English - A-Level - Christina Rossetti Biographical Context

Is Johnny Byron a static character? And is the ending of Jerusalem effective , reflecting on the dramatic methods used

Dear Abi, I haven’t read the play to help you with this one, but I found a very interesting article online: https://khambayswordswordswords.blog/2020/11/12/saint-or-dragon-johnny-byrons-presentation-in-jerusalem/ You might have already read this, but it has a lot of different interpretations about Johnny, so you could argue if he’s static or of he changes. Apologies I couldn’t be more help!

Explore Lennie’s relationship with George in Of Mice and Men.

As a relationship of dependence 'I got you to look after and you got me to look after...' Mutual support even though it is really George who looks out for Lennie Sense of understanding and empathy, aware that Lennie may not totally understand things but respects an tries to connect on Lennie's terms Caring and nurturing Lennie forgets work card but George anticipated this and brings Lennie's for him In his best interests George kills Lennie to protect him from Curley's wife. Not out of anger. Knows of his danger so intuition guides him towards this decision George as a source of advise and wisdom Eg when Lenny starts drinking water but George suggests him to not to this. They are both in the same situation so a matter of being cruel but kind Knows what the best option for Lennie but is polite how the communicates this advice. Here, I've just skimmed over the points. Be sure to add quotes and analysis language How is language used to shape meaning? How is structure used to reinforce points? The chronology of the novel Hope this is useful.

How does Banquo show heroism, (with quotes)

Banquo is one of the few characters throughout the play who really doubts Macbeth as his tyranny escalates (“thou has it...all/As the weird women promised, and I fear/thou played’st most foully for’t”), therefore proving the prophecy: “lesser than Macbeth, and greater”, as Banquo demonstrates moral greatness. In Act 3 Scene 1, Shakespeare also juxtaposes deathlike imagery for Macbeth with natural imagery for Banquo. Macbeth wears a “fruitless crown” and holds a “barren sceptre”, showing the transience of his power and foreshadowing his inevitable demise as a tragic hero. On the other hand, the “seed of Banquo” has connotations of growth, prosperity and goodness, showing Banquo to be heroic. In Banquo’s murder scene, he protects his son by sacrificing himself and giving Fleance a chance to escape (“fly good Fleance, fly, fly, fly!”). He is a true martyr and hero for goodness — hence why his ghost haunts Macbeth, as Banquo was a physical manifestation of ethics, goodness and heroism (ideals that Macbeth lost with his hamartia of ambition).

Is Johnny Byron a static character in Jerusalem?

I would not say that he is a static character, as the way we perceive him changes constantly throughout the story. In many ways we see Jim as an ambiguous character, his path starting as a villain in the beginning. However, as we read and get to know him, we get to see beyond all of his actions and perceive some kind of goodness. Without calling him a Saint, he becomes more... goodly tainted. Even though he stays liberal the entire time, living by the beat if his own drum, his way of thinking does changes, as does our opinion of him.

I would love to gets some points for the question. How does Priestley present Sheila as a character who learns important lessons about herself and society? Inspector calls

Priestly uses Sheila as a way of communicating that there is hope in the voices of the youth, and therefore, social change is on the horizon, when people like Sheila and Eric defy their parents. One example of Sheila’s perceptiveness is that she warns her mother not to “build a wall” between the inspector and themselves, as she understands the importance of responsibility - it would be foolish to hide from the inspector. Sheila insists on therefore, breaking down this wall. Perhaps this wall is a metaphor for the social partition between the upper class and the lower classes. Therefore this demonstrates that as the play has progressed, Sheila has adopted socialistic ideologies and her intelligence and morality is shown clearly. It is also worth noticing, that previously, she was shown in a more childish light, referring to her parents as “mummy and daddy,” she now becomes more assertive. She questions and even insults her parents, and with that, she is no longer her father’s easy way up the social hierarchy, but a voice for the oppressed in a capitalist society.

How does priestley present mr birling as an important character

Mr Birling’s dramatic function in the play is to highlight the flaws and hypocrisy in capitalism as Priestly saw it. Focus on three main areas: ⏱💬 the dramatic irony at the start of the play. Birling makes several long speeches from the perspective of an Edwardian on the First World War, the Titantic and labour relations. A post-war audience would know his predictions are wrong. Link this point to Priestley’s views that capitalists tend to be arrogant and misguided. 💵 examine his attitude towards money, the economy and society. Why didn’t he want to give Eva Smith and her colleagues any more money? Perhaps research HG Wells and Bernard Shaw- why does Birling dismiss these writers? His rejection of socialism is key to his role in the play. ⚖️ explore Birling’s approach to social responsibility in the text. How does he react in Act Three to Gerald’s revaluation of the Inspector? Try to find moments where he appears more concerned with his public image than doing the right thing. This is crucial for Priestley- Mr Birling’s view establishes the point that capitalist are selfish and have a wholly negative influence on society. 👠🙍🏼‍♀️ looking for that extra point? Read Act 1 closely and observe his comments about women- their attitudes towards clothes and whether or not they are capable of engaging in particular discussions. Look at how he tries to protect Shiela, believing she is weak. Priestley is also interested in exposing gender inequality and Birling is one way he achieves this.