A 6-page student analysis of the character of Estragon from Samuel Beckett’s play, “Waiting for Godot”. The Handout would be invaluable to A Level English students or anyone studying this fascinating play. At the end of the Handout there are discussion points/questions which can be used with your class, together with suggested pointers as to how to address them. The discussion highlights: Physical and Mental State: Estragon is depicted as physically uncomfortable and mentally distressed, symbolised by his struggles with his boots and his forgetfulness, reflecting human frailty and existential burdens. Relationship with Vladimir: The interdependent relationship between Estragon and Vladimir highlights the need for companionship and mutual support in the face of life’s uncertainties. Themes of Waiting and Time: Estragon’s character embodies the themes of waiting and the cyclical nature of time, mirroring the existential struggle for meaning in an indifferent universe. Existential Struggle: Estragon’s frequent expressions of doubt and hopelessness, along with moments of resilience and humor, underscore his existential crisis and the absurdity of life. Symbolism and Imagery: Estragon’s boots and his reactions to carrots serve as metaphors for his discomfort and fluctuating outlook on life, illustrating the interplay between the mundane and the existential. Role of Memory: Estragon’s fragmented memory and reliance on Vladimir to recall past events highlight the play’s exploration of the fluid and unreliable nature of human consciousness. Philosophical Underpinnings: Estragon’s character reflects existentialist and absurdist themes, illustrating the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.

An 8-page discussion of the character of Romeo from Shakespeare’s enduring tragedy, “Romeo and Juliet”. The discussion includes a discussion of Romeo’s intensity and his tendency to act on impulse as well as the tragic consequences of this impulsivity. The Handout also includes 5 questions and discussion points at the end as well as a brief outline of points to consider in asking and discussing these questions. Tried and tested with many classes over the years and recently updated. Suitable for use with either GCSE or AS/A Level classes. Why not take a look at the accompanying Handout on Juliet as part of this series of resources.

PowerPoint Length: 48 Slides; Teaching time: 2 hours This PowerPoint includes a unique, especially created Podcast discussion where two people discuss the character of Hamlet. Can be used in a variety of ways with your students. The presentation is structured as follows: Introduction: An overview of Hamlet’s character and the play’s context. Character Overview: Detailed insights into Hamlet’s personality, his relationships with Ophelia, Gertrude, and Claudius, and his internal conflicts. Themes and Struggles: Exploration of key themes such as hesitation to avenge his father’s murder, the theme of action versus inaction, and Hamlet’s existential struggles. Relationships: Analysis of Hamlet’s interactions with other characters, including Ophelia, Gertrude, Claudius, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern. Madness and Mental State: Discussion on Hamlet’s profound sadness, potential madness, and the ambiguity surrounding his mental state. Moral and Philosophical Questions: Examination of themes like appearance versus reality, Hamlet’s intelligence and wit, and his moral integrity and conscience. Plot Devices: Insights into the themes of corruption, betrayal, and familial loyalty, and the significance of the ‘play within a play’. Conclusion and Summary: Recap of Hamlet’s character, the exploration of human condition, and the impact of his relationships. Additional Resources: Includes a podcast discussion on Hamlet’s character and a glossary of key terms. This presentation is an excellent resource for teachers aiming to provide a thorough and engaging study of one of Shakespeare’s most complex characters. It includes detailed explanations, insightful analysis, and thought-provoking questions that will engage students and enhance their understanding of the play.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

Number of slides: 55 Activities inc. quiz and videos Teaching time: 90 mins approx This presentation offers an in-depth exploration of Mary Shelley’s classic novel, “Frankenstein” It is designed to be used as an Introduction to the novel but can also be used to revise the novel, once students are more familiar with it. Key Features: Plot Overview: The presentation outlines the main plot points and narrative structure of “Frankenstein,” guiding students through the story of Victor Frankenstein’s move to London and his creation of the Creature. Character Analysis: Detailed analyses of the main characters, including Dr Frankenstein, the Creature, Robert Walton, Henry Clerval and Elizabeth Lavenza. These analyses highlight the characters’ development and their roles within the novel’s story. Themes Exploration: The presentation considers the central themes of the novel, such as ambition, fallibility and “playing God”. It emphasises the relevance of these themes in today’s context, encouraging students to reflect on their societal responsibilities and moral choices. Historical Context: Understanding the historical context that influenced Shelley’s writing is crucial. The presentation covers the social and economic conditions of the faced by the “Romantic” writers, including industrialisation, urbanisation, and the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty. Literary Devices: The use of symbolism, foreshadowing, and irony in “Frankenstein” is examined, helping students appreciate Shelley’s literary techniques and their impact on the story. Activities and Quizzes: Engaging activities and quizzes are included throughout the presentation to reinforce students’ understanding and encourage critical thinking. These interactive elements make learning about “Frankenstein” both enjoyable and educational. Tips for Studying: Practical tips for studying the novel are provided, helping students focus their revision and improve their exam performance. This presentation has been written by a teacher with 30 years’ experience and has been tried and tested across many years and cohorts. Please see accompanying “Model Answers” for 5 past questions on the novel. If you have found this resource useful, please see my other ever-growing collection of teaching resources for English GCSE, A Level Law, A Level Politics, BTEC Business and some PSHE resources as well.

Number of slides: 60 Activities inc. quiz and videos Teaching time: 3 hours This presentation offers an in-depth exploration of Charles Dickens’ classic novel, “Great Expectations.” It is designed to be used as an Introduction to the novel but can also be used to revise the novel, once students are more familiar with it. Key Features: Plot Overview: The presentation outlines the main plot points and narrative structure of “Great Expectations,” guiding students through the story of Pip’s encounter with Magwitch through to his liaison with Estella and his rise through the society of London. Character Analysis: Detailed analyses of the main characters, including Pip, Joe Gargery, Magwitch, Estella and Miss Havisham. These analyses highlight the characters’ development and their roles within the novel’s story. Themes Exploration: The presentation considers the central themes of the novel, such as redemption, compassion, social injustice, and crime and punishment. It emphasises the relevance of these themes in today’s context, encouraging students to reflect on their societal responsibilities and moral choices. Historical Context: Understanding the historical context that influenced Dickens’ writing is crucial. The presentation covers the social and economic conditions of the Victorian era, including industrialisation, urbanisation, and the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty. Literary Devices: The use of symbolism, foreshadowing, and irony in “Great Expectations” is examined, helping students appreciate Dickens’ literary techniques and their impact on the story. Activities and Quizzes: Engaging activities and quizzes are included throughout the presentation to reinforce students’ understanding and encourage critical thinking. These interactive elements make learning about “Great Expectations” both enjoyable and educational. Tips for Studying: Practical tips for studying the novel are provided, helping students focus their revision and improve their exam performance. This presentation has been written by a teacher with 30 years’ experience and has been tried and tested across many years and cohorts. Please see accompanying “Model Answers” for 5 past questions on the novel. ** If you have found this resource useful, please see my other ever-growing collection of teaching resources for English GCSE, A Level Law, A Level Politics, BTEC Business and some PSHE resources as well.** Tes paid licence

Number of slides: 57 Activities inc. quiz and videos Teaching time: 3 hours This presentation offers an in-depth exploration of Charles Dickens’ classic novel, “A Christmas Carol.” It is designed to be used as an Introduction to the novel but can also be used to revise the novel, once students are more familiar with it. Key Features: Plot Overview: The presentation outlines the main plot points and narrative structure of “A Christmas Carol,” guiding students through the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from a miserly, cold-hearted man to a generous and compassionate individual. Character Analysis: Detailed analyses of the main characters, including Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and the three spirits, are provided. These analyses highlight the characters’ development and their roles within the novel’s story. Themes Exploration: The presentation considers the central themes of the novel, such as redemption, compassion, social injustice, and the spirit of Christmas. It emphasises the relevance of these themes in today’s context, encouraging students to reflect on their societal responsibilities and moral choices. Historical Context: Understanding the historical context that influenced Dickens’ writing is crucial. The presentation covers the social and economic conditions of the Victorian era, including industrialisation, urbanisation, and the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty. Literary Devices: The use of symbolism, foreshadowing, and irony in “A Christmas Carol” is examined, helping students appreciate Dickens’ literary techniques and their impact on the story. Activities and Quizzes: Engaging activities and quizzes are included throughout the presentation to reinforce students’ understanding and encourage critical thinking. These interactive elements make learning about “A Christmas Carol” both enjoyable and educational. Tips for Studying: Practical tips for studying the novel are provided, helping students focus their revision and improve their exam performance. This presentation has been written by a teacher with 30 years’ experience and has been tried and tested across many years and cohorts. Please see accompanying “Model Answers” for 5 past questions on the novel. If you have found this resource useful, please see my other ever-growing collection of teaching resources for English GCSE, A Level Law, A Level Politics, BTEC Business and some PSHE resources as well.