GCSE English Literature Eduqas

This subject offers 176 topics in 24 modules:

  1. A Christmas Carol 6 topics
  2. An Inspector Calls 6 topics
  3. Anita and Me 6 topics
  4. A Taste of Honey 6 topics
  5. Blood Brothers 6 topics
  6. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde 6 topics
  7. Henry V 6 topics
  8. Jane Eyre 6 topics
  9. Lord of the Flies 7 topics
  10. Macbeth 7 topics
  11. Much Ado About Nothing 6 topics
  12. Never Let Me Go 6 topics
  13. Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit 6 topics
  14. Othello 6 topics
  15. Poetry 18 topics
  16. Pride and Prejudice 6 topics
  17. Romeo and Juliet 6 topics
  18. Silas Marner 6 topics
  19. The Curious Incident... 6 topics
  20. The History Boys 6 topics
  21. The Merchant of Venice 6 topics
  22. The War of the Worlds 6 topics
  23. The Woman in Black 6 topics
  24. Unseen Poetry 24 topics
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  • 24
    modules
  • 176
    topics
  • 60,307
    words of revision content
  • 7+
    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

  1. Ebenezer Scrooge: The main character of Dickens' novella, Scrooge is initially introduced as a mean-spirited, miserly old man who despises Christmas and rejects all forms of charity or compassion. However, after being visited by four spectres (Marley's Ghost and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come), Scrooge has a complete change of heart, embracing the spirit of Christmas and becoming a much kinder and caring individual.

  2. Jacob Marley: Scrooge's former business partner, Jacob Marley appears as a ghost burdened with heavy chains, symbolising the misdeeds he committed in life. Marley's ghost warns Scrooge about his present path and introduces the upcoming visits by the three Christmas Ghosts.

  3. Ghost of Christmas Past: The first of the three Christmas ghosts who visit Scrooge, the Ghost of Christmas Past shows Scrooge scenes from his own past that triggered his transformation from a warm, innocent young man to a cold-hearted miser.

  4. Ghost of Christmas Present: The second ghost, the Ghost of Christmas Present, represents the joy and camaraderie of the season. This spirit shows Scrooge how those around him, including Bob Cratchit and his nephew Fred, celebrate Christmas despite their hardships.

  5. Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come: The third and final ghost, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, is a silent, menacing figure that shows Scrooge horrifying visions of his lonely death and eternal torment if he does not change his ways.

  6. Bob Cratchit: Scrooge's underpaid clerk, Bob Cratchit is a kindly and humble man who adores his family. Despite their poverty, the Cratchits maintain a loving and cheerful home, symbolising the true spirit of Christmas.

  7. Tiny Tim: Bob Cratchit's youngest son, Tiny Tim, is a frail, sickly boy whose optimistic spirit and unending kindness serve as a stark contrast to Scrooge's initial bitterness. Tiny Tim exemplifies the impact of society's negligence on the impoverished, driving Scrooge's transformation.

  8. Fred: Fred, Scrooge's nephew, is a lively and genial man who, despite being rejected by Scrooge, continues to invite his uncle to his Christmas party each year, demonstrating unconditional love and forgiveness.

Understanding each character's role in the narrative can greatly enhance one's analysis of the themes and messages in Dickens' classic novella.

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

English Literature

Poetry

A Wife in London

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A Wife in London

  • "A Wife in London" is a poem written by Thomas Hardy, an influential English novelist and poet.

  • The poem was published in 1899 and is structured in two parts: 'The Tragedy' and 'The Irony'. The first part depicts a wife receiving the news of her husband's death, while the second part reveals the cruel irony of receiving his joyful letter after his death.

  • One of the key themes running through the poem is the harsh reality of war. Although the poem doesn't describe battles, the pain and disillusionment war inflicts on people back home is clearly showcased.

  • The poem uses a third-person omniscient narrator. This perspective provides an intimate insight into the wife's response to her husband’s death while maintaining a distanced exterior view of the situation.

  • Hardy's description of London as a "Wan" (pale and sickly) city, and his allusion to the "fog hanging thick" contributes to a gloomy, melancholy atmosphere in the poem.

  • The use of epigraphs, 'The Tragedy' & 'The Irony', serve a crucial role in emphasising the tragic and ironic elements of the poem.

  • Hardy employs a variety of poetic techniques including symbolism, alliteration and imagery. For instance, the 'fog hanging thick' symbolises the gloom and despair that pervades the wife's life.

  • The 'Two letters' symbolise hope and despair. The first brings the harsh news of her husband's death, and the second one, ironically bearing joyful news of his upcoming return, arrives after his death.

  • The tone of the poem shifts from sombre in 'The Tragedy' to bitter irony in 'The Irony'. This intensifies the emotional impact on the readers/viewers.

  • Overall, "A Wife in London" provides a critique of war and reflects on the personal tragedies and ironies caused by it. It can be analysed and interpreted from different angles such as themes, language, form, and context which are key areas to focus when revising this poignant work.

Course material for English Literature, module Poetry, topic A Wife in London

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