Class annotations of 'Brothers' by Andrew Forster as part of our unseen poetry preparation
Unseen Poetry: Brothers
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 →
Critical Responses to Purple Hibiscus
"The author's straightforward prose captures the tragic riddle of a man who has made an unquestionably positive contribution to the lives of strangers while abandoning the needs of those who are closest to him." The New York Times Book Review "At once the portrait of a country and a family, of terrible choices and... Continue Reading →
Retrieval Challenge: Literature Revision
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'
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 →
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 →
Edexcel Non-Fiction: Tier 2 Vocabulary
Important vocabulary for approaching the Edexcel iGCSE Non-Fiction unit. Arabic translations included for English Language Learners Vocabulary Translation Definition 1 Climax ذروة The point where tension and drama is at its highest in an extract 2 Exposition معرض Detailed description (of a setting) at the beginning of a narrative 3 Memoir مذكرات A... Continue Reading →
A Streetcar Named Desire: Blanche
Blanche's Monologue Blanche's Costume Development
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 →
