How to Write a Grade 9 Modern Prose Essay (Edexcel IGCSE English Literature)

Question focus

AO1: Informed personal response (Grade 9)

In what ways is Boo Radley important in the novel?

Boo (Arthur) Radley is arguably a critically important character in the novel as he is symbolic of the mockingbird theme. Like a mockingbird, Boo refrains from causing harm to anyone and the exploration of his character, alongside Tom Robinson’s, enables Lee to explore the novel’s central theme of prejudice. Due to his vulnerability and timidity, Boo is a defenceless innocent who endures the prejudices of Maycomb society. Moreover, Boo is important in the novel as he influences the moral and emotional development of other characters, particularly Scout and Jem, who are forced to reconsider their judgments and prejudices. Despite his seclusion and ghost-like invisibility, Boo takes enjoyment in observing the children’s activities from the confines of his home. The children do not see him but the monstrous stories of his “bloodstained hands” and “rotten” teeth make him “a malevolent phantom” in their eyes. However, Scout and Jem’s changing perceptions of Boo help to develop their empathy and compassion. Furthermore, Boo’s heroic act of rescuing Jem and Scout from Bob Ewell on Halloween illustrates his importance in the novel. Atticus and Heck Tate agree not to publicise his bravery for as Scout says, “Well, it’d be sort of like shooting a mockingbird, wouldn’t it?”

Context: Top tips 

Consider the writer’s own life and individual situation, including the place and time of writing (but only when these relate to the text)

Consider the historical setting, time and location of the text

Consider the social and cultural context (e.g. attitudes in society, expectations of different cultural groups)

Consider the literary context of the text, for example, literary movements or genres

Consider how 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)

Question focus

AO4: Relationship between a text and its context (Grade 9)

In what ways is Boo Radley important in the novel?

Within the prejudiced context of Maycomb society, Harper Lee uses the character of Boo Radley as an important symbol of innocence. 

The rumours surrounding him and his reclusive nature lead to unfounded assumptions, fear and prejudices against him. His character could reflect the fear and mistrust that characterised the Jim Crow era in the United States. The racial tensions and divisions of this time could be seen to be mirrored in the suspicions and misconceptions surrounding Boo. Although Lee reveals Boo to be a kind and compassionate character, she illustrates the impact of prejudice on individuals like Boo as he is ostracised by his neighbours. As To Kill a Mockingbird was published during the Civil Rights Movement, Lee may have also used Boo’s character to encourage the reader to empathise with those who are similarly marginalised or misunderstood by an inherently prejudiced society.

Question focus

Informed response (AO1)

Contextual comment (AO4)

Explore the significance of the character of Curley’s wife in the novel

Curley’s wife is the only female character who appears in the novel and she is given no name

Similar to many women of that era,  she is completely dependent on her husband for support and is physically and economically vulnerable

Despite her lack of status, she recognises her superiority over Crooks in the social hierarchy and uses this as a threat

She illustrates the pervasiveness of racism at all levels of society

Like other characters, she dreams of escape (as an actress)  

She shares the same aspirations as the male characters and seeks the elusive American Dream

Explore the significance of the character of Curley’s wife in the novel (AO1 and AO4) 

Steinbeck presents Curley’s wife as a symbol of the failure of the American dream. As the only female character in Of Mice and Men, it is notable that she lacks an individual name or identity on the ranch and is simply referred to as a foil to a male character: “Curley’s wife”.  Like many women of the 1930s, she is entirely economically dependent on her husband, and Steinbeck reveals the inherent sexism of contemporary society through the offensive and vulgar language used to describe her: she is referred to as a “tart”, “rat-trap” and “jail bait”. Restricted from interacting with the others on the ranch by Curley’s rules, she becomes increasingly isolated and lonely. Craving attention and escape, she aspires to become an actress and longs for a life beyond the confines of her current circumstances, confiding in Lennie: “I coulda made somethin' of myself ... Maybe I will yet”. Her dream hints at her longing for recognition and independence. She shares the same aspirations as the male characters on the ranch by seeking the American Dream. Despite her lack of status and agency, her treatment of Crooks gives a modern reader insights into the social hierarchy and prejudices of 1930s America, when she threatens to have him lynched: “I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain’t even funny”. Steinbeck highlights the pervasive nature of racism and the threat of violence that permeates the novel, foreshadowing her own violent death and reminding the reader of the futility of the American dream in this harsh context.