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Context is portrayed in Charles Dickens’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ by drawing a direct comparison from the authors background and inputting that into the development of the characters and the setting of the story. 

To understand this, first we need to understand the meaning of context in literature. ‘Context is the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement or idea in a way which can be understood’ (Oxford Dictionary, 2010). 

With that in mind, we then need to understand the authors background. Charles Dickens came from a socially and economically poor background. His father was a kind but economically irresponsible man who accumulated large amounts of debt, he eventually was sentenced to prison forcing Charles Dickens to enter the workforce as a child to support his life and his family’s. Due to this circumstance, Dickens did not finish his education and release his first novel until the age of 25, the idea of poverty and social criticism became a recurring theme throughout many of Dickens’s work. 

A Christmas Carol was written in 1843 and centres around the protagonist ‘Ebenezer Scrooge’ a wealthy but stringent elder man who eventually opens his heart to the disadvantaged after being visited by three spirits. It was written to draw attention to the hardships faced by England’s poor but also simultaneously masking as a Christmas story. Throughout the novella Scrooge is visited by characters who portray a very real element of the hardship faced by the less fortunate. Scrooge is asked to donate to the poor and destitute but rather than created an environment which can be enjoyed by everyone, he refuses – this highlights the injustice and imbalance of wealth distribution in Victorian society. "The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour, then?" said Scrooge. (A Christmas Carol, Dickens).

The characterisation of Scrooge can be analysed as the selfishness of Victorian society and the hardship of Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim is relatable to many poor Victorian families.

Relating this to context, the characterisation and storyline of the novella can be understood when we analyse it against Dickens upbringing. A Christmas Carol was written to draw people’s attention to the hardship faced by the poor, Dickens felt strongly about this cause because he had to go through hard times growing up. 


English

How is the context reflected in ACC 'A Christmas Carol'?

Noun - (general term) a person/place/object.

Pronoun - replaces a noun I.e he/she

Proper Noun - capital letter. I.e London 

Common Noun - no capital letter. I.e mouse 

Abstract Noun - name of feelings/sense. I.e sight 

Concrete Noun - exist physically. I.e building 

Collective Noun - groups of nouns. I.e family 

How many different kinds of nouns are there, and how do you explain each of them?

“My poor mother used to sit in that chair.” She moaned. 

“To think it should rise up against me now!”

Please punctuate the following?:My poor mother used to sit in that chair she moaned to think it should rise up against me now

1) Read and understand what the question asks of you. 

2) Time management - divide the appropriate amount of time depending on the amount of marks per question.

3) Read the extract/s and correctly identify language devices. 

4) Using accurate critical analysis - answer the question using PEED and AOs. 

5) Use correct grammar, punctuation and spelling.

6) Proofread. 

How to get a grade 9 in English language paper 2 ?

Dark grey and violent rays shadowed the sky.

Re write “the sky glowered dark grey and violet”

According to the Oxford Dictionary an analysis is a detailed explanation of something’s structure. 

A literary analysis is a detailed explanation of something’s (usually pieces of literature) structure using literary methods. E.g. language and literary devices. 

What is literary analysis?

George Orwell explores the theme of power and control in the novel ‘Animal Farm’ in two main distinctive ways. 

Historical context:

Orwell first explores historical and political context by drawing political ideas from communism. The main political point of ‘Animal Farm’ is based on the 19th century philosopher ‘Karl Marx’ and the Russian revolutionist ‘Vladimir Lenin’ who proposed an idealistic view of society that power and wealth corrupts people and that wealth and power should be distributed equally amongst country men. This draws similarities to the ‘Animal Farm’ ideology of ‘Animalism’. 

Characterisation:

Mr. Jones is portrayed as a character who exploits his power and mistreats the animals. This is shown through the use of his whip and men.

The rebellion of the animals. ‘...this sudden uprising of creatures whom they were used to thrashing and maltreating just as they chose, frightened them almost out of their wits.’ (Animal Farm, Orwell) 

The pigs use propaganda to take control of the farm. It is interesting to note that Squealers use of word’s managed to control the other animals even when they were physically larger. Eg; Boxer the horse. 


Physics

How George Orwell explore power and control in Animal Farm?

My Country tis of thee is an American patriotic song which was used (amongst others) for the National anthem before the introduction of the Star Spangled banner in 1931.

The song has 7 stanzas as well as an abolitionists version. 2 of the stanzas were introduced at a later date so for simplicity I’m going to analyse the original 5. 

It has the rhyme scheme AABCCCB. We can analyse this because the ending of each sentence rhymes or changes. For example ‘AA’ is a couplet because the ending words rhymes.

Stanza 1:

The words are describing the various landscapes, referencing the For Fathers and describing the American freedom afforded to people. ‘Land of Pilgrim’s pride’ is a reference to the first settlers in the 1700s, pilgrim’s was the label given to them. 

Stanza 2:

Describing the landscape and the authors love for the country. ‘My native country is Thee’ the author was saying he was born in the country but this didn’t reflect many Americans at the time due to immigration. 

Stanza 3:

He’s encouraging people to voice their patriotism and for it to be so loud that every part of the country can hear it. His attempt to make nature sing is a rhetorical use of language and further develops the idea of patriotism. 

Stanza 6:

Again, a reference to his love of the varied landscapes of America and describing the landscapes.

Stanza 7:

A reference to the four corners of the USA and the variety of landscape and seasons. ‘Fronting the West’ is a reference to the dangers of the then uncharted western lands of the US. He’s also saying that no other country can compare to the USA.


History

Write the summery of the poem "my country tis of thee" stanza wise.

The Elizabeth Era was an era of change, unrest and intrigue. Due to this there are many key features that were important to solidly Queen Elizabeth reign and the safety and security of her people. 

However, 2 of the most memorable are;

Religion:

During the 16th century England had been a catholic country for nearly a 1000 years. During her father, King Henry V111 reign religion had changed three times. There was a massive divide between religious sectors in the country. During Elizabeth’s reign she officially changed the country’s religion to Protestantism but allowed some Catholic practices. Although she faced opposition, most notably from Queen Mary of Scots, this middle way gained her some peace. Parliament passed two laws the ‘Act of Supremacy’ and the ‘Act of Uniformity’ to solidify this. 

Foreign Affairs:

Queen Elizabeth faced opposition from France and Spain who were wealthier and Catholic. Elizabeth managed to avoid a war with France through careful diplomacy and civil war in France. However, in 1588 Spain attempted to invade and overthrow Queen Elizabeth. This is more commonly known as the Spanish Armada. It was this defeat that boosted Elizabeth’s public and international image as a successful and powerful Queen.


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