The Royal Charter

Charles Dickens describes the aftermath of the sinking of the Royal Charter near the coast of Anglesey in the following extract.

II

The Shipwreck

Never had I seen a year going out, or going on, under quieter circumstances. Eighteen hundred and fifty-nine had but another day to live, and truly its end was Peace on that sea-shore that morning.

So settled and orderly was everything seaward, in the bright light of the sun and under the transparent shadows of the clouds, that it was hard to imagine the bay otherwise, for years past or to come, than it was that very day. The Tug-steamer lying a little off the shore, the Lighter lying still nearer to the shore, the boat alongside the Lighter, the regularly-turning windlass aboard the Lighter, the methodical figures at work, all slowly and regularly heaving up and down with the breathing of the sea, all seemed as much a part of the nature of the place as the tide itself. The tide was on the flow, and had been for some two hours and a half; there was a slight obstruction in the sea within a few yards of my feet: as if the stump of a tree, with earth enough about it to keep it from lying horizontally on the water, had slipped a little from the land – and as I stood upon the beach and observed it dimpling the light swell that was coming in, I cast a stone over it.

So orderly, so quiet, so regular – the rising and falling of the Tug-steamer, the Lighter, and the boat – the turning of the windlass – the coming in of the tide – that I myself seemed, to my own thinking, anything but new to the spot.

Source by Charles Dickens (1911) Extract from The Uncommercial Traveller www.gutenberg.org Reading

1. Which of the following best describes the scene as described in the extract?

a. tranquil b. stormy c. tempestuous d. blustery

This is a retrieval question. The answer can be found by carefully reading the text.

2. Which of the following best describes the meaning of ‘methodical’ as used in the text?

a. haphazard b. mundane c. inconsistent d. meticulous

This question asks you to show your understanding by recognising the meaning of a word in the context of the surrounding text.

3. Select the correct statement.

a. The tide is going out. b. The tide is coming in.

This is a retrieval question. You need to read and understand the text to find the correct answer.

4. What does Dickens mean when he writes ‘with the breathing of the sea’?

This question tests your ability to infer meaning from the text.

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______5. How does Dickens create an impression of peace in this extract?

This question tests your ability to use deduction and analysis skills. Refer to the language used by the writer.

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6. Write a descriptive passage about an outdoor location to be published in a travel magazine. Choose somewhere you have seen or visited. Remember to use descriptive techniques to create a vivid image for the reader. Write 350-500 words.

7. The extract refers to the ‘Royal Charter storm’ of 25 and 26 October 1859 in which the Royal Charter was wrecked off the coast of Anglesey. Research and prepare a short article for a local newspaper about another extreme weather event that has affected the UK. Write 350-500 words.

Oracy

8. The extract describes the aftermath of a shipwreck. Describe a remarkable event that you have witnessed to your class. Use interesting language to keep their attention.

Speak clearly and remember to look at your audience.