GCSE English Literature

Question: What does Macbeth see before him that symbolizes his descent into ambition and murder?

Quote: “Is this a dagger which I see before me” (Act 2, Scene 1)

Analysis: Shakespeare employs hallucinatory imagery to reflect Macbeth’s internal conflict, as the vision of the dagger embodies his unchecked ambition and foreshadows his inevitable moral decay. The rhetorical question conveys his uncertainty, while the supernatural undertones align with the witches’ influence, reinforcing the play’s exploration of fate and free will.

Question: How does Macbeth express the inescapability of his guilt after murdering Duncan?

Quote: “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?” (Act 2, Scene 2)

Analysis: The hyperbolic imagery of Neptune’s vast ocean juxtaposed with Macbeth’s inescapable guilt illustrates the permanence of his crime. Blood becomes a powerful symbol of guilt, foreshadowing Lady Macbeth’s later breakdown. The invocation of Neptune, a god, underscores the divine consequences of Macbeth’s transgression, positioning regicide as an unforgivable sin in the Jacobean moral framework.

Question: What does Macbeth wish to remain hidden as he acknowledges his dark ambitions?

Quote: “Let not light see my black and deep desires” (Act 1, Scene 4)

Analysis: Shakespeare juxtaposes “light” and “black” to symbolize Macbeth’s moral corruption, as he acknowledges his treacherous intent but wishes it to remain unseen. The personification of light as an omniscient force heightens his internal struggle, illustrating how ambition compels him toward secrecy and deception, reinforcing the theme of appearance versus reality.

Question: How does Macbeth describe life after Lady Macbeth’s death?

Quote: “Life’s but a walking shadow” (Act 5, Scene 5)

Analysis: The metaphor of life as a “walking shadow” conveys Macbeth’s existential despair, reducing human existence to something insubstantial and fleeting. This nihilistic perspective, expressed through rhythmic, fatalistic prose, encapsulates his realization of life’s futility, echoing Shakespearean tragic conventions where unchecked ambition leads to profound disillusionment.

Question: How does Macbeth express the relentless passage of time before his downfall?

Quote: “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow” (Act 5, Scene 5)

Analysis: The repetitive structure mimics the monotonous, inevitable passage of time, reflecting Macbeth’s weariness and the futility of human existence. The rhythmic quality of the phrase emphasizes how fate marches forward, indifferent to individual ambition. This moment solidifies Macbeth’s full descent into despair, reinforcing the play’s meditation on destiny and the inescapable consequences of one’s actions.

Question: How does Lady Macbeth reject traditional gender roles to gain power?

Quote: “Unsex me here and fill me from crown to toe full of direst cruelty” (Act 1, Scene 5)

Analysis: Lady Macbeth’s forceful imperative challenges traditional femininity, symbolizing her rejection of weakness and desire for ruthless power. The verb “unsex” conveys her wish to be stripped of womanly compassion, reflecting contemporary anxieties about female ambition and subverting Jacobean gender expectations. Her alignment with the supernatural foreshadows her descent into madness.

Question: How does Lady Macbeth encourage deception?

Quote: “Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t” (Act 1, Scene 5)

Analysis: Lady Macbeth’s metaphor likens deception to nature, portraying innocence as a mere façade. The “serpent” alludes to the biblical figure of Satan, reinforcing themes of betrayal and temptation. This line encapsulates the play’s central conflict between appearance and reality, as Macbeth adopts duplicity to fulfill his ambitions.

Question: How does Lady Macbeth initially dismiss guilt after Duncan’s murder?

Quote: “A little water clears us of this deed” (Act 2, Scene 2)

Analysis: Lady Macbeth’s casual dismissal of guilt through the symbolic cleansing of water contrasts sharply with her later descent into madness. This irony highlights her initial ruthlessness and belief in control over fate. However, her eventual breakdown, symbolized by obsessive hand-washing, underscores the inescapability of guilt and the psychological toll of their crimes.

Question: What do the witches chant to blur the lines between reality and illusion?

Quote: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (Act 1, Scene 1)

Analysis: The witches’ paradoxical chant encapsulates the play’s theme of deceptive appearances, foreshadowing Macbeth’s moral confusion. The chiasmus reflects the inversion of natural order, a motif that runs throughout the play. This line establishes the supernatural’s influence, suggesting that reality is manipulated by unseen forces.

Question: How do the witches set an ominous tone from the start?

Quote: “When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?” (Act 1, Scene 1)

Analysis: The witches’ dialogue immediately associates them with dark forces through the use of pathetic fallacy, as the stormy imagery reflects the chaos they bring. The rhythmic, rhyming structure creates an incantatory effect, reinforcing their supernatural presence and unsettling the audience with a sense of foreboding.

Question: How do the witches hype up Macbeth to kick start his ambition?

Quote: “All hail to Macbeth! Hail to thee! Thane of Glamis” (Act 1, Scene 3)

Question: How do the witches speak of Macbeth’s arrival?

Quote: “By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes.” (Act 4, Scene 1)

Question: How does Banquo reflect on fate and prophecy?

Quote: “If you can look into the seeds of time, and say which grain will grow and which will not” (Act 1, Scene 3)

Analysis: Banquo’s metaphor likens fate to agriculture, suggesting an unpredictable yet organic process. The imagery of “seeds” implies potential outcomes, highlighting the play’s exploration of free will versus destiny. His cautious skepticism contrasts with Macbeth’s impulsive ambition, reinforcing his role as a moral counterpoint.

Question: How does Banquo express his suspicion about Macbeth’s rise to power?

Quote: “Thou hast it now: King, Cawdor, Glamis, all… and I fear thou play’dst most foully for’t” (Act 3, Scene 1)

Analysis: Banquo’s reflective tone signals his growing suspicion of Macbeth, suspecting foul play in his sudden rise to kingship. The use of “foully” echoes the witches’ earlier paradox, reinforcing the theme of appearance versus reality. His skepticism presents him as Macbeth’s moral foil, emphasizing the contrast between unchecked ambition and integrity.

Question: How does Macduff fulfill the witches’ prophecy?

Quote: “Macduff was from his mother’s womb untimely ripped” (Act 5, Scene 8)

Analysis: The revelation of Macduff’s birth disrupts Macbeth’s perceived invincibility, illustrating the deceptive nature of the witches’ prophecies. The phrase “untimely ripped” carries violent connotations, emphasizing fate’s cruel irony. This moment exemplifies the subversion of expectations and reinforces the inevitability of Macbeth’s downfall.

Question: How is Macbeth initially presented as a noble warrior?

Quote: “Brave Macbeth – well he deserves that name” (Act 1, Scene 2)

Analysis: Macbeth’s portrayal as a valiant warrior establishes his early heroism, making his later descent into tyranny more tragic. The phrase “well he deserves that name” carries an ironic undertone, as his courage ultimately leads to reckless ambition and moral corruption. Shakespeare presents him as a flawed tragic hero.

Question: How does Macbeth brutally yet destroy his opponents?

Quote: "till he unseamed him from the nave to the chops” (Act 1, Scene 2)

Question: How does Blake describe the mental state of people in London

Quote: "The mind-forged manacles I hear:"
Analysis: The volta shows the effect of control within society. People are being manipulated by their own minds but are so far gone they are unable to realise it. The symbolism of manacles further emphasises the semantic field of control. They are being chained, suffocated against their will. The word “hear” can be inferred in two different ways: Blake can hear the chains rattling within the oppressed mind of the people or perhaps his own mind but similarly he is unable to understand himself.

Question: How does Blake use repetition to represent pain and suffering in London?

Quote: "marks in every face I meet Marks of weakness, Marks of woe."
Analysis: The anaphora of the mark shows that it is figurative but instead a symbol for the pain and suffering. The word “every” is hyperbolic. This emphasises that the restrictive mood has disfigured the atmosphere of London.

Question: How does Blake portray soldiers in London.

Quote: "hapless soldier’s sigh Runs in blood down palace walls."
Analysis: Blake personifying blood shows that the people in power are responsible for the death of all the soldiers. The blood can be symbolic for the blood on their hands and the guilt they carry. The oxymoron hapless soldier portrays the soldier as useless instead of the expectation of a strong fighting character. This connects to Britain’s desperate attempt to expand their empire by fighting with bodies rather than trained warriors.

Question: How does Shelley present the theme of human power and its limitations in Ozymandias?

Quote: "Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
Analysis: Shelley’s irony undermines Ozymandias’ arrogance; his once-mighty empire has crumbled into ruins. The imperative command in “Look on my Works” conveys arrogance, yet the desolation mocks this hubris. The caesura after “despair!” forces a pause, mirroring the abrupt fall of his reign. This critique of tyrannical rulers aligns with Romantic ideals, emphasizing nature’s superiority over human ambition.

Question: How does Shelley use imagery to emphasize decay and destruction in Ozymandias?

Quote: "Nothing beside remains. Round the decay of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare"
Analysis: The juxtaposition of “colossal” and “wreck” highlights the fall from grandeur to insignificance. The alliteration in “boundless and bare” emphasizes the vast emptiness, reinforcing the insignificance of human achievements against time’s relentless force.

Question: How does Shelley present Ozymandias as a flawed ruler?

Quote: "The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed"
Analysis: The ambiguity of “mocked” suggests both ridicule and imitation, hinting at Ozymandias’ cruel rule. The metaphor of “heart that fed” suggests he sustained his people, yet the ruin implies his failures outweighed his achievements.

Question: How does Owen portray the soldiers’ suffering in Exposure?

Quote: "Our brains ache, in the merciless iced east winds that knive us…"
Analysis: Nature is personified as a more formidable enemy than human adversaries. The harsh consonance in “knive us” mimics the biting wind, reinforcing the soldiers' vulnerability. The ellipsis reflects their fragmented, deteriorating state.

Question: How does Owen convey the futility of war in Exposure?
Themes: War, Suffering, Hopelessness

Quote: "But nothing happens."
Techniques: Repetition (Language), Structure (Short Sentence)
Analysis: The stark repetition of "But nothing happens" emphasizes the monotony of suffering and the futility of war. The abruptness of the phrase reflects the soldiers' despair and powerlessness, reinforcing Owen’s critique of war’s brutality.

Question: How does Owen contrast the soldiers’ suffering with their expectations of war in Exposure?
Themes: Disillusionment, War, Betrayal

Quote: "For love of God seems dying."
Techniques: Religious Imagery (Language), Enjambment (Structure)
Analysis: The religious imagery suggests the soldiers feel abandoned, their faith eroded by endless suffering. The enjambment reflects a continuous, drawn-out agony, emphasizing their loss of hope.

Question: How does Owen use sensory imagery to depict suffering in Exposure?
Themes: War, Pain, Desperation

Quote: "Sudden successive flights of bullets streak the silence."
Techniques: Sibilance (Language), Contrast (Language)
Analysis: The sibilance mimics the sound of gunfire, creating a visceral experience for the reader. The contrast between “sudden” and “silence” emphasizes the unpredictable nature of war, heightening tension.

Question: How does Owen portray death as inevitable in Exposure?
Themes: War, Fate, Suffering

Quote: "Slowly our ghosts drag home"
Techniques: Metaphor (Language), Alliteration (Language)
Analysis: The metaphor of “ghosts” suggests the soldiers are already spiritually dead, reinforcing the inevitability of their fate. The alliteration in “drag home” evokes exhaustion, highlighting their suffering and disillusionment.

Question: How does Armitage explore trauma and guilt in Remains?

Quote: "His bloody life in my bloody hands"
Analysis: The repetition of “bloody” conveys both literal bloodshed and figurative guilt, reflecting the soldier’s inability to move on. The enjambment represents the ongoing psychological torment of PTSD.

Question: How does Armitage depict the lasting impact of war in Remains?

Quote: "blink…Sleep,…Dream,."
Analysis: Armitage uses the words blink, sleep and dream to create the semantic field of peace. Ironically , however, these do not create peace for the soldier rather remind him of his unforgivable actions. Armitage initially hinting at the solider’s PTSD foreshadows his descent into paranoia and eventually his own death. “This shows us that regret lasts a lifetime and can increment to the point that it can create physical damage.”

Question: How does Armitage portray the soldier’s detachment from reality in Remains?

Quote: "he’s here in my head when i close my eyes, dug in behind enemy lines,"
Analysis: Armitage implements a volta which begins the conformation of the soldier’s fate. The verb dug indicates he’s been entrenched within his mind and is unable to escape the guilt he feels from his past. Almost as if he’s seeing snapshot images of the day are playing on repeat.

Question: How does Armitage use structure to reflect the speaker’s deteriorating state in Remains?

Quote: "Well myself and somebody else and somebody else are all of the same mind"
Analysis: Using the repetition of somebody else Armitage juxtaposes the expectation of camaraderie between the soldiers with the idea that they are all just individuals fighting for themselves. “The same mind” symbolises the soldiers’ employing a lack of empathy for the man they harmed. It did not matter whether he was carrying a weapon or the fact that he was in retreat. But the act of merciless killing had become synonymous with their nature.

Question: How does Browning show the power the Duke’s wife has over him despite their separation in My Last Duchess?

Quote: "(since none is put by The curtain I have drawn to you, but I)"
Analysis: The use of brackets introduces a conversation with the picture frame “The curtain” provides him with a sense of control. Only he decides when the painting is seen or covered which provides him with power and authority in his eyes. However the context of an inanimate object shows the Duke to be deeply insecure over his wife. This juxtaposes the traditional patriarchal values of a man whose wife should be seeking his approval rather than the contrary. This foreshadows an obsession behind a person that he unconsciously knows he can’t control leading to his downfall.

Question: How does Browning show the Duke’s attitude towards confronting his wife’s flaws in My Last Duchess?

Quote: "- E’en then there would be some stooping; and I chose Never to stoop."
Analysis: Following a list of his wife’s flaws the Duke explains his response using the repetition of “stoop”. He shows a spark of rightful dissatisfaction, but immediately shuts this down by refusing to do so. This would diminish his authority. For him his wife isn’t close but rather a 2nd class character who should know better than go against him. The enjambment between “I chose” and “Never to stoop” emphasises his strong and spiteful thought process. This further shows his hamartia and his attitude and treatment of others will repay him miserably.

Question: How does Browning hint at the Duchess’ death in My Last Duchess?

Quote: "Then all smiles stopped together"
Analysis: The word “together”, followed by the caesura, reveals the dark truth that her life was likely cut short by the Duke. The reference to her “smiles” shows how even her small gestures towards others were enough to provoke his vengeful nature. For the Duke, confrontation felt beneath him; expressing dissatisfaction would be too kind in comparison to his cold, patriarchal ideas. Instead, her realisation had to come brutally and without warning. She was never a companion in his eyes just a possession, something to control and discard when she no longer served his sense of pride.

Question: What quote from Inspector Goole shows his moral authority and his role as the play’s moral center?

Quote: "We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other." (Act 1, Scene 2)

Analysis: The Inspector’s repetition of responsibility emphasizes the moral duty people have to one another. The collective pronoun "we" creates unity, implying that everyone shares accountability for others. Priestley uses this line to challenge the Birlings’ self-centeredness and advocate for a more compassionate and interconnected society.

Question: What quote from Inspector Goole foreshadows the consequences of ignoring social responsibility?

Quote:"If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish." (Act 3, Scene 1)

Analysis: The Inspector’s vivid imagery of “fire and blood” foreshadows the severe consequences of ignoring social responsibility, suggesting a violent, destructive outcome. The juxtaposition of the lesson and suffering highlights the moral urgency of the message, with Priestley using it to criticize the complacency of the upper class and warn that neglecting social issues will lead to chaos.

Question: What quote from Inspector Goole demonstrates his role in forcing the Birlings to confront their actions?

Quote: "There are millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us." (Act 3, Scene 1)
Analysis: The repetition of "millions and millions" emphasizes the widespread nature of inequality and the ongoing suffering of working-class people. His imperative tone not only stresses the moral urgency of acknowledging this reality but also implies that change must happen in the future. The statement serves as a warning that if society does not take responsibility and reform its attitudes, the cycle of exploitation and inequality will continue to harm many more people like Eva Smith.

Question: What does Mr. Birling say about collective responsibility in society?

Quote: "As if we were all mixed up together like bees in a hive – community and all that nonsense." (Act 1, Scene 1)
Analysis: Mr. Birling’s metaphor of “bees in a hive” mocks the idea of collective responsibility, implying it is an unrealistic and foolish concept. His dismissive tone highlights his belief in individualism and capitalism, rejecting the idea of society's interconnectedness. This shows his reluctance to acknowledge the need for social responsibility.

Question: How does Mr. Birling dismiss the possibility of war?

Quote: "The war is inevitable... to that I say fiddlesticks." (Act 1, Scene 1)
Analysis: Mr. Birling’s dramatic irony is emphasized as the audience knows that World War I is imminent, making his statement sound foolish. His dismissive tone reflects his arrogance and his belief that his opinions are infallible. This shows his detachment from reality and his disregard for the consequences of global events.

Question: How does Mr. Birling express his confidence in his social standing?

Quote: "There’s a fair chance I’ll find myself on the next honours list." (Act 1, Scene 1)
Analysis: Mr. Birling’s self-assurance in claiming a place on the honours list reveals his belief in his superiority. The overstatement of his future achievements reflects his confidence in his social position. His attitude also highlights the complacency of the upper class in the early 20th century, before the upheavals of the World Wars challenged traditional values.

Question: How does Mrs. Birling respond to Eva Smith’s death?

Quote: "I don’t suppose for a moment that we can understand why the girl committed suicide." (Act 2, Scene 2)
Analysis: Mrs. Birling’s denial suggests she refuses to recognize the reality of Eva’s situation, highlighting her classism. As the head of a charity, she should have shown empathy, but her response reflects the older generation’s refusal to understand the struggles of the lower class. Priestley critiques this attitude, suggesting that upper-class women should be loyal to their gender, not just their class.

Question: What quote from Mrs. Birling demonstrates her failure to accept any responsibility for Eva Smith’s death?

Quote: "I don’t believe it. I won’t believe it." (Act 2, Scene 2)
Analysis: Mrs. Birling’s repeated denial of her involvement shows her refusal to accept any responsibility for Eva Smith’s suffering. The rejection of the Inspector’s accusations highlights her inability to acknowledge the consequences of her actions. Priestley uses this to criticize the complacency of the wealthy, who remain blind to the suffering of others.

Question: What quote from Mrs. Birling reveals her sense of superiority over the working class?

Quote: "She had only herself to blame." (Act 2, Scene 2)
Analysis: Mrs. Birling’s blunt dismissal of Eva Smith’s plight emphasizes her elitist attitude and refusal to acknowledge systemic inequality. The phrase "only herself to blame" shows her belief in individual responsibility, ignoring the wider societal forces at play. Priestley uses this to criticize the prejudiced attitudes of the upper class that deny the harsh realities faced by the working class.

Question: What quote from Gerald Croft shows his recognition of responsibility, despite his earlier denials?

Quote: "I didn’t feel about her as she felt about me." (Act 2, Scene 3)
Analysis: Gerald’s admission of the emotional distance between himself and Eva Smith reflects his internal guilt and realization of the damage he caused. The contrast between his feelings and hers shows his awareness of the harm his actions caused. Priestley uses this moment to highlight Gerald’s capacity for self-reflection, suggesting that recognition of guilt is the first step toward redemption.

Question: What quote from Gerald Croft reveals his uncertainty about the Inspector's identity?

Quote: "Who is that man, Mr. Birling?" (Act 2, Scene 1)
Analysis: Gerald’s question reveals his growing suspicion about the Inspector’s true identity and authority. The interrogative form highlights his uncertainty, suggesting that the characters begin to question their beliefs as the investigation unfolds. Priestley uses this moment to show that the characters' confidence is slowly being undermined, reflecting the theme of moral questioning.

Question: What quote from Eva Smith shows her desperation and vulnerability?

Quote: "She was very pretty and looked as if she had been crying." (Act 1, Scene 1)
Analysis: The description of Eva Smith as "pretty" but "crying" evokes sympathy and foreshadows her tragic fate. The imagery of her physical appearance contrasts with her emotional state, suggesting the inner turmoil she faced. Priestley uses this to highlight the vulnerability of working-class women and the harshness of the society that exploited them.

Question: What quote from Sheila Birling shows her growing awareness of the exploitation of workers and her shift in perspective on social responsibility?

Quote: "But these girls aren't cheap labour – they're people." (Act 1, Scene 2)
Analysis: The juxtaposition of "cheap labour" and "people" highlights Sheila’s shift in thinking, as she begins to understand the humanity of the working class. This moment shows her moving away from her parents' capitalist mindset. Sheila’s growing awareness marks her moral development and contrasts with her parents’ more dismissive attitudes toward the working class.

Question: What quote from Sheila Birling shows her growing self-awareness and recognition of responsibility?

Quote: "I’m not a child, don’t forget. I’ve a right to know." (Act 1, Scene 2)
Analysis: Sheila’s use of assertive language here reflects her increasing maturity and desire for autonomy. The assertiveness in this statement signals a shift in her character from passive to active engagement, as she seeks to understand the situation and take responsibility rather than remain in ignorance.

Question: What quote from Eric Birling shows his recognition of the devastating consequences of his actions?

Quote: "I’m ashamed of you as well – yes, both of you." (Act 3, Scene 1)
Analysis: The repetition of "both of you" emphasizes Eric’s emotional frustration with his parents. It highlights his moral awakening as he becomes increasingly disillusioned with their refusal to accept responsibility. This moment marks a key turning point in Eric's character, showing his shift from complicity to accountability.

Question: What quote from Eric Birling shows his deep guilt and emotional breakdown over his role in Eva Smith's death?

Quote: "You killed her – and the child she would have had too – my child." (Act 3, Scene 1)
Analysis: Eric’s use of emphatic language such as "killed" and "my child" intensifies the emotional weight of his guilt. This shows the depth of his remorse, as he fully grasps the consequences of his actions. The context, where Eric confronts his parents and acknowledges the unborn child, underscores his growing moral responsibility and regret.

Question: What is the manner in which Hyde treats others around him?

Quote: "Trampled calmly... like a damned Juggernaut." (Chapter 1)
Analysis: The oxymoron "trampled calmly" creates an unsettling contrast between violence and indifference, making Hyde’s actions seem unnatural and emotionless. His lack of hesitation suggests that he does not adhere to human morality and foreshadows his inhumane, animalistic state. The simile "like a damned Juggernaut" reinforces Hyde’s unstoppable, destructive force, implying that he is beyond control or redemption. The religious connotation of "damned" suggests he is condemned or inherently evil, further dehumanizing him. This portrays Hyde as a figure of relentless brutality, lacking both remorse and restraint.

Quote: "If he be Mr. Hyde, I shall be Mr. Seek." (Chapter 2)

Analysis: The homophone of “Hyde” suggests the idea of disguise and illusion reflecting the duplicity within Jekyll’s character as Hyde is a physical embodiment of his repressed desires. The pun “Hyde” and “Seek” having playful connotations, contrast the somber intentions of Hyde. This hints that he needs to be stopped from further transgressing. This moment highlights the internal conflict within Utterson, while he is deeply scrupulous, his fascination with Hyde, suggests an unconscious yearning to confront his own suppressed darkness. Just like Jekyll’s experiments, Utterson’s investigative nature blurs the boundaries between morality and sin.

Quote: "Ape-like fury" (Chapter 4)

Analysis: