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A bank of A level English Literature essay questions on "Hamlet"
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A bank of A level English Literature essay questions on "Hamlet"
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A LEVEL ENGLISH LITERATUREHamlet
OCR SPECIFICATION:
Learners are required to analyse the text in close detail, exploring Shakespeare’s use of language
and dramatic effects. Learners are required to consider issues raised in a specific extract in
relation to their understanding of the play as a whole.
Learners are required to explore ways in which the chosen play is/has been interpreted by
different audiences, including over time.
• analyse ways in which Shakespeare shapes meanings in the chosen play including the function
and effects of structure, form and language
• articulate informed, personal and creative responses to the chosen Shakespeare play, using
associated concepts and terminology, and coherent, accurate written expression
• explore the play informed by different interpretations
• consider different interpretations across time.
Examiners Advice on Essay Writing:
Based on their performance on the paper, candidates are offered the following advice:
• Take the time to choose a question carefully and to plan your answer before beginning to write.
• Do not try to reproduce prepared essays and keep a clear focus on the terms of the question.
• A good deal of work has clearly gone in to critical reading around the plays.
• Do not just name and quote critics.
• Make sure you demonstrate your understanding of, and engagement with, their ideas by linking
them to the play itself and to the question.
• Remember that critical comments should enhance, not replace, your own arguments.
• Bear in mind that characters in plays are literary constructs and not real people.
, • Try to maintain a critical distance when discussing characterisation.
• Don’t spend so much time on contextual material that you fail to analyse the play itself.
• Keep a clear focus on the dramatist’s craft and think about how language and structure are used
to create meaning.
• Do, however, avoid simplistic word-level analysis which will often break up your argument.
1. “Religion and the supernatural are to blame for Hamlet’s inadequacies as an avenger.” How far
would you agree with this view of the play?
Extract from an Examiners Report: this question attracted many responses which discussed
Hamlet’s inadequacies as an avenger, but showed less interest in whether religion and the
supernatural are to blame. Those who engaged fully with the question analysed carefully the
contribution of the Ghost to Hamlet’s inadequacies and also discussed the crucial moment in the
play when Hamlet delays his revenge in the belief that Claudius is praying for forgiveness. There was
some good discussion of the impact of contemporary contexts in terms of religion, and also some
comparative discussion of the traditions of revenge tragedy.
2. “Frailty thy name is woman” Explain why Hamlet feels so?
3. “Women have no voice in this play: their dramatic importance derives only from their treatment by
men.” Examine this view of the play Hamlet.
4. William Shakespeare ‘In spite of being a murderer, Hamlet is essentially an honourable man.’ To
what extent do you agree with this view of Hamlet? Remember to include in your answer relevant
detailed exploration of Shakespeare’s dramatic methods.
5. Shakespeare includes characters in Hamlet who are obvious foils for Hamlet, including, most
obviously, Horatio, Fortinbras, Claudius and Laertes. Compare and contrast Hamlet with each of
these characters. How does each respond to the crises with which he is faced?
6. ‘The play Hamlet shows a disturbing fascination with death.’ Using your knowledge of the play as a
whole, show how far you agree with this view of Hamlet. Remember to support your answer with
reference to different interpretations.
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