Lecture Notes: English Literature Exam Preparation

Introduction

• Presenter: Mr. Everything English
• Focus: English Literature, specifically GCSE exam preparation using quotes from "A Christmas Carol."
• Objective: Provide students with six solid quotes for writing exam paragraphs.

Exam Strategy

• Goal: Write four paragraphs in the exam:
  • Two from the provided extract
  • Two using the six prepared quotes
• Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust
  • If the extract is difficult, aim for at least one paragraph from it.
  • Worst case: Use four prepared quotes if the extract is not usable.
• Mindset: Aim for two paragraphs from the extract and two from the prepared quotes.

Prepared Quotes Overview

1. "Solitary as an oyster"

   • Technique: Simile
   • Analysis:
     • Solitary implies forced loneliness (prison-like isolation).
     • Oyster symbolizes capitalism, which traps Scrooge.
     • Spirits crack the oyster, symbolizing change from capitalism.
   • Application: Can show societal change, hope for redemption.

2. "Another idol has displaced me"

   • Technique: Metaphor
   • Analysis:
     • Idols imply worship and sacrifice.
     • Scrooge's nobler aspirations are sacrificed for wealth.
     • Shows societal pressures and personal conflicts.
   • Application: Use in context of societal change, personal sacrifices.

3. "I wear the chains I forged in life"

   • Speaker: Marley
   • Analysis:
     • Chains symbolize sins and personal burdens.
     • Foreshadows Scrooge's potential fate.
     • Links to Gothic genre and fear as a catalyst for change.
   • Application: Supernatural influence, consequences of actions.

4. "There was a smooth white sheet of snow upon the roof and the dirtiest snow upon the ground"

   • Analysis:
     • Contrast between rich (white snow) and poor (dirty snow).
     • Symbolic of societal class divide.
   • Application: Class themes, setting, and societal commentary.

5. "There is nothing on which this life is so hard as poverty"

   • Analysis:
     • Reveals Scrooge’s motivations to escape poverty.
     • Reflects personal struggles and societal influences.
   • Application: Character development, impact of poverty.

6. Cratchit Family Juxtaposition

   • Contrast: Poor but happy vs. rich but isolated.
   • Application: Challenges capitalist ideals, highlights value of relationships.

Additional Tips

• Quote Adaptability: Practice making quotes fit various themes such as supernatural, redemption, family, and class.
• Past Exam Practice: Use past papers to apply quotes.
• Continuous Practice: Familiarize with quotes to easily recall and apply during exams.

Conclusion

• Final Advice: Practice using the quotes to confidently write exam paragraphs.
• Resources: Visit everythingucation.co.uk for more study materials and support.
• Encouragement: Use these strategies to achieve success in GCSEs.

Note: Ensure you choose quotes that resonate with you and practice writing flexible, adaptable paragraphs that can address multiple exam questions.