AQA A Level English Literature A Paper 1: Love through the ages June 2022 question paper 7712/1

Othello – William Shakespeare

‘It is Desdemona’s naivety about men that brings about her downfall.’

In the light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents Desdemona in this extract and elsewhere in the play.

The Taming of the Shrew – William Shakespeare

‘Scorned by all men, even her own father, Katherina is victimised by patriarchy.’

In the light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents male attitudes towards Katherina in this extract and elsewhere in the play.

Measure for Measure – William Shakespeare

‘The function of this group of characters is simply to provide crude comedy. They do not add to the serious debate about love in the play.’

In the light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents the citizens of Vienna in this extract and elsewhere in the play.

The Winter’s Tale – William Shakespeare

‘The relationship between Florizel and Perdita is built upon a foundation of lies and deceit.’

In the light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents the relationship between Florizel and Perdita in this extract and elsewhere in the play.

‘In the literature of love, married women are often conflicted about the role of the wife.’

In the light of this view, compare and contrast how wives are presented in these two poems.

Compare how the authors of two texts you have studied present love as a source of

You must write about at least two poems in your answer as well as the prose text you have studied.

‘In literature, true love is rarely achieved and never lasts.’

Compare how the authors of two texts you have studied present ideas about true love in the light of this view.

You must write about at least two poems in your answer as well as the prose text you have studied.