Higher English Literature SQA

This subject offers 24 topics in 4 modules:

  1. 1984 by George Orwell 6 topics
  2. Critical Essay: All My Sons 6 topics
  3. The Colour Purple by Alice Walker 6 topics
  4. The Crucible by Arthur Miller 6 topics
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This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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English Literature

1984 by George Orwell

1984: Character Profiles

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1984: Character Profiles

Winston Smith

  • Winston Smith is the protagonist of the novel '1984'. He is a low-ranking member of the Party in Airstrip One, the most significant province of the superstate Oceania.
  • He rebels against the Party by beginning a love affair with Julia and seeking to join the Brotherhood, a supposed anti-Party group.
  • Winston is characterised by his introspection and pessimism. He is intelligent and has independent thought, but is also deeply troubled by the society in which he lives.
  • His key motivations are his hatred of the Party and his desire for personal and emotional freedom.

Julia

  • Julia is Winston's lover and his ally in rebellion against the Party. She works in the Fiction Department at the Ministry of Truth.
  • She differs from Winston in that she is more pragmatic and survival-oriented. She gladly breaks the Party's rules, but has no interest in ideological rebellion. Her rebellion is more personal than political.
  • Her character is largely defined by her sexual and individual freedom, which she guards vigorously.

O'Brien

  • O'Brien is a high-ranking Party member who becomes a source of inspiration for Winston. Winston believes that O'Brien may also be an opponent of the Party.
  • O'Brien is highly intelligent and very articulate. He's able to convince Winston that there is resistance against the Party. However, this is ultimately revealed to be a trap.
  • His character is critical to the development of the theme of manipulation and control.

Big Brother

  • Big Brother is the perceived ruler of Oceania, and the face of the Party. His image is displayed everywhere and utter devotion to him is required.
  • He is a crucial figure within the novel, yet the reader never discovers if he is a real person or simply a creation of the Party to instil obedience and fear.
  • Big Brother represents the Party's power and authority, and how it manipulates its citizens.

Mr. Charrington

  • Mr. Charrington appears to be a kind old man who runs a second-hand store in the prole district. He rents a room to Winston and Julia for their secret meetings.
  • Unknown to Winston, Mr. Charrington is a member of the Thought Police.
  • His character represents the extent of the Party's surveillance, they’re watching everywhere, even in places where you least expect it.

Course material for English Literature, module 1984 by George Orwell, topic 1984: Character Profiles

English Literature

The Colour Purple by Alice Walker

The Colour Purple: Character Profiles

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The Colour Purple: Character Profiles

Celie

  • Celie, the protagonist and narrator of "The Colour Purple", is a poor, uneducated, African-American woman who starts off as a victim of severe abuse.

  • Despite the abuse, Celie possesses an innate kindness and immense survival instinct that help her to transcend the cruelty in her life.

  • Through her relationship with Shug Avery, Celie learns about love and sexual pleasure, which in turn boosts her self-esteem and allows her to fight for her rights and respect.

  • Celie ultimately becomes an entrepreneur, establishing her own business and thereby achieving financial independence.

Nettie

  • Nettie is Celie's younger sister who resists the abusive behaviour presented in their environment.

  • Nettie is better educated than Celie and becomes a teacher, embodying the importance of education as a source of personal growth and freedom.

  • Nettie's correspondence with Celie throughout the novel offers critical insight into the African experience and the shared history of African and African-American people.

Mister/Albert

  • Mister, also known as Albert, is initially portrayed as a cruel, dominating husband who treats Celie with little to no respect.

  • Mister's influence gradually weakens as Celie gains strength and independence.

  • Through his eventual remorse and attempts at redemption, Mister illustrates the potential for change, even in the most challenging characters.

Shug Avery

  • Shug Avery, a blues singer, is initially described as a woman of loose morals, but she becomes a role model, friend, and lover to Celie.

  • Shug's vibrant spirit, independence, and open-minded outlook on life contrast with the repressive society in which the characters live.

  • Through her relationship with Celie, Shug models a women-centric world in which women support and love each other.

Sofia

  • Sofia is a strong, independent woman who refuses to conform to societal norms of being subservient to men.

  • Despite her strength, Sofia suffers greatly, illustrating the consequences of resisting societal norms.

  • Through Sofia, the novel explores the themes of power and resistance, drawing attention to the oppression African-American women face.

Harpo

  • Harpo, the son of Mister, initially attempts to exert dominance over his wife, Sofia, reflecting the societal notions of male dominance.

  • Over time, influenced by Sofia and other strong women in his life, Harpo learns to respect and appreciate the strength of women, eventually rejecting the traditional gender roles.

  • Harpo's transformation highlights the importance of challenging societal norms and embracing equality.

Course material for English Literature, module The Colour Purple by Alice Walker, topic The Colour Purple: Character Profiles

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