Satire, “the use of humour, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.” Satire has been used throughout history to express opinions and its significance is vast in providing context for many controversies and important moments in society. The Punch Magazine was one such …
Running for me is a great stress reliever and is just as important for my mental health as it is for my physical health – but the difference between a good run and a great run can be whether I listen to music or not. Humans are hardwired to respond to rhythm, and it is …
Continue reading The ultimate running playlist: why music helps us run better
“...when pain is over, the remembrance of it often becomes a pleasure.” Volume II, Chapter VIII Austen has often been the source of profound morals which have been weaved seamlessly into her characters and plot lines and Persuasion is no exception. Let’s begin by looking at the title, often overlooked when you start a novel – but a …
The latest fashion trend isn’t seasonal colour or print, but rather it’s the concept of ethical and sustainable fashion. As ‘fast fashion’ is cheap and is intended for short term purposes, with the fashion industry emitting more carbon dioxide than international flights and maritime shipping combined. Whereas, ‘sustainable fashion’ is the simply the opposite, it …
Continue reading Ethical and Sustainable fashion brands to celebrate
There is no question that a movement has been growing over the past few years. A movement where women are waking up to the unhealthy and negative portrayal of body image that the diet and media culture has spun for decades. Now people are beginning to find peace and acceptance with their bodies, creating an …
Continue reading The Body Positivity movement: does it work?
Having now completed two weeks of online school, navigating the inevitable mishaps and fun moments of online learning, I have come up with my top 10 tips for surviving online learning... 1. Make sure your teacher has a cute pet they can show you to aid your learning There is no better motivation than your …
During these strange and uncertain times finding something to keep you busy and your mind distracted is key, and for me cooking, baking and blogging are fulfilling that goal. However, both my dad and brother are vegan and therefore we have been eating more plant-based food and finding vegan recipes. Here are my top 10 …
There is no one clear set of guidelines and criteria to become the ‘best teacher’, with every person having different opinions and preferences of personalities and teaching styles etc. Yet I believe there is a small set of universal qualities that make a good teacher, a foundation to build upon based on my experience of …
A small life update For me, it reaches about 3pm and I wonder “what do I do now?”. With my lack of A levels and therefore much of my motivation to work and be productive decreased as my main goal has gone – I end up coasting through the hours until it reaches dinner and …
The rise in veganism in the past few years is huge, and if you asked for vegan food 10 or even 5 years ago, you’d be met with surprise or a sigh as ‘it’s complicated and different’. But being a vegan now does not mean you ‘eat lettuce and love life’ but rather it has …
Continue reading ‘Veganism’ – are we doing it just to follow the trend?
This is my recent essay comparing John Webster's, 'The Duchess of Malfi' and a selection of Samuel Coleridge's poetry, an interesting comparison nevertheless; but it was a part of my A level English course (OCR exam board, mark 30/30). Both Webster and Coleridge explore the conflict between order and chaos via the symbolism of religion, …
Continue reading ‘Literature explores the conflict between order and chaos’
“The book is better than the movie”. For decades, readers have reiterated the same phrase when new films are released, “the book is better than the film” the line became a critical reflex in reaction to one mediocre screen version after the other. Arguably movies such as the ‘The Hunger Games’ or the ‘Golden compass’ …
Continue reading How literature is vital for the Silver Screen
