A 'Retrieval Challenge Grid' for the revision of our upcoming A-level Literature Mock Exam. Topics covered include 'A Streetcar Named Desire', 'Othello' and 'Poems of the Decade'
Retrieval Challenge: Literature Revision
A Streetcar Named Desire: Essay Questions
A list of potential essay questions to form revision and speed planning practice Examine the view that the conflict between Stanley and Blanche is primarily based on their difference in social class. 'A play about secrets and the catastrophic consequences of their exposure' In light of this statement explore Williams' presentation of secrets... Continue Reading →
A Streetcar Named Desire: Blanche
Blanche's Monologue Blanche's Costume Development
Race and Characterisation in Othello
‘Othello’ is a socio-critique of the flaws in Jacobean society and of the presentation of stereotypes based on race. Shakespeare presents race and the characterization of Othello through his marriage to Desdemona, how others treat him and his initially strong “reputation”. His reputability deteriorates as the play progresses leading to his downfall. Shakespeare exemplifies... Continue Reading →
How is Race and Characterisation of Othello Presented?
The characterisation of Othello was presented through the dominant ideology of the predilection, prejudice and paragon image of race. The portrayal of the eponymous character in the play was stereotypically insinuated to be savage, violent and aggressive; however, was based on falsehood in order to expose Iago’s duplicitous character and ultimately Othello’s hamartia. ... Continue Reading →
Wider Reading for Othello
Black Face, Maligned Race: The Representation of Blacks in English Shakespeare and the Power of the Face National Theatre Podcast: Emilia and Desdemona: Women in Othello
Presentation of Memory in Material and Effects ‘Poems of the Decade’ Anthology
How is Memory presented in the Anthology Poems of the Decade? Ros Barber’s ‘Material’ and Alan Jenkins ‘Effects’ both present memory through a speaker looking back on their childhood and their relationship with their parents; because each poem uses this mix of retrospection, introspection, and comparison with the present, their structure as well as... Continue Reading →
Presentation of Age in ‘Poems of the Decade’ Anthology
Here is a scan of our class flipchart work comparing three poems from the 'Poems of the Decade' Forward Anthology. We consider the presentation of age in three poems: Easy Passage, To My Nine-Year Old Self and A Leisure Centre is a Temple of Learning*. *Please be... Continue Reading →
Femininity and Relationships in ‘Eat Me’ and ‘Material’
How do the poets present femininity and relationships within ‘Eat Me’ and ‘Material’? Conclusion Ultimately, Ros Barber and Patience Agbabi both illustrate the intimate relationships; natural femininity and expectations that society has of women in their presentation of a toxic romantic relationship in ‘Eat Me’ and the overwhelming desire to emulate her mother in ‘Material’.... Continue Reading →
