Part B: How To Get Full Marks (Edexcel GCSE English Literature)

Regardless of which Shakespeare play you are studying, the type of question asked in Section A part (b) of the Edexcel GCSE English Literature exam will always be the same. In the second half of the question, you will be asked to draw on your knowledge of the whole text and give examples from elsewhere in the play. You must also make links to the context in which the play was written. It is tempting to jump straight in and start writing immediately. However, following this guide will ensure you answer the question in the way the examiners are looking for.

 Below you will find sections on:

• What skills are required
• Steps for success

Some questions on your exam paper have a dominant assessment objective. For part (b) the main assessment objective is AO1. The minor objective is AO3. AO1 assesses you on the way you present your response: your essay needs to be structured in an accurate and coherent manner. AO3 requires you to show an understanding of the relationships between the play and the context in which it was written.

The following sections explore the skills required for each of these AOs in more detail:

• Interpretation of a text (AO1) - 75%
• Context (AO3) - 25%
  

In part (b) you are required to focus on how a particular theme is explored elsewhere in the play. For your response, you need to determine which other parts of the play you will refer to in your answer. AO1 requires you to develop an informed personal response while maintaining a critical style throughout. Discerning references should be an integral part of your response.

When approaching this question, you should:

• Try to respond flexibly and imaginatively to the demands of the question set
• Give a personal and unique response to the play:
• Examiners will reward original and well-focused answers
• Synthesise a developing argument (make the same argument clearly all the way through your answer)
• Try to write imaginatively and with a fresh, creative approach:
• Your response should not hindered by rehearsed, generalised ideas
• If possible, you should give alternative interpretations of the aspect being discussed:
• For example, “On the one hand… however, this could also be seen to represent…”

• Quotations should always relate to the point being made and be relevant to the theme being discussed:
• Trying to introduce learnt quotations that do not necessarily link to the theme or the discussion is not reflective of a Level 5 answer

• This is where a detailed knowledge of the play is essential as it enables you to select from a wide range of examples

Below is an example of the type of focus you might be asked to consider for this question, on the play Romeo and Juliet.

Consider the importance of close relationships elsewhere in the play

AO1: Interpretations of the play

Shakespeare presents Juliet and the Nurse as having a close relationship. Juliet has a deep, maternal bond with the Nurse, who acts as a surrogate mother, and she refers to Juliet as the “prettiest babe”. This demonstrates the genuine love that exists between them. The depth of their trust becomes further evident when the Nurse expresses her desire for Juliet’s happiness. The quote, “There stays a husband to make you a wife” illustrates the Nurse’s heartfelt wish for Juliet to be happy in her marriage to Romeo and underscores her role as a supportive confidante to Juliet. Further, the Nurse’s willingness to assist Juliet in her secret marriage signifies their close relationship.

We will now explore another example of this within the play:

Consider the importance of close relationships elsewhere in the play

AO1: Interpretations of the play

Mercutio’s relationship with Romeo is characterised by a deep-rooted loyalty and shared allegiance to the Montague family. This loyalty is evident when Romeo refuses to engage in a confrontation with Tybalt. In response, Mercutio takes up the challenge instead in order to preserve the honour of Romeo and the line “pluck your sword” illustrates Mercutio’s impulsive and fearless nature in defence of his friend. His dedication to Romeo and the Montague name result in his death. Romeo’s decision to challenge Tybalt, despite the severe consequences decreed by the Prince, conveys the significance of Mercutio to Romeo.

It is worth remembering that there are only a maximum of 5 marks available in the Shakespeare question for context. Therefore, your response would predominantly focus on AO1, which includes links to contextual factors. If you understand how to incorporate contextual understanding of your studied play effectively into your essay, it can boost your mark in AO1 and help you create a more sophisticated and conceptualised response.

When responding to this question, you should try to:

• Ensure your exploration of context is linked to the themes and ideas Shakespeare is exploring in the play and the question you have been set
• Understand that context is about understanding ideas and perspectives:
• Some of these ideas are universal, which means you do not simply need to think from the perspective of an Elizabethan or Jacobean audience
• Your own understanding of these ideas and perspectives are equally valid and useful to explore
• Imbed social, cultural and historical contextual comments throughout your response, rather than including them as a bolt-on section at the end of your paragraph:
• Context needs to be interspersed throughout your response and needs to relate to the point being discussed
• Focus on the analysis of the exemplification in relation to the theme being discussed
• Give discerning references from throughout the whole of the play:
• Students are awarded higher marks for doing this

There are different kinds, or categories, of context which affect an author’s work and the audience’s response to it. It is therefore important to remember that context can refer to any of the following:

Context
The writer’s own life and individual situation, including the place and time of writing ONLY where these relate to the text	The historical setting, time and location of the text
Social and cultural contexts (e.g. attitudes in society, expectations of different cultural groups)	The literary context of the text, for example, literary movements or genres
The way in which texts are received and engaged with by different audiences, at different times (for example, how a text may be read differently in the 21st century than when it was written)

It is important that your approach to context illustrates how that character or event in the text reflects or challenges social, political or historical perceptions. Your textual analysis and discussion of context need to be balanced and relate to each other.

As an example, we will explore the same theme above (the importance of close relationships elsewhere in Romeo and Juliet) and consider contextual points which could be included in your response to this question.

Consider the importance of close relationships elsewhere in the play

AO3: Context

In Elizabethan society, the practice of arranged marriages, especially among the more affluent classes, was deeply entrenched in the cultural and societal norms of the time. This practice was particularly pronounced for daughters, whose marriages were often regarded as a strategic manoeuvre to secure advantageous alliances, enhance family prestige and ensure the continuity of lineage. Shakespeare presents the tension between individual autonomy and societal expectations through the characters of Romeo and Juliet as their close relationship is based on love rather than factors such as social advancement.

Here is another example:

Consider the importance of close relationships elsewhere in the play

AO3: Context

In certain historical periods, including the Elizabethan era, the practice of employing a nurse to care for a child was a prevailing custom, particularly in wealthy families. Entrusted with the responsibility of nursing the child, the relationship could often surpass the connection with the biological parent and this is evident through the close relationship between the Nurse and Juliet. The Nurse’s role as a surrogate mother is evident in her interactions with Juliet. She is not only responsible for the practical aspects of Juliet’s care but also serves as a confidante and advisor.

In responding to the question, it is vital that you imbed social, cultural and historical contextual comments throughout your response. Context must always be interspersed throughout your response and it must relate to the point being discussed.

Below is an example of separate AO1 and AO3 comments which you might make in reference to the theme of death within Romeo and Juliet.

AO1 Comments

AO3 Comments

As a tragedy, the theme of death is important as it is central to the outcome of the play. Shakespeare references the death of Romeo and Juliet in the Prologue, in the Chorus’s description of how the “star-crossed lovers” would “take their life”. The theme of death is further amplified through the character of Tybalt. Tybalt’s obsession with family honour and his desire to avenge perceived slights against the Capulet name (such as Romeo trespassing on the Capulet feast) are important in highlighting the hatred between the Capulets and Montagues, as evident through the quote “that villain Romeo”. In a bid to maintain some semblance of order, Lord Capulet denies Tybalt the opportunity to confront Romeo. His refusal festers Tybalt’s resentment, leading to Tybalt’s plan for revenge later in the play and his eventual death. Allusions are also made to the enduring feud and violence between the two households, revealing the historical conflict which has resulted in “civil blood” being shed.

Shakespeare’s audience would have associated Italy with violence and death and as a place where family honour often led to acts of revenge. The negative impact of warring families and civil disobedience would have represented a serious threat to the stability of society during the Elizabethan era.

Below is an example of how you might form these AO1 and AO3 points into an integrated and coherent paragraph:

As a tragedy, the theme of death is important as it is central to the outcome of the play. Shakespeare references the death of Romeo and Juliet in the Prologue, in the Chorus’s description of how the “star-crossed lovers” would “take their life”. Shakespeare’s audience would have associated Italy with violence and death and as a place where family honour often led to acts of revenge, so this foreshadowing right at the play’s outset only reinforces that the play ends tragically. The theme of death is further amplified through the character of Tybalt. Tybalt’s obsession with family honour and his desire to avenge perceived slights against the Capulet name (such as Romeo trespassing on the Capulet feast) are important in highlighting the hatred between the Capulets and Montagues, as evident through the quote “that villain Romeo”. In a bid to maintain some semblance of order, Lord Capulet denies Tybalt the opportunity to confront Romeo. His refusal festers Tybalt’s resentment, leading to Tybalt’s plan for revenge later in the play and his eventual death. Allusions are also made to the enduring feud and violence between the two households, revealing the historical conflict which has resulted in “civil blood” being shed. The negative impact of warring families and civil disobedience would have represented a serious threat to the stability of society during the Elizabethan era.

It is tempting to jump straight in and start writing your response immediately. However, completing the steps below first will ensure you answer the question in the way that examiners are looking for:

1. Read the question carefully and highlight the focus of the question:
1. Ensure you have identified what the theme is and your position in relation to it
2. Plan your answer:
1. Start by deciding on your argument in relation to the focus of the question
2. Develop a thesis statement which demonstrates to the examiner that you have understood the focus of the question (AO1) 
3. Include any quotations or close textual references you will be using in your response
4. Refer to different interpretations of the text
5. Include comments on context and integrate these throughout your response (AO3)
3. Follow your plan and write your response:
1. Ensure each paragraph starts with a confident topic sentence (AO1)
2. Then flesh out each paragraph with a series of “sub-points” which “prove” your topic sentences
4. Re-read and check your work for overall sense and accuracy (AO1)