Mastering the Page: AQA GCSE English Literature Revision

Mastering the Page: AQA GCSE English Literature Revision

by Pittville English Revision Station

Season 1

S1 E9: "Remains" by Simon Armitage

In Remains, Armitage explores the emotional aftermath of a soldier who kills during war. This episode delves into the psychological effects of violence, trauma, and how the power of guilt and memory can shape a person long after the conflict has ended.

S1 E8: "Bayonet Charge" by Ted Hughes

Bayonet Charge examines the chaotic and brutal experience of a soldier in battle. Hughes explores the dehumanising effects of war, using the soldier's internal conflict to illustrate the loss of individual power in the face of violence and fear.

S1 E7: "Storm on the Island" by Seamus Heaney

In Storm on the Island, Heaney portrays the power of nature through the experience of an island community enduring a violent storm. We discuss how the poem uses nature as a metaphor for conflict, and the resilience of humans in the face of overwhelming forces.

S1 E6: "Exposure" by Wilfred Owen

Exposure paints a stark picture of soldiers battling not just the enemy, but the harsh power of nature during World War I. Owen uses vivid imagery and repetition to highlight the futility and despair of war, where nature itself becomes a force to be reckoned with.

S1 E5: "The Charge of the Light Brigade" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

In The Charge of the Light Brigade, Tennyson immortalises the courage and miscommunication that led to a fatal charge in the Crimean War. This episode explores the themes of duty, heroism, and the cost of following orders without questioning authority.

S1 E4: "My Last Duchess" by Robert Browning

My Last Duchess is a dramatic monologue about a Duke who reveals his possessiveness and control over his late wife. Through the Duke’s words, Browning explores themes of power, jealousy, and the dangerous effects of absolute authority in relationships.

S1 E3: "The Prelude" by William Wordsworth

The Prelude reveals the power of nature over the human spirit. Wordsworth reflects on a childhood encounter with nature that leaves a lasting impression. We’ll analyse how the poem illustrates nature’s overwhelming power and its impact on personal growth, fear, and awe.

S1 E2: "London" by William Blake

In London, Blake critiques the social and political oppression in the city during the Industrial Revolution. This episode explores the suffering caused by power structures, using powerful imagery to convey the bleakness of life in London and the effects of control, both on individuals and society.

S1 E1: "Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Explore Ozymandias, a poem that reflects on the fleeting nature of power. Shelley uses the image of a ruined statue to highlight the arrogance of rulers who believe their power is eternal. This episode dives into the themes of hubris, decay, and the irony of time's power over human achievements.

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