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.

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.

A Worksheet consisting of 25 differentiated questions to help your students revise Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”. Divided into 5 sections, the Worksheet consists of questions that get harder as students work through them. The final section contains questions which are “essay-style” questions or they can be used as the basis of discussion or class debate. The Worksheet consists of 5 pages with spaces provided for the first 20 questions. Tried and tested with many classes across the years. A great resource for revising the play. Enjoy!

25 revision questions on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The Handout incorporates questions which get harder as they go along and are divided into 5 sections: Basic comprehension; Intermediate questions; Advanced analysis; In-depth exploration and Critical thinking. Questions can be set so as students can work their way through the whole set or students can be asked to choose a certain number of questions from each section. Designed for use with GCSE students of Shakespeare’s great tragedy. Saving busy teachers a great deal of time.

This Handout is a 7-page exploration of the character of Juliet from Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy, “Romeo and Juliet”. It is suitable for use with GCSE students and includes questions and discussion points as well as brief suggested answers at the end of the Handout. The discussion considers Juliet’s intelligence, her pragmatism and contrasts her thoughtful approach to Romeo’s more impulsive actions. This discussion is part of a collection of resources on the play and has been tried and tested with many groups of students. Why not look at the other resources provided on “Romeo and Juliet” and use them with your groups. Enjoy!

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.

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.