GCSE English Literature Edexcel

This subject offers 338 topics in 34 modules:

  1. A Christmas Carol 6 topics
  2. The Whale Rider 15 topics
  3. Things Fall Apart 12 topics
  4. Animal Farm 6 topics
  5. An Inspector Calls 6 topics
  6. Anita and Me 6 topics
  7. A View From the Bridge 14 topics
  8. Blood Brothers 6 topics
  9. Boys Don't Cry 15 topics
  10. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde 6 topics
  11. Frankenstein 6 topics
  12. Great Expectations 6 topics
  13. Hobson's Choice 6 topics
  14. Jane Eyre 6 topics
  15. Journey's End 6 topics
  16. Lord of the Flies 7 topics
  17. Macbeth 7 topics
  18. Much Ado About Nothing 6 topics
  19. Of Mice and Men 15 topics
  20. Poetry: Belonging 14 topics
  21. Poetry: Conflict 15 topics
  22. Poetry: Relationships 20 topics
  23. Poetry: Time and Place 15 topics
  24. Pride and Prejudice 6 topics
  25. Refugee Boy 16 topics
  26. Romeo and Juliet 6 topics
  27. Silas Marner 6 topics
  28. The Empress 33 topics
  29. The Merchant of Venice 6 topics
  30. The Tempest 6 topics
  31. The Woman in Black 6 topics
  32. To Kill a Mockingbird 16 topics
  33. Twelfth Night 6 topics
  34. Unseen Poetry 10 topics
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  • 34
    modules
  • 338
    topics
  • 120,860
    words of revision content
  • 15+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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English Literature

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol: Character Profiles

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A Christmas Carol: Character Profiles

Ebenezer Scrooge

  • Ebenezer Scrooge, the central protagonist, undergoes a significant transformation.
  • He is initially a grumpy, miserly old man who despises Christmas and goodwill towards others.
  • After being visited by three spirits (Past, Present, Future), he changes into a happier, more charitable character, embodying the spirit of Christmas.

Bob Cratchit

  • Bob Cratchit is an employee of Scrooge and father of Tiny Tim.
  • Despite being poor and ill-treated at work, he remains positive and good-hearted.
  • He represents the struggles of the lower-class in Victorian society.

Tiny Tim

  • Tiny Tim, the ill son of Bob Cratchit, is depicted as a symbol of the disadvantaged.
  • Despite his illness, he remains joyous and hopeful, providing a stark contrast to Scrooge's initial demeanour.
  • His life-threatening condition motivates Scrooge's change in the end.

Jacob Marley

  • Jacob Marley, Scrooge's former business partner, is now a tormented spirit.
  • His appearance serves as a warning for Scrooge about the consequences of a selfish life.
  • His chains symbolise the burdens of regret and misspent life.

The Ghost of Christmas Past

  • The Ghost of Christmas Past is the first of the three spirits who visits Scrooge.
  • It portrays Scrooge’s past life, showing the hurt and loneliness he endured.
  • Helps Scrooge understand his actions and attitudes.

The Ghost of Christmas Present

  • The Ghost of Christmas Present is the second spirit to visit Scrooge, showing him the realities of the world on Christmas Day.
  • It introduces Scrooge to the struggles and also the joy of people during Christmas.
  • Offers a critique of societal issues at the time, such as ignorance and poverty.

The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come

  • The terrifying, silent figure known as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is the third and final spirit, who shows Scrooge his potential demise.
  • It displays what the future holds if Scrooge does not change his ways.
  • This visit ultimately incites Scrooge's transformation.

Fred

  • Fred, Scrooge's cheerful and kind-hearted nephew, consistently invites him over for Christmas, showing persistent affection despite Scrooge's indifference.
  • Fred embodies the theme of family and the joy of Christmas.

When revising, try to think about how each character's behaviours and attitudes reflect the book’s themes and contribute to the storyline.

Course material for English Literature, module A Christmas Carol, topic A Christmas Carol: Character Profiles

English Literature

Poetry: Belonging

To My Sister

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To My Sister

Author and Context

  • "To My Sister" was written by William Wordsworth, a Romantic poet who often highlighted the beauty and importance of nature.
  • Wordsworth uses the relationship between himself and his sister as a key mode of expressing the sense of belonging. Their shared enjoyment of nature reinforces their bond.

Imagery and Setting

  • The poem is set in early spring, which is portrayed as a time of rebirth and renewal. Wordsworth makes great use of natural imagery, describing blossoming flowers, singing birds, and a stream to create a serene and beautiful scene.
  • Although it primarily discusses belonging, the poem also delves into feelings of alienation. Wordsworth contrasts the unity and peace found in nature with the division and conflict existing in society.

Language and Structure

  • Wordsworth's language is evocative, eliciting strong emotional responses as he encourages us to share in his appreciation of the natural world. Words like "blessed" underline the almost spiritual connection he feels with the outdoors.
  • The poem is written in blank verse, which means it doesn't rhyme but has a regular rhythm. This rhythm imitates natural speech, providing an intimate and conversational tone.

Themes and Interpretations

  • Wordsworth invites his sister (and by extension, the reader) to enjoy the peace of nature, suggesting that it can provide a safe space in which to be oneself, and a sense of belonging. This personal reflexion adds depth to the poem's overall theme.
  • Wordsworth suggests that true belonging is found not in conformity to societal norms but in individual connections with nature and close relationships. In focusing on his relationship with his sister, Wordsworth emphasises the importance of familial bonds in establishing a sense of belonging.

Relation to Other Works and Exam Tips

  • When studying "To My Sister", one could potentially draw parallels with other poems that emphasise the importance of nature and familial or sibling relationships, such as Robert Frost's "Birches" or Emily Bronte's "Spellbound".
  • Remember to discuss both what Wordsworth is saying about belonging and how he presents this - don't just summarise the poem. Also, make sure to include brief quotations to back up your points.

Course material for English Literature, module Poetry: Belonging, topic To My Sister

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