AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry November 2021 question paper 8702/2

Macbeth

Read the following extract from Act 2 Scene 2 of Macbeth and then answer the question that follows.

At this point in the play, Macbeth has murdered Duncan and has returned to Lady

Starting with this conversation, explore how Shakespeare presents the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

Write about:

• how Shakespeare presents their relationship in this extract

• how Shakespeare presents the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in the play as a whole.

Romeo and Juliet

Read the following extract from Act 3 Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet and then answer the question that follows.

At this point in the play, the Nurse has told Juliet that Romeo has killed Tybalt and has been banished from Verona.

Starting with this conversation, explore how far Shakespeare presents Juliet as a female character with strong emotions.

Write about:

• how Shakespeare presents Juliet in this extract

• how far Shakespeare presents Juliet as a female character with strong emotions in the play as a whole.

The Tempest

Read the following extract from Act 1 Scene 2 of The Tempest and then answer the question that follows.

At this point in the play Prospero and Miranda go to see Caliban.

Starting with this moment in the play, explore how Shakespeare presents the difficult relationship between Prospero and Caliban.

Write about:

• how Shakespeare presents their relationship in this extract

• how Shakespeare presents the difficult relationship between Prospero and Caliban in the play as a whole.

The Merchant of Venice

Read the following extract from Act 3 Scene 2 of The Merchant of Venice and then answer the question that follows.

At this point in the play, Bassanio is about to make his choice from the three caskets. His choice will decide whether or not he can marry Portia.

Starting with this conversation, explore how Shakespeare presents the relationship between Portia and Bassanio.

Write about:

• how Shakespeare presents their relationship in this extract

• how Shakespeare presents the relationship between Portia and Bassanio in the play as a whole.

Much Ado About Nothing

Read the following extract from Act 3 Scene 1 of Much Ado About Nothing and then answer the question that follows.

At this point in the play, Hero and Ursula prepare to trick Beatrice into believing that Benedick loves her.

Starting with this conversation, explore how Shakespeare presents characters plotting to affect romantic relationships in Much Ado About Nothing.

Write about:

• how Shakespeare presents Hero and Ursula plotting in this extract

• how Shakespeare presents characters plotting to affect romantic relationships in the play as a whole.

Julius Caesar

Read the following extract from Act 1 Scene 2 of Julius Caesar and then answer the question that follows.

At this point in the play, Cassius and Brutus are discussing Caesar as a leader. Cassius remembers when Caesar dared him to swim to a distant point.

Starting with this speech, explore how far Shakespeare presents Caesar as a weak leader.

Write about:

• how Shakespeare presents Caesar in this extract

• how far Shakespeare presents Caesar as a weak leader in the play as a whole.

0 7. 1 In ‘A London Thoroughfare. 2 A.M.’ how does the poet present the speaker’s feelings about the city at night?

0 7. 2 In both ‘November Night, Edinburgh’ and ‘A London Thoroughfare. 2 A.M.’ the speakers describe attitudes towards the city at night.

What are the similarities and/or differences between the methods the poets use to present these attitudes?