This 7-page (1538 words ) student Handout will help any student and/or teacher of the play get started in thinking about themes, characters and examination questions. Written by an Examiner and teacher of 30-years standing. The Guide is structured as follows: Historical Context: Written during the Elizabethan era, “Hamlet” reflects the cultural and political changes of the time, including the Renaissance and the rise of humanism. Shakespeare’s Life and Works: Understanding Shakespeare’s life and other works can provide valuable insights into “Hamlet,” one of his most complex plays. Character Analysis: The guide examines key characters like Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, Polonius, Laertes, Horatio, and King Hamlet’s ghost, highlighting their complexities and roles in the narrative. Language and Style: Shakespeare’s use of soliloquies, wordplay, and vivid imagery enhances the play’s emotional and intellectual impact. Study Strategies: Effective study strategies include close reading, performance analysis, discussion, and consulting secondary sources to deepen understanding. Look out for my other resources on Hamlet as well.

This is a 14-slide PowerPoint presentation which includes a video extract from the RSC of the famous soliliquy being performed. It considers the main themes of the Scene but also includes some questions for students to think about and/or discuss, as well as a more detailed analysis of how a particular question might be approached. The presentation focuses on Act 3, Scene 1 of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. It begins by setting the scene and introducing the characters, providing context for the themes discussed later. The main themes explored are appearance vs. reality and madness. Setting the Scene: The scene takes place in the castle of Elsinore, where the characters are gathered to watch a play. The atmosphere is tense due to Hamlet’s erratic behavior. Introduction of Characters: Key characters include Hamlet, Ophelia, Polonius, and the Players. Each character’s role and significance in the play are discussed. Appearance vs. Reality: This theme is explored through Hamlet’s soliloquy and the Players’ performance. Hamlet’s soliloquy reveals his distrust of appearances and his desire for truth, while the Players’ performance highlights how appearances can be deceiving. Madness: The theme of madness is closely linked to appearance vs. reality. The characters’ behavior and dialogue are analyzed to uncover the extent of their mental breakdown. Conclusion: The presentation concludes by emphasizing the intertwined themes of appearance vs. reality and madness, and their significance in Act 3, Scene 1 of Hamlet. Discussion Points: The presentation ends with discussion points to engage the audience in further analysis of the themes and characters.

This is a 40-slide PowerPoint presentation which would be great as a starting point with a class about to embark on a study of Hamlet OR as a revision-aid once they have studied the play. It includes questions and discussion points as well as a review quiz at the end. The PowerPoint is constructed as follows: Firstly, it provides an overview of the play, discussing Hamlet’s quest to avenge his father’s murder while grappling with indecision, madness, and moral dilemmas. The historical context is explored, highlighting the political instability and religious conflict in early 17th century England, which is reflected in the play’s portrayal of a corrupt and troubled court. The theme of revenge is examined through Hamlet’s procrastination and the contrasting decisiveness of characters like Laertes and Fortinbras. Madness is discussed as a reflection of political instability and corruption, with debates on whether Hamlet is truly mad. The theme of corruption and decay is analyzed through political corruption, physical decay imagery, and moral corruption. The theme of appearance vs. reality is explored through deception, manipulation, and the play-within-a-play device. The theme of action and inaction is examined through Hamlet’s hesitation, moral qualms, and philosophical musings. The presentation also includes discussion points and analysis, potential examination questions, and a revision quiz. It concludes with reflections on the enduring relevance of “Hamlet” and its exploration of human nature, complex characters, and themes of power, politics, and deception.

This is a 23-slide PowerPoint presentation, written by an experienced Examiner, to introduce students to a study of “Great Expectations”. It is designed to be taught in approximately 60 minutes. The PowerPoint includes Speakers’ Notes. The presentation provides an overview of Charles Dickens’ novel “Great Expectations,” including its historical context, plot summary, and key themes. It begins with an introduction to the Victorian era, highlighting the social and economic changes of the time, and the novel’s publication history. The plot summary follows the journey of Pip, an orphan who dreams of becoming a gentleman and falls in love with Estella, the adopted daughter of the wealthy Miss Havisham. The presentation explores Pip’s struggles with social class, love, and ambition. It also delves into the background and influence of Charles Dickens, emphasising his focus on social and economic issues such as poverty, class struggles, and child labour. The main characters are discussed in detail, including Pip, Estella, Joe Gargery, Magwitch, and Herbert Pocket. Each character’s role and significance in the novel are highlighted45678910. Key themes such as social class and ambition, love and rejection, and the impact of social class on society are explored. The presentation also includes discussion questions and debates on these themes. Finally, the presentation concludes with a review quiz and a summary of the themes explored in the novel, providing insight into the Victorian era and the social issues of the time.

This is a 17-slide presentation which includes a video of the famous balcony scene from the RSC as well as question practice and a topic for debate. There are also pointers as to how to answer the debate question. This is an invaluable resource written by an experienced Examiner and used in classes many times. It is aimed at GCSE students but would be suitable for any scholars of the play! The presentation explores the love and tragedy in Shakespeare’s masterpiece, “Romeo and Juliet,” and provides guidance on answering common examination questions. It covers the characterization of key characters such as Romeo, Juliet, Tybalt, and Mercutio, highlighting their traits and roles in the play. The famous balcony scene is analyzed, focusing on themes, language, and character development. The presentation also offers tips on structuring answers for exam questions, emphasizing the importance of practice and preparation. Additionally, it delves into the major themes of the play, including love, fate, and the conflict between individual desire and societal expectations. Symbolism, such as stars, the moon, roses, and swords, is discussed to illustrate the play’s deeper meanings. Language techniques like metaphor, simile, and symbolism are explained with examples from the text. The presentation concludes with pointers for debate and comparison essays, encouraging critical analysis and a deeper understanding of the play.

A 14-slide introduction to the play, “Waiting for Godot” which includes an examination of the main themes and characters as well as discussion points or questions at the end. This presentation includes Speaker’s Notes This presentation is suitable for A Level students of the play. The presentation explores the human condition through themes of boredom, isolation, and despair, providing insight into the struggles of human existence. The play also delves into existentialist and absurdist themes, examining the meaninglessness of life, the struggle between free will and determinism, and the nature of the human experience. Key themes discussed include: Boredom: The characters experience a lack of stimulation and purpose, leading to restlessness and dissatisfaction. Isolation: Both physical and emotional isolation are explored, contributing to feelings of loneliness and despair. Despair: The play reflects the struggles and challenges of the human condition, often leading to hopelessness. The presentation also highlights the theme of waiting and hope, examining the role of waiting in the play and the moments of hope that emerge despite the overall sense of hopelessness5. The characters’ anticipation of Godot’s arrival and their prolonged waiting lead to introspection and self-discovery. In conclusion, “Waiting for Godot” is a powerful meditation on the human condition, existentialism, absurdism, and the interplay of waiting and hope but it is not always an easy play to study. This presentation will make any teacher’s task easier in studying this complex work.

This is a 28 slide PowerPoint presentation which gives an excellent introduction to any class about to embark on a study of “An Inspector Calls” by J. B. Priestley. It includes questions and discussion points at the end and can also be used as an aide for revision. A summary of the contents of the presentation is below: Play’s Themes: The play explores themes of social responsibility, class, gender roles, and justice. Character Roles: Main characters represent different facets of society and moral questions. Social Critique: The play critiques social structures and the failure to take responsibility for others. Relevance Today: The themes remain relevant today, prompting important conversations about societal issues. Moral Responsibility: The play emphasizes the importance of moral responsibility and the impact of individual actions. Used with many groups of students, this has proved an invaluable resource for anyone studying or teaching the play.