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3 Jan 2026
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Famous English Literature Quotes
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Kerkayra Crook
@kerkayracrook
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An Inspector Calls Key Quotes
Mr Birling's capitalist arrogance shines through when he calls himself a "hard-headed man of business" and boasts about "lower costs and higher prices." His famous claim that the Titanic is "absolutely unsinkable" shows how wrong the wealthy can be about their supposed superiority.
The Inspector's warning cuts right to the heart of Priestley's message: "they will be taught in fire, blood and anguish." This prophetic statement hints at the world wars that would punish society's selfishness.
Eric and Gerald's behaviour reveals the ugly truth about privileged men. Eric admits "I threatened to make a row" and was "half drunk and goggled eyed," whilst Gerald describes how someone "had wedged her into a corner with that obscene fat carcass of his."
Exam Tip: Notice how Priestley uses dramatic irony - the audience knows Mr Birling's predictions are wrong, making his arrogance seem even more foolish.
The play's moral message emerges through contrasting attitudes. Whilst Mr Birling sees people "all mixed up together like bees in a hive" as a problem, Sheila recognises "these girls aren't cheap labour, they're people."
A Christmas Carol Essential Quotes
Scrooge's initial coldness is captured perfectly in Dickens' description: "solitary as an oyster" and "as dead as a door-nail." His miserly nature shows in classics like "Bah! Humbug!" and his cruel question "What reason do you have to be merry? You're poor?"
The supernatural elements create a haunting atmosphere. Marley's Ghost warns "I wear the chains I forged in life," built "link by link, yard by yard." The phantoms "slowly, gravely, silently approached" whilst "devils lurked and glared out menacing."
Scrooge's transformation is remarkable by the final stave. He becomes "light as a feather, happy as an angel" and "merry as a schoolboy." His promise "I'll raise your salary and endeavour to assist your struggling family" shows genuine change.
Remember: The five staves mirror the structure of a Christmas carol, with Scrooge's journey from spiritual death to rebirth.
Social criticism appears throughout, from Scrooge's heartless "decrease the surplus population" to the touching description of the Cratchit's Christmas: "it was a small pudding for a large family."
Power and Conflict Poetry Quotes
"Ozymandias" demolishes the myth of lasting power through vivid imagery. The "trunkless legs of stone" and "half sunk, a shattered visage lies" from an "antique land" show how even mighty rulers crumble to dust.
"London" exposes urban suffering with Blake's "chartered Thames" and the devastating "marks of weakness, marks of woe." The powerful image of blood running "down palace walls" connects royal luxury with common people's pain.
"Remains" brings modern conflict home with brutal honesty. The soldier describes someone "probably armed, possibly not" and carries "his bloody life in my bloody hands," showing how war trauma haunts veterans.
Analysis Focus: Notice how poets use contrasts - Ozymandias' former power versus present ruin, London's wealth versus poverty.
"War Photographer" captures the ethics of documenting suffering. "In his darkroom he is finally alone" with "a hundred agonies in black-and-white," whilst somewhere else "running children in a nightmare heat" face real terror.
Romeo and Juliet Crucial Quotes
The family feud drives everything in this tragedy. The "ancient grudge" creates "star-crossed lovers" whose love is "death-marked" from the very Prologue. Tybalt's hatred blazes through "Peace? I hate the word as I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee!"
Romeo's passionate nature shows in both love and violence. He calls Juliet "the sun" but also engages in the brawl where Mercutio curses "A plague o' both your houses!" The Prince's warning proves true: "your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace."
Parental control crushes young love, with Lord Capulet's fury: "Hang thee, young baggage! Disobedient wretch!" contrasting sharply with his earlier tenderness: "Come, come, my child, my only life." Lady Capulet pushes marriage: "the valiant Paris seeks you for his love."
Theme Alert: Shakespeare explores how ancient hatred destroys innocent love, making the young pay for their elders' mistakes.
Foreshadowing runs throughout, from Friar Lawrence's warning "these violent delights have violent ends" to the description of "fire-eyed fury." Even Juliet's plea "deny thy father and refuse thy name" hints at the tragic cost of their forbidden love.
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Most popular content: Quotation
Most popular content in English Literature
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4.9/5
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4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Famous English Literature Quotes
K
Kerkayra Crook
@kerkayracrook
These essential quotes from your English literature texts will help you smash your GCSE exams. Whether you're analysing social responsibility in "An Inspector Calls," transformation in "A Christmas Carol," power struggles in conflict poetry, or tragic love in "Romeo and... Show more
An Inspector Calls Key Quotes
Mr Birling's capitalist arrogance shines through when he calls himself a "hard-headed man of business" and boasts about "lower costs and higher prices." His famous claim that the Titanic is "absolutely unsinkable" shows how wrong the wealthy can be about their supposed superiority.
The Inspector's warning cuts right to the heart of Priestley's message: "they will be taught in fire, blood and anguish." This prophetic statement hints at the world wars that would punish society's selfishness.
Eric and Gerald's behaviour reveals the ugly truth about privileged men. Eric admits "I threatened to make a row" and was "half drunk and goggled eyed," whilst Gerald describes how someone "had wedged her into a corner with that obscene fat carcass of his."
Exam Tip: Notice how Priestley uses dramatic irony - the audience knows Mr Birling's predictions are wrong, making his arrogance seem even more foolish.
The play's moral message emerges through contrasting attitudes. Whilst Mr Birling sees people "all mixed up together like bees in a hive" as a problem, Sheila recognises "these girls aren't cheap labour, they're people."
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
A Christmas Carol Essential Quotes
Scrooge's initial coldness is captured perfectly in Dickens' description: "solitary as an oyster" and "as dead as a door-nail." His miserly nature shows in classics like "Bah! Humbug!" and his cruel question "What reason do you have to be merry? You're poor?"
The supernatural elements create a haunting atmosphere. Marley's Ghost warns "I wear the chains I forged in life," built "link by link, yard by yard." The phantoms "slowly, gravely, silently approached" whilst "devils lurked and glared out menacing."
Scrooge's transformation is remarkable by the final stave. He becomes "light as a feather, happy as an angel" and "merry as a schoolboy." His promise "I'll raise your salary and endeavour to assist your struggling family" shows genuine change.
Remember: The five staves mirror the structure of a Christmas carol, with Scrooge's journey from spiritual death to rebirth.
Social criticism appears throughout, from Scrooge's heartless "decrease the surplus population" to the touching description of the Cratchit's Christmas: "it was a small pudding for a large family."
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Power and Conflict Poetry Quotes
"Ozymandias" demolishes the myth of lasting power through vivid imagery. The "trunkless legs of stone" and "half sunk, a shattered visage lies" from an "antique land" show how even mighty rulers crumble to dust.
"London" exposes urban suffering with Blake's "chartered Thames" and the devastating "marks of weakness, marks of woe." The powerful image of blood running "down palace walls" connects royal luxury with common people's pain.
"Remains" brings modern conflict home with brutal honesty. The soldier describes someone "probably armed, possibly not" and carries "his bloody life in my bloody hands," showing how war trauma haunts veterans.
Analysis Focus: Notice how poets use contrasts - Ozymandias' former power versus present ruin, London's wealth versus poverty.
"War Photographer" captures the ethics of documenting suffering. "In his darkroom he is finally alone" with "a hundred agonies in black-and-white," whilst somewhere else "running children in a nightmare heat" face real terror.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Romeo and Juliet Crucial Quotes
The family feud drives everything in this tragedy. The "ancient grudge" creates "star-crossed lovers" whose love is "death-marked" from the very Prologue. Tybalt's hatred blazes through "Peace? I hate the word as I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee!"
Romeo's passionate nature shows in both love and violence. He calls Juliet "the sun" but also engages in the brawl where Mercutio curses "A plague o' both your houses!" The Prince's warning proves true: "your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace."
Parental control crushes young love, with Lord Capulet's fury: "Hang thee, young baggage! Disobedient wretch!" contrasting sharply with his earlier tenderness: "Come, come, my child, my only life." Lady Capulet pushes marriage: "the valiant Paris seeks you for his love."
Theme Alert: Shakespeare explores how ancient hatred destroys innocent love, making the young pay for their elders' mistakes.
Foreshadowing runs throughout, from Friar Lawrence's warning "these violent delights have violent ends" to the description of "fire-eyed fury." Even Juliet's plea "deny thy father and refuse thy name" hints at the tragic cost of their forbidden love.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Quotation
Most popular content in English Literature
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user