AQA GCSE English Literature Flashcards
What is ‘unseen poetry’ in the context of AQA English Literature?
Unseen poetry refers to poems that students have not studied before and must analyze during their examination.
True or False: Unseen poetry analysis requires knowledge of the poet’s biography.
False
What are the key elements to focus on when analyzing unseen poetry?
Themes, tone, imagery, structure, and language.
Fill in the blank: The _______ of a poem refers to the emotional atmosphere created by the poet.
tone
What is the purpose of a poem’s structure?
To enhance the meaning and impact of the poem.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a common poetic device? A) Metaphor B) Simile C) Paragraph D) Alliteration
C) Paragraph
What does ‘imagery’ refer to in poetry?
Imagery refers to descriptive language that evokes sensory experiences.
True or False: Analyzing the rhyme scheme is important in unseen poetry.
True
What is a common theme found in many poems?
Love
Fill in the blank: The _______ of a poem can influence its meaning and reader’s interpretation.
form
Short Answer: Name one way a poet can create tension in a poem.
By using contrasting images or conflicting emotions.
Multiple Choice: Which term describes the repetition of consonant sounds? A) Assonance B) Alliteration C) Onomatopoeia D) Metaphor
B) Alliteration
What is the significance of enjambment in poetry?
Enjambment creates a sense of flow and can build suspense or urgency.
True or False: The speaker of a poem is always the same as the poet.
False
What role does punctuation play in poetry?
Punctuation can control the pace and rhythm of a poem.
Fill in the blank: A _______ is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things.
metaphor
Short Answer: How can word choice affect the mood of a poem?
Specific words can evoke emotions and create a particular atmosphere.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a form of poetry? A) Essay B) Sonnet C) Novel D) Article
B) Sonnet
What does ‘tone’ convey in a poem?
Tone conveys the poet’s attitude towards the subject.
True or False: All poems need to have a rhyme scheme.
False
What is ‘personification’ in poetry?
Personification is attributing human qualities to non-human objects or ideas.
Fill in the blank: The _______ of a poem is its underlying message or main idea.
theme
Short Answer: Why is it important to consider context when analyzing a poem?
Context can influence the poem’s meaning and the poet’s intentions.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of assonance? A) The cat sat on the mat. B) The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain. C) Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. D) I like to ride my bike.
B) The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain.
What is the effect of a caesura in poetry?
A caesura creates a pause for emphasis and can alter the rhythm.
True or False: Symbolism can add depth to the interpretation of a poem.
True
Fill in the blank: A _______ is a recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story or poem.
motif
Short Answer: What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?
A simile uses ‘like’ or ‘as’ to compare, while a metaphor states one thing is another.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following describes a ‘lyric poem’? A) A narrative poem B) A poem expressing personal feelings C) A poem about nature D) A poem that tells a story
B) A poem expressing personal feelings
What is the role of a stanza in a poem?
A stanza is a grouped set of lines that usually has a specific structure or pattern.
True or False: The title of a poem can provide insight into its themes.
True
Fill in the blank: _______ refers to the use of words that imitate sounds.
Onomatopoeia
Short Answer: How can imagery enhance a poem’s message?
Imagery creates vivid pictures that evoke emotions and enhance understanding.
Multiple Choice: What is a common feature of free verse poetry? A) Fixed rhyme scheme B) No set meter C) Strict structure D) Alliteration
B) No set meter
What does ‘allusion’ mean in the context of poetry?
Allusion is a reference to another work, person, or event, enriching the poem’s meaning.
True or False: The audience’s interpretation of a poem can vary based on personal experiences.
True
Fill in the blank: A _______ is a brief, often witty poem that makes a pointed observation.
epigram
Short Answer: What is the impact of using strong verbs in poetry?
Strong verbs create vivid images and enhance the poem’s emotional impact.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes ‘tone’? A) The type of poem B) The poet’s choice of words C) The overall feeling conveyed D) The structure of the poem
C) The overall feeling conveyed
What is the significance of the final line in a poem?
The final line can leave a lasting impression and often encapsulates the poem’s message.
True or False: Poetry analysis is subjective and can differ from reader to reader.
True
Fill in the blank: The _______ of a poem often helps to establish its rhythm.
meter
Who is the author of Macbeth?
William Shakespeare
What is the setting of Macbeth?
Scotland
True or False: Macbeth is a tragic hero.
True
What prophecy do the witches give to Macbeth?
That he will become the Thane of Cawdor and eventually the King of Scotland.
Fill in the blank: Macbeth’s wife is named _____.
Lady Macbeth
What is Lady Macbeth’s initial reaction to Macbeth’s ambition?
She encourages him to pursue it.
Who kills King Duncan?
Macbeth
What does Macbeth see before killing Duncan?
A floating dagger.
What is the main theme of Macbeth?
Ambition and its consequences.
True or False: Banquo is killed by Macbeth’s orders.
True
What does Lady Macbeth sleepwalk and try to wash off her hands?
Blood
What is the significance of the blood in Macbeth?
It symbolizes guilt and the consequences of murder.
Who ultimately defeats Macbeth?
Macduff
Fill in the blank: The three witches are also known as the _____.
Weird Sisters
What does Macbeth mean by ‘Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow’?
It reflects his despair and the meaningless passage of time.
What role does fate play in Macbeth?
It drives the plot and influences Macbeth’s choices.
What is the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?
They are partners in ambition, but it deteriorates over time.
What does Macbeth see at the banquet that terrifies him?
The ghost of Banquo.
True or False: Macbeth is initially hesitant to kill Duncan.
True
What does the character of Macduff represent?
The moral opposition to Macbeth’s tyranny.
Fill in the blank: The play is structured in ____ acts.
Five
What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says ‘unsex me here’?
She wishes to shed her femininity to gain the ruthlessness needed for murder.
What does the phrase ‘fair is foul, and foul is fair’ suggest?
The theme of appearance vs. reality.
Who is the rightful heir to the throne after Duncan’s death?
Malcolm
What does Macbeth say about life in his soliloquy in Act 5, Scene 5?
He describes it as a ‘tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.’
What is the climax of the play?
Macbeth’s murder of King Duncan.
What does the weather symbolize in the play?
The chaos and moral disorder following Duncan’s murder.
True or False: Lady Macbeth dies by suicide.
True
Who warns Macbeth to beware of Macduff?
The witches
Fill in the blank: The character of Hecate is the goddess of _____.
witchcraft
What is the significance of the title ‘Thane of Cawdor’?
It signifies Macbeth’s first step towards kingship.
What does Macbeth see as he prepares for battle against Macduff?
He believes he is invincible due to the witches’ prophecies.
What is the role of the supernatural in Macbeth?
It drives the characters’ actions and foreshadows events.
True or False: Macbeth shows remorse after killing Duncan.
True
What does the character of Fleance represent?
The future and the potential threat to Macbeth’s reign.
Fill in the blank: Macbeth’s tragic flaw is his _____.
ambition
What do the witches use to foretell Macbeth’s fate?
Riddles and prophecies.
What does Lady Macbeth’s madness symbolize?
The overwhelming guilt and consequences of their actions.
Who is the first character to die in the play?
The Thane of Cawdor
What does the character of Duncan represent?
The ideal king and moral order.
What event marks the beginning of Macbeth’s downfall?
The murder of King Duncan.
Fill in the blank: Macbeth ultimately dies in a battle against _____.
Macduff
What is the significance of the crown in Macbeth?
It symbolizes power and the moral corruption that comes with it.
True or False: The play ends with Malcolm becoming king.
True
