakespeare's Tempest was a direct critique/reflection of Elizabethan Society when you are suppose to be expected to draw out discovery concepts from the play. So while the fact you are doing extensive research on what you are learning is good, keep in mind you must always place the rubric at the foremost of your mind whenever you are writing essays or making your own analysis.
