Eugene Achike is presented as both a despotic tyrant and a vulnerable man desperately seeking the approval that he believes lies in the Catholic religion of “absolutist purity”[1], and leads him to perpetuate the same patriarchal abusive relationships on his own family as a result. Eugene is “her [Kambili’s] personal household god” and is... Continue Reading →
How are themes of colonialism, freedom and tyranny presented in the opening chapters of ‘Purple Hibiscus’?
Chimamanda Adichie attempts to “delve into the violence, corruption, and hopelessness of Nigeria…under Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha”[1] through the mirroring of Kambili’s father as well as the burgeoning development of Kambili herself. Which is, indirectly, in conflict with this restrictive regime both externally as a representation of Nigeria’s post-colonial civil wars and internally,... Continue Reading →
Exemplar Essay: How does Dickens present Pip’s characterisation throughout ‘Great Expectations’?
Initially, Pip is depicted as the most vulnerable, timid and wildly imaginative characters in the serialized Bildungsroman ‘Great Expectations’. The analytical retrospective narrative of young “childish” p.4 Pip from that of his older, experienced self, offers a unique perspective into his emotions as well as acting as a quasi-autobiographical parallel to Dickens’ own experiences. Written... Continue Reading →
Essay Plan: How does Dickens explore Pip’s characterisation throughout ‘Great Expectations’?
Link to previous work and extracts on: Young Pip Transition points: Pip begins his journey as a gentleman London and Pip’s new life Returning to the Forge & Satis House Cyclical plot structure – back to the marshes and young Pip. Reconciliation and resolution. Revise use of serialisation in the novel for effect. Start... 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 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 →
