AQA A Level English Literature A Paper 1: Love through the ages June 2025 question paper 7712/1

Othello – William Shakespeare

‘Audiences are more likely to sympathise with Othello as a victim than to condemn him for his jealous suspicions towards his wife.’

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

The Taming of the Shrew – William Shakespeare

‘Audiences enjoy the ways in which Petruchio takes charge.’

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

Measure for Measure – William Shakespeare

‘In Measure for Measure, the trust between men and women is completely broken.’

In the light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents relationships between men and women in this extract and elsewhere in the play.

‘The extent of Leontes’ grief completely restores sympathy for him.’

In the light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents thoughts and feelings about Leontes’ past actions in this extract and elsewhere in the play.

‘Both speakers blame their own strong feelings for the pain of failed love.’

In the light of this view, compare and contrast the presentation of the pain of failed love in the following poems.

Compare how the authors of two texts you have studied present ideas about the loyalty and faithfulness of lovers.

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

Compare how the authors of two texts you have studied use the openings of their texts to explore ideas about love.

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