Feeling Sorry for Fagin!

It is a measure of how good Charles Dickens is as a writer that he makes us feel sorry for a man that we've already seen inspire murder! At the end we can't help but feel sorry for Fagin - it's human nature. You have to have a heart made out of stone not to pity him. He has always been described as an animal of some sort, only at the end he seems defenceless and all alone. Find out how here.

What is Dickens' message in Oliver Twist?

What is Charles Dickens trying to achieve by writing Oliver Twist? How does it relate to the death penalty and the poor laws (the laws governing the care of those who could not look after themselves)? Find out here. Use this podcast as a start point - see what else you can discover.

Is 'Journey's End' a Tragedy?

Yes it is. Next question. No, seriously: it is because it follows established laws of Greek (Ancient Greek) drama - see below. Also, it is a shocking dose of 'reality' for post-war audiences and it has one of the bleakest dramatic climaxes you will ever see outside of an episode of Eastenders. No, really.

The following is from http://www.imagi-nation.com/moonstruck/spectop007.html

The most famous of the Aristotelian rules were those relating to the so-called unities--of time, place, and action. The unity of time limits the supposed action to the duration, roughly, of a single day; unity of place limits it to one general locality; and the unity of action limits it to a single set of incidents which are related as cause and effect, "having a beginning, a middle, and an end."

Journey's End - Raleigh

We know that Raleigh comes into Act One as a naive, snivelling, wet-behind-the-ears schoolboy. We find him nearly as irritating as Stanhope does! However, R.C. Sherriff uses the character to show the effect of war on young men BEFORE OUR EYES. That's a very powerful dramatic device. The end contains more pathos than any play or film I've ever seen: it's two men trapped by fate, trapped by the emotional constraints of the age and situation and condemned to their fate by irresponsible and contemptuous military authority. Devastating.

Journey's End - Stanhope

The character of Stanhope is many things in one - young and yet old beyond his years; a bold leader, and yet more flawed than those under him; a charasmatic, understanding person and yet an aggressive man unable to deal with his feelings.

Journey's End - Osbourne

Osbourne is, if you like, the wise old owl of the play. He is mature and the most sensible character of the play. He is (to use a phrase that I don't want you to use) the most 'normal'. Don't miss the INTERTEXTUAL use of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in the play (explained in this podcast). It's interesting to note that Osbourne is at least as much of a hero as Stanhope, but he is (on the surface at least) less devastated by the war.

Form and Structure of Journey's End

There's a lot of terminology in this podcast - so here's the spellings!

Artistotle's sturcture of a tragedy: INCENTTIVE MOMENT, leading through a complication (a tying up, or 'desis')to a CLIMAX. From there we go through an unravelling (or 'lusis') to a RESOLUTION (that's the end to you and me).

Aristotle's three unities of tragedy: (a) unity of time, (b) unity of place and (c) unity of action.

Three ingredients of a complex tragedy: (a) a 'change of fortune' (luck, life situation), (b) 'reversal of intention', and (c) 'recognition'. These all add together to create the 'catastrophe' - the tragic end to a play.

Great, eh?

Goodbye...

Just a note, not a podcast, this time. I'd like to thank my two amazing year 11 classes, for two rollercoaster years. I will miss you all. Yes, even you. You have all come on so well and I am proud of your achievements. You should be, too. Take care in whatever you do next year - push your boundaries, respect yourselves. 'Festina lente'.

Here's my last advice for the exam!

Here's the last advice I can give you for you Poetry From Different Cultures exam!

Advice on Words to use in Poems from Different Cultures

Here's some great words to use!

'Half Caste' - Excuuuuuuuuuse Me!

This is a reissue of the podcast on 'Half Caste'.

'Unrelated Incidents' - Accent is POWER!

This is a reissue of the podcast on 'Unrelated Incidents'.

'This Room' - Change is Good!

This is a reissue of the podcast on 'This Room'.

'Search for My Tongue' - Your Language is Your Identity

This is a reissue of the podcast on 'Search for My Tongue'.

'Presents From My Aunts in Pakistan' - Being Between Cultures

This is a reissue of the podcast on 'Presents from My Aunts in Pakistan'.

'Not My Business' - Caring for Others

This is a reissue of the podcast on 'Not My Business'.

'Love After Love' - Respecting Yourself

This is reissue of the podcast on Love After Love - you need this for the first section of the exam on Thursday after half term.

Paper 1 Section A - Presentational Devices

What on earth are presentational devices? (Did you spot the rhetorical question?)They are techniques in which the text is PRESENTED. In short, it means HOW IT LOOKS. Presentational devices include things like colour, size, font, headings, bullet points, images, graphs, maps, italics, bold type... the list goes on (in this podcast, in fact).

Paper 1 Section A - Commenting on A Media Text

How do you comment on a media text? There seems like so much you could say! In a poem, or a book you are supposed to comment on the words only, but in a media text you can comment on EVERYTHING you can see, especially the pictures that have been DELIBERATELY chosen to support the words. Find out more here.

Paper 1 Section A - Fact and Opinion

What's the difference between fact and opinion I hear you cry; well, find out here. You need to BEWARE, though; sometimes people pass off their opinion as if it's a fact. Find out how to spot that HERE.

Paper 1 Section A - The Difference Between Identifying and Explaining

A key skill that you need for Paper 1 Section A is being to EXPLAIN things rather than simply IDENTIFYING them. You'll get an E, if you only identify things. You need to explain them, too. Find out more in this podcast.

'Hurricane Hits England' - Homesickness and Harsh Weather

In 'Hurricane Hits England', Grace Nichols shows us that sometimes out of nowhere strange things can help us feel more at home. When she came to a cold and bleak England she felt like an outsider. As she says, 'It took a hurricane to bring her closer to the land...'

'Stealing' - Society's Outsiders

This is a Foundation poem. It's about being alienated (feeling excluded), and being amoral (having no morals). It's quite similar to many of Carol Ann Duffy's poems, except that this persona in INSIDE YOUR HOUSE!

'My father thought it...' - Becoming Your Parents

This is a Foundation poem. You will turn into your parents; oh yes you will.

'Salome' - Wrecked and Proud

This is a Foundation poem. And a sinister one at that...

'Mother any distance...' - Mixed Emotions and Letting Go!

This is a higher poem. Letting go of those we love can be hard. In this Simon Armitage poem he shows us that we can feel completely opposite emotions at the same time; it's all part of being human!

'Heroes' Chapter 17 - A Discussion

The last chapter of 'Heroes'. Many people feel a sense of ANTICLIMAX when they read the last chapter. This is because the dramatic ending that Robert Cormier has led us (the readers) to expect doesn't happen: Francis deosn't commit suicide. Instead he is at an important point in his life - he suddenly has options. He uses the word 'maybe' repeatedly in this chapter. He is uncertain about the future and is at a symbolic place (the train station).

'Heroes' Chapter 16 - A Discussion

There is NO podcast for chapter 15, but in this podcast Nicole and Francis' last meeting is discussed. Francis is in many ways absolved (which means FORGIVEN) in this chapter, but it's still a painful chapter that is full of regret - because Francis and Nicole will never see each other again.

'Of Mice and Men' - Animals

As I'm sure you noticed, animals appear all the way through the novel 'Of Mice and Men'. This is no accident, they are symbolic and you need to be of aware how. Let Mr McGuire tell you...

'Of Mice & Men' - Lonliness and Isolation

Lonliness and Isolation are central themes to the novel 'Of Mice and Men'. Here the majestic Mr McGuire tells you all about them.

'Of Mice & Men' - The American Dream

You really are priviledged to receive three fine podcasts from Mr McGuire. If you're in his classes then you will be studying 'Of Mice and Men' for you Literature exam. You'll need to listen to these, then! This one is about how the so-called 'American Dream' relates to the novel.

'Song of the Old Mother' - Youth vs Age!

(FOUNDATION POEM)
Have you ever heard an old person say that youth is wasted on the young? Well, here it is again! Make sure that you notice the contrasts in this poem between youth/age, heat/old, hardship/laziness, start/finish. A very simple poem about the passing of time. It makes a good contrast with 'November' and 'On My First Sonne'.

'Heroes' Chapter 14 - A Discussion

In Chapter 14 Francis finally meets his nemesis. To find out what that means you need to listen to this podcast. Because chapter 15 is so simple (Francis meets up with Sister Mathilde and gets Nicole's address), I have not made a podcast on it. SO the podcasts will skip straight to chapter 16. Okay?

'My Last Duchess' - Deadly Jealousy

Be afraid! Be very afraid! This Duke is a sinister and controlling man. A wife-killer and proud of it, he's only intested in power, status and money. Women are possessions to him. Be very afraid...

'Anne Hathaway' - The Power of Love!

What a poem! Elsewhere in the collection we've had psychotic killers, lady killers, man killers, jealousy and hatred. Here we have a beautiful poem about the power of love. Ahhhhh...

Heroes Chapter 13 - A Discussion

Chapter 13 is not hugely significant; however, it is useful to compare Larry's return in this chapter, to his triumphant return in chapter 11. In chapter 13 he has sneaked back to his hometown. Robert Cormier uses this ANTICLIMAX deliberately.

Heroes Chapter 12 - A Discussion

In Chapter 12 Francis realises he has lost the girl he loves. His act of cowardice in not coming to her aid in her moment of need has dire consequences for him, and Nicole. This chapter is all about sin, forgiveness and despair (which is the opposite of religios faith).

Heroes Chapter 11 - A Discussion

Chapter 11 contains the dramatic events that change two young lives forever. This is a chapter that takes Larry LaSalle from hero to villain - whilst taking Nicole and Francis from elation (joy) to despair.

'Homecoming' - Conflict and Trust

'Homecoming' is as hazy as your childhood memories. That's because it's about a childhood memory of a family disagreement. It's also about trust and the comfort and protection that friendship and love bring. It's quite complex - so listen on!

Heroes Chapter 10 - A Discussion

This is a chapter full of unhappiness and sorrow. Francis seems to give up his hopes for the future in this chapter.

Heroes Chapter 9 - A Discussion

Chapter 9 is a flashback to happier times for Francis. This happy chapter is supposed to contrast with the unhappy ones either side of it.

'Heroes' Chapter 8 - A Discussion

Chapter 8 is very short, but that doesn't mean that there isn't a nugget of gold there! The character Arthur Rivier says some very important things about heroes - and about the war. Listen on...

'Half Caste' - Making Racism Ridiculous!

'Half Caste' is an anti-racist poem. A fun poem. A carnival poem. A poem of contradictions. It is, above all, a positive poem. A poem that tells us how good things are if we mix it up - if we take things and make them interesting by mixing things together. John Agard is trying to show us that the word 'Half Caste' is silly and meaningless, by using humour.

'This Room' - Change is Confusing!

You may find 'This Room' very confusing at first - but it's a poem about change. It's a poem about how change can be challenging and confusing, but ultimately it can bring freedom and incredible things.

'Love After Love' - liking yourself and moving on!

'Love After Love' is a poem about liking yourself, knowing yourself and recovering after a separation. Find out about the religious imagery, a possible reason for the reducing stanza length and the use of imperative verbs (commands) here.

Heroes Chapter 7 - A Discussion

Why is Chapter 7 of Heroes so important? Find out here. Iy really is the crux of the whole book. In it the rivalry between Larry and Francis is set up by the author, Robert Cormier. Rivals for glory, Nicole and table tennis champion.

'Unrelated Incidents' - A Radge and a Shan!

Language is power. To be more specific: accent is power. Can you imagine someone on the news saying that Gordan Brown was radgeful? No? Thought not. The question is, why? We expect certain people in power to have a certain accent. That accent is Received Pronounciation - the artificial accent of power. Listen on.

Heroes Chapter 6 - A Discussion

This is a revision podcast for GCSE English Literature. Chapter 6 of Heroes is short, but it does contain some important moments: Francis' guilt, details about Larry and about the general mood of the fighting men that have returned home to Frenchtown.

'Not My Business' - Rights and Responsibilities

In the poem 'Not My Business' Niyi Osundare shows us a nightmarish world of brutality and violence. However, is he showing us what happens when we don't look after each other? This is a revision podcast for GCSE English Language.

'Search for my Tongue' - How your language makes you who you are!

Revision podcast on 'Presents from my Aunts in Pakistan'.

'Presents from my Aunts in Pakistan' - do your clothes define who you are?

This is a revision for the GCSE English Language exam. It's time to start NOW! This podcast covers themes, form and structure. It's a good place to start revising for 'Poems from Different Cultures'.

Heroes: Chapter 5 - A Discussion

Chapter 5 is important because it introduces themes and ideas that appear all of the way through the novel. Events described in Chapter 5 FORESHADOW everything that happens later - death, deceit, suicide, heartbreak and so on. The doom-laden events of chapter 5 cast a shadow over the whole novel. Find out about them here.

Heroes - Chapter 4 - A Discussion

There's not a lot to chapter 4! However, it does contain some things you're going to need to remember. Find out about them here.

Heroes: Chapter 3 - A discussion

Guilt is a theme running all the way through the novel. This can be religious, or it can be guilt about the things that the characters have done. Sometimes they can forgive themselves, sometimes they can't. A recurring theme is called a 'motif' (pronounced: "mow-teef"). Guilt and forgiveness is a 'motif' in the novel. Find out more here.

Sweet Apostrophes

Here you go, specially for my favourite class... If you want you can email it to yourself! If you REALLY want.

'Heroes' Chapter 2 - A Discussion

Okay! Chapter 2 is pretty important, too. It sets up the idea of Francis' undying love for Nicole Renard. She appears like a religious or divine vision at the start of chapter 2 (THAT'S IMPORTANT) and Francis seems to kneel at her feet, as if he is to be her knight in shining armour (MY WORD, THAT'S IMPORTANT, TOO!).

'Heroes' - Chapter One Discussion

Any start to a novel is the most important part - closely followed by the end in order of importance. At the start of 'Heroes', Robert Cormier sets up themes that will run all of the way through the novel. You need to be aware of them - and that's where this podcast comes in.

'On my first Sonne' - form vs content

The structure of this noble, controlled poem is very different to the emotions that this poem creates in the reader. This podcast is a general introduction, as well as being an explanation of some of the ideas (conceits) of the poem.

'November' - a cautionary tale!

What is it that is ending in the poem 'November' by Simon Armitage? This very general podcast touches on the guilt of the poem and the optimism of the end - as well as pointing out some of the contrasts that Simon Armitage sets up.

Sonnet 130

Sonnet 130 may confuse you at first. It is NOT a poem in which Shakespeare is criticising his lover - it's more complicated than that. Cliched poetry of Shakespeare's time was full of similes in which men compared their beloved to natural images (the sun, flowers, the sea) - but Shakespeare rejects all that in favour of a more honest, realistic portrayal of love. MAybe we should accept those we like most for who they are...

The Laboratory

Need help with The Laboratory? It's tricky sometimes! This is not a stanza by stanza guide - you'll get that in class. This is a discussion of some of the themes.

'Education for Leisure'

If you're having trouble understanding the title of this poem, or some of the references, then it'd be a very good idea to listen to this! Plus, did you know that the poem was an example of an 'alexandrine'? If not, listen and find out why a poem about a psychopath is in such a formal structure!

'Havisham' - some thoughts...

Whether you're starting 'Havisham', or coming back to it, there are some interesting ideas here to think about. How shocking is 'Havisham'? What act is being described in the fourth stanza? Is the mirror in the second stanza? You need to decide...

'Kid' - comedy or tragedy?

Are we meant to laugh at Batman's downfall or cry? And what is a trochaic rhythm? This podcast raises some issues around the Simon Armitage poem 'Kid'. There is a real tension in the poem created by the humorous form and structure which contrast so strongly with the sad theme.

Notice for Year 11

Welcome, Year 11.

Welcome to the podcasting site. The sound file you need to listen to is 'Introduction to Poetry', but it would be a good idea to listen to 'The Hitcher', too - seeing as that's one of the poems we're currently working on. If you want to subscribe for podcasts you need to go to this website: http://feeds.feedburner.com/MrHopkinsKeyStage4

(note: on my computer, the download takes at least a minute to start; be patient)

Welcome to raising your grade...

The Hitcher

The Hitcher is probably one of the first Simon Armitage poems that you've looked at in class. Here's a few ideas about the poem, and a few things to get you thinking about. After all, who is 'The Hitcher'?

Introduction to Poetry

So we've started working on the poems that we need to know for the Literature paper: the poems of Simon Armitage, Carol Ann Duffy and work from before 1914. There may be some terms that you're unfamilair with, or that you need refreshing in your memory. This podcast should help.