GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE J360
Unit A662 Modern Drama
CANDIDATE STYLE
ANSWERS WITH
EXAMINER
COMMENTARY
AUGUST 2014
BRINGING ENGLISH TO LIFE
www.ocr.org.uk/english
GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE
CANDIDATE STYLE ANSWERS
CONTENTS
HIGHER TIER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS4
BAND 14
QUESTION A4
ANSWER TO 3 (a)4
COMMENTARY5
QUESTION B6
ANSWER TO 1 (a)6
COMMENTARY7
BAND 28
QUESTION C8
ANSWER TO 6 (a)8
COMMENTARY9
BAND 310
QUESTION D10
ANSWER TO 4 (b)10
COMMENTARY11
FOUNDATION TIER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 12
BAND 312
QUESTION A12
ANSWER TO 5 (a)12
COMMENTARY13
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CANDIDATE STYLE ANSWERS
BAND 314
QUESTION A14
ANSWER TO 2 (b)14
COMMENTARY15
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GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE
CANDIDATE STYLE ANSWERS
HIGHER TIER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
BAND 1
A: A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
B: THE HISTORY BOYS
C: JOURNEY’S END
D: AN INSPECTOR CALLS
QUESTION A: A View from the Bridge
2 (a): How does Miller make this such a fascinating and revealing moment in the play?
Extract: “BEATRICE: Go, baby, and bring in the supper” to “EDDIE: Believe me Katie, the less you trust,
the less you be sorry.
Answer to 2 (a)
I think that this extract portrays a fascinating and revealing moment in the play because it symbolises the point that
every parent and carer reaches where they know that it is time to let go of the child they have raised, as that child
begins to mature and become more independent – as such, this is a play that will form strong emotional responses
from an audience no matter what culture they belong to. In this case, I believe it is also the point at which Eddie starts
to become aware (if reluctantly) of his inappropriate feelings for Catherine, and we can decipher this partly from the
various language features and dramatic devices that Miller has used.
At the start of the extract, Catherine has just informed Eddie of a new job that she has been offered, something that he
disapproves of strongly. Beatrice dismisses Catherine from the room, using soft words such as ‘baby’ to reassure her that
she shouldn’t worry and that she can leave it with Beatrice to make him change his mind. That word “baby” is important
because no matter how well-meaning Beatrice is, the word suggests the over-protective environment of Catherine’s
up-bringing that is part of the problem rather than the solution. Once Catherine has left, Beatrice speaks to eddie with
persistent persuasion. “They picked her out of the whole class”, she says, hoping to play on Eddie’s pride in the girl
they have raised. Behind Beatrice’s attempt to compliment Eddie indirectly, however, there is the suggestion that it
is beyond the time when Catherine should be living her own life and become more distant from Eddie, before those
inappropriate feelings can assume dangerous proportions. She is aware, hurt, and secretly jealous maybe of the depth
and the nature of his feelings for his niece.
Eddie reacts to this by being “silent, staring down at the tablecloth fingering the pattern.” This shows that he is unable
(or unwilling) to comprehend the fact that Catherine is transitioning from an innocent child into a grown independent
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woman. When Beatrice continues her efforts to persuade him without confronting him with the truth, “he turns his
head away”, indicating his rejection and denial of her growing up and being taken away from him. It starts to reveal to
the audience the intensity of his feelings and emotions. It also is showing the cracks in the marriage that will emerge
later.
When Catherine re-enters the room, we see that she is disheartened and upset, because she is so silent. This
is significant as it shows she doesn’t like the fact that she has upset Eddie and potentially damaged their close
relationship. Yet at the same time she is frustrated that he refuses to approve of her exciting job opportunity.
Eddie’s wish to please Catherine and not lose her affection leads to his saying “Alright, go to work”, seemingly playing
down the seriousness of his misgivings – “he smiles his emotions away”. This is revealing as it shows he is trying to
suppress and conceal his true feelings from himself as well as from others. He is inwardly scared and confused because
in his heart of hearts he knows he is wrong. The description of Catherine as the “Madonna type” shows how he is
setting her on a pedestal, and hopefully making her an object of worship rather than lust by other men.
Once again, we see Catherine’s utter admiration and loyalty to Eddie, as she speaks both with delight and relief. “I’m
gonna buy all the new dishes ”. She is overjoyed at the fact that her father figure is allowing her to do what she wants
and she has gained his hesitant approval. Her speech is hasty and excited, perhaps fearful that he will change his mind.
Eddie’s advice is interesting when he says “don’t trust nobody”. It is wise in one way and shows he is aware of her
innocent and naïve nature. But of course Eddie is included in the “nobody” idea. And although Eddie seems to have
accepted the inevitable, his true feelings are revealed when he lashes out at Beatrice, “(strangely and quickly resentful)
What do you know about it? You never worked in your life”. This is significant because it emphasises the way he treats
Catherine in contrast to how he speaks to Beatrice. He pushed his wife’s opinions on Catherine away so that he can feel
powerful and in control, happy that he has the power to grant her what she wants.
The final part of the extract is potentially the most fascinating and powerful, as it clearly foreshadows the rest of the
play. Eddie says, “Most people ain’t people” hinting that people may not always be what they seem. His words are
meant to be a warning about the dangers awaiting Catherine in the world outside (such as Rodolpho and his motives);
but they are also a warning about the dangers inside the household (Eddie himself ).
The final words of the extract are “the less you trust, the less you’ll be sorry”. This is extremely powerful as it goes against
the beliefs of the themes of honour and loyalty which were so important in the Italian-American community of the
play, and Eddie is in fact unknowingly talking about himself again. There is his betrayal of Rodolpho of Marco and
Rodolpho when he telephones the authorities and betrays their trust, but there is also a warning about how Catherine’s
trust in him as a “father” will be betrayed by the unhealthy feelings that are beginning to show themselves in this
revealing scene.
COMMENTARY
This shows sophisticated critical perception in response to the text with complex issues treated, and with cogent and precise
evaluation of well-selected detail. There is sensitive understanding of the significance and effects of the writer’s choice of language
and structure. A good Band 1 answer.
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GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE
CANDIDATE STYLE ANSWERS
HIGHER TIER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
BAND 1
A: A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
B: THE HISTORY BOYS
C: JOURNEY’S END
D: AN INSPECTOR CALLS
QUESTION B: The History Boys
1 (a): Explore the ways in which Bennett makes this such an entertaining and revealing moment in the
play.
Extract: From “IRWIN: Does he have a programme?” to “POSNER: I would sir. And they would. They’re
taking the piss.”
Answer to 1 (a)
In this scene of “The History Boys” by Alan Bennett we start to see a clear divide in the different teaching methods and
also their views on education as a whole. Bennett uses language and a range of writing techniques to make this extract
from the play both entertaining and revealing.
At the start of the extract the audience witness Irwin’s persistent questioning of the boys about Hector’s lessons. He
asks, “Does he have a programme? Or is it just random?” This interrogation of the boys leads the audience to feel that
Irwin is a rather unprofessional character and to question his motives; they might also favour Hector in terms of who is
more professional as a teacher as a result.
However, unlike in Hector’s lessons, we start to see Posner favouring Irwin and being honest with him by saying “Not
useful, sir. Not like your lessons”. This moment in the play signals a turning point as well as foreshadowing how Posner
opens up to Irwin about his love for Dakin. Bennett’s choice of words for the character of Posner makes him seem here
a weak and easily influenced character, and he acts as if he has finally been persuaded by Irwin’s ways of teaching. On
the other hand, this moment could be seen as slightly mocking Irwin because of the satire in Posner’s words.
Although this scene shows the audience the first time that the boys begin to trust Irwin, they still do not hesitate to
mock and tease him. Bennett creates this atmosphere by the anaphora (repeated use) of the word “sir”. The effect of
this is that it demonstrates that while the boys are slowly beginning to trust Irwin more and more, they still test him
out. This shows the audience that the boys are still wary of him, and don’t completely trust or agree with him and his
methods.
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The poet Auden is mentioned many times in this play. However, in this extract the audience can see the boys’ views on
their teacher through their comparison with Auden. After Dakin brings up the issue of “whether he was more like you
or Mr Hector”, Bennett uses dramatic irony to foreshadow events later in the play. Dakin jokes, “He snogged his pupils.
Auden sir. Not Mr Hector.” The later irony of how Hector is found to have been touching the boys makes the scene very
memorable with the irony covering up the foreshadowing.
In this extract the audience also finds out what the students think about Hector’s methods of teaching and his views
on education. They call Hector “A bit of a shambles” and describe his teaching as being about trying “to make us more
rounded human beings.” The audience never find out for sure if the boys’ mocking of Hector is to provoke a reaction
from Irwin or whether it is how they really feel. These two possible interpretations make this scene very unique as
it reveals a slightly more sinister and unpleasant aspect to the boys. The final part of the extract with its considering
of whether using Hector’s methods would be a “betrayal of trust” demonstrates that while Posner is starting to trust
Irwin over Hector the other boys still feel they have a loyalty to him. This loyalty is slightly ironic and foreshadows the
moment later in the play when Hector has his breakdown and it is only Posner who stays loyal and comforts him.
Overall, Bennett makes this moment in the play very revealing about the boys’ views on the two teachers, by the use
of irony and dramatic foreshadowing. He also makes it memorable as a turning point in the play as the boys begin to
place their trust more and more in the newcomer Irwin.
COMMENTARY
This shows some sophisticated critical perception in response to the text with complex issues treated, and with cogent and precise
evaluation of some well-selected detail. There is sensitive understanding of the significance and effects of the writer’s choice of
language and structure. A low Band 1 answer.
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GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE
CANDIDATE STYLE ANSWERS
HIGHER TIER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
BAND 2
A: A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
B: THE HISTORY BOYS
C: JOURNEY’S END
D: AN INSPECTOR CALLS
QUESTION C: Journey’s End
6 (a): How does Sherriff make this such a dramatic and moving moment in the play?
Extract: From: “STANHOPE: Er – Osborne – just a moment” to “OSBORNE: D’you like coffee better than
tea?”
Answer to 6 (a)
This scene is just after the moment Stanhope is told by the colonel that the plans can’t be changed and that the raid
“has got to be done.” This adds to the moving nature of the scene, as the audience realises how dangerous the raid will
be and that this could be the last time they see Raleigh and Osborne. Stanhope’s reluctance to see them go shows how
much he really cares about them which makes it all the more moving.
The extract starts off with a slightly awkward exchange between Osborne and Stanhope. There are a few pauses which
make it seem as though they are unsure what to talk about. This adds to the tension, and Osborne’s “awkward little
laugh” shows that he is nervous ahead of the raid, but doesn’t want to show it. This makes it such a moving moment, as
it is one of the last conversations they will have, and yet it is not a natural one like they are used to having.
Sherriff makes Stanhope sound a little desperate for Osborne to return. Stanhope repeats “You’re coming back” twice
in the space of a few lines. It is almost as if he is commanding Osborne to return as his senior officer. It also seems like
Stanhope is trying to convince himself that Osborne will be alright and he will live. Furthermore, it is almost a contrast
in roles as Osborne is normally the one comforting Stanhope, but here it is the other way around as Osborne is unsure
of himself and Stanhope tries to make him feel better.
The contrast between Osborne and Raleigh’s attitudes to war are really brought out during this extract. Raleigh’s
youthful enthusiasm is shown when he says “I wish we could go now”. The phrase “I wish” shows that he has been
waiting for this almost with pleasure and finally the time has come for him to show what he can do. It brings out his
naivety as he clearly doesn’t know the consequences that could happen. Osborne, however, says “we’ve got eight
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CANDIDATE STYLE ANSWERS
minutes yet” and the preciseness of “eight minutes” shows that he is so nervous he is counting down the minutes. The
word “yet” also shows that he wants to make the most of those final minutes of his life as he knows that this is probably
the end for him.
This passage again proves that Osborne is the avuncular figure of the group. Raleigh doesn’t open up when Osborne
asks him how he feels but as soon as Osborne reveals that he has a “sort of empty feeling inside” Raleigh exclaims
that he feels the same way. This then leads to Raleigh telling Osborne more about how he feels such as that he keeps
“wanting to yawn”. This is shown throughout the play, for example when Raleigh has just arrived he is nervous but
Osborne encourages him to talk by asking “Did you play rugger – and cricket?”
Right at the end of the passage, the different levels of maturity between Osborne and Raleigh are shown. Osborne tries
to change the subject to take their minds off the raid but Raleigh’s immaturity means he cannot change his focus and
has to talk about “the Boche”. This makes this such a moving moment as we can see how young Raleigh is and how he
doesn’t realise that this could be the last conversation he ever has.
COMMENTARY
This is a clear and well developed critical response to the text, with clear evaluation of relevant detail. There is also a clear, critical
understanding of the effects of the writer’s choices of language, structure and form. A strong Band 2 answer.
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CANDIDATE STYLE ANSWERS
HIGHER TIER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
BAND 3
A: A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
B: THE HISTORY BOYS
C: JOURNEY’S END
D: AN INSPECTOR CALLS
QUESTION D: An Inspector Calls
4 (b): How does Priestley strikingly portray the differences between Sheila Birling and her mother?
Remember to support your ideas with details from the play.
Answer to 4 (b)
Within the play J.B. Priestley portrays both Sheila and Mrs Birling in different ways. For example, Sheila feels remorse for
what she did to Eva Smith. “I behaved badly too. I know I did. I’m ashamed of it.” This shows that Sheila feels remorse
for what she has done and that she is also sharing socialist views with the Inspector and is taking responsibility for her
actions, unlike Mrs Birling who won’t take responsibility for anything. This also makes the audience feel sorry for Sheila
as she is taking responsibility and is feeling bad about what she has done.
In addition, J.B. Priestley portrays Mrs Birling as a cold woman who doesn’t take responsibility for anything, in contrast
to Sheila. For example, Mrs Birling says, “I’m very sorry. But I think she had only herself to blame.” This conveys how Mrs
Birling refuses to take any responsibility for the death of Eva Smith which also conveys her capitalist views. Also Mrs
Birling speaks in short, blunt sentences which illustrate the fact that she is a cold woman who doesn’t have any remorse
unlike her daughter, Sheila, who is feeling guilty by this time. Also it’s a contrast in the younger generation’s views to
the older generation.
Priestley continues to portray the difference between Sheila and Mrs Birling. For example, she says, “And I must say
Gerald, you’ve argued this very cleverly, and I’m most grateful.” This conveys how Mrs Birling is only concerned about
the family’s reputation and still doesn’t feel guilty for what she has done. This makes the audience not fond of Mrs
Birling as she has capitalist views that are in contrast with Sheila who feels remorse and guilt, for example when she
says, “It frightens me the way you talk.” This again shows the difference between Sheila and her mother as they have
different views and this links to how Priestley is a socialist and believes in sharing responsibility.
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Within the play J.B. Priestley continues to portray the differences between Sheila and Mrs Birling. For example, Sheila
says “You’re squiffy” to Eric, which shows the difference between generations. Mrs Birling replies with “What an
expression Sheila! Really the things you girls pick up these days!” The use of the exclamation mark shows how Mrs
Birling is shocked by Sheila’s language. It also conveys the difference in the relationship by how Mrs Birling tries to
patronise Sheila. Also, there is the contrast with the way that Mrs Birling has capitalist views and Sheila has socialist
views which is something that is portrayed within the play.
COMMENTARY
This is a developed personal response to the text with appropriate support. There is a good overall understanding that the writer’s
choices of language and form have an impact upon meaning, and a clear sense of the playwright at work. A secure mid-Band 3
answer.
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CANDIDATE STYLE ANSWERS
FOUNDATION TIER QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS: BAND 3
A: EDUCATING RITA
B: HOBSON’S CHOICE
QUESTION A: Educating Rita
5 (a): What makes this such a moving and important moment in the play?
You should consider:
•
What Rita says about her husband
•
Frank’s reactions to her
•
Rita’s feelings about her life at this point.
Extract: From “FRANK: What’s wrong?” to “RITA: Choosin’ between Stork an’ butter.”
Answer to 5 (a)
“Educating Rita” is written by Willy Russell. The themes of this play are love, friendship, changes, education, and getting
to know yourself. First of all I will write about why this passage is such a moving and important moment in the play.
Firstly we can see that Denny has burnt the books because he found out that Rita was on the pill instead of trying to
have a baby as they had agreed. “Denny found out that I was on the pill again; it was my fault. I left the prescription out.
He burnt all me books.”
This quote represents the situation that Rita is in. This is a moving moment as we can see how sad Rita is now that her
books are gone. It is also moving as we can see Denny’s desperation and how he cannot see how to get his girl back.
This is important because from Denny’s point of view this is an act of love and desperation that Rita cannot understand.
Second we can see Frank’s reaction to the situation. “Oh Christ….I wasn’t referring to the books. Sod the books.” This
illustrates that Frank doesn’t care about the books or the essays anymore. He cares about Rita. This is moving because
it shows that Frank wants to be there for Rita in difficult moments. This is important because it shows that he cares and
Rita is important to him.
Next we are able to see how Rita is talking about her husband and how she feels. “Why can’t he just let me get on
with me learnin’. You’d think I was having a bloody affair the way he behaves.” This shows that Rita doesn’t understand
Denny’s actions. This is moving because she doesn’t understand that he loves her. This is important because she doesn’t
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understand why Denny can’t let he do what she wants to do the most. Furthermore we can see Rita’s feelings. “It might
sound selfish but all I want for the time bein’ is what I’m findin’ inside me. I certainly don’t wanna be rushin’ off with
some feller, cos the first thing I have to do is forget about meself.” This represents to us how Rita is feeling about her life
at this point. This is very moving because we are able to see that she is completely different point than Denny. This is
important because it shows that it might lead to conflict between Rita and Denny because of their different views on
life.
Additionally, we can see how Rita feels about her husband. “I see him lookin’ at me sometimes an’ I know what he’s
thinkin’, I do y’know. He’s wondering where the girl he married has gone to.” This develops the idea that she has
changed and she knows Danny doesn’t like it. This is moving because she knows that but she likes the change and she
wants to be different, be better than Denny. This is important because it shows that Rita has changed and wants to
change.
Also we are able to see Frank’s reaction to her. “What are you going to do?” This shows that he is worried about Rita. This
is moving because we can notice that he cares about what Rita is going through. This is important because it shows
that Frank feels like he needs to be there for Rita and to help her.
Lastly we are able to see again Rita’s feelings about her life and her husband. “It’s not takin’ the place of life, it’s providin’
me with life.” Also, “He doesn’t want me when I’m alive and I’m certainly not just gonna lie down and die for him.” This
is moving and important because it represents that literature is the point of Rita’s life and now it’s like air to her. This is a
metaphor and it shows that she is not going to give up literature for Denny.
To conclude I think that this moment is very important and moving because it shows not only the relationship
between Rita and Denny but also that between Rita and Frank.
COMMENTARY
This is a developed and constantly relevant personal response to the text with appropriate support and detail. There is a good overall
understanding that the writer’s choices of language and form have an impact upon meaning, and a sense of the playwright at work.
A top Band 3 answer.
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CANDIDATE STYLE ANSWERS
FOUNDATION TIER QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS: BAND 3
A: EDUCATING RITA
B: HOBSON’S CHOICE
QUESTION B: Hobson’s Choice
2 (b): What makes the relationship between Maggie and her father so important in the play?
Remember to support your ideas with details from the play.
Answer to 2 (b)
The relationship between Maggie and her father is so important because Hobson sees Maggie not only as his daughter
but as a wife figure too, following his wife’s death.
Maggie is 30 years old, and wants to get married, but Hobson doesn’t want her to partly because he says she is too old,
but mainly because he can’t let her go as he needs her, although he won’t tell her this.
Hobson wouldn’t be able to live without Maggie as she cooks, cleans, looks after him, looks after her sisters, and runs
the shop. Hobson needs Maggie because he drinks too much. Maggie knows this and tells him, “Father, don’t be late for
your dinner”. Without his daughter, Hobson would not be able to look after himself as she makes sure he’s home before
she locks the door and makes sure that he gets to bed. This is what makes their relationship so important, because he
needs her but she does not really need him.
When Maggie tells her father that she wants to marry, he refuses to let her as he knows that if she gets married she
will leave him. He doesn’t want her to go, partly because she reminds him of his wife. This makes their relationship so
important because of how Hobson depends and relies on Maggie.
When Maggie wants something she makes sure that she gets it. She decided, for example, that she wanted to get
married, and that’s exactly what she did, even though her father didn’t approve. Maggie doesn’t care which is shown by
when she says, “If you’re dealing husbands around, don’t I get one?” At this point her father thinks it’s a joke, but Maggie
later has a conversation with Willie where she states, “I want your hand in mine”. Although Willie didn’t like the idea to
start with, Maggie makes sure she gets what she wants.
Maggie is not dependent on her father as she can well look after herself. Hobson, on the other hand, cannot. This
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makes their relationship important and not like a typical father and daughter relationship, as usually the daughter is
dependent on the father – here it is the other way around. Although times may have changed, as the book was set in
1916 this may be why their relationship is so very different to what goes on nowadays.
Hobson isn’t as dependent and strict on his other two daughters, Alice and Vickey, as he is willing to let them go and
get married. This is important as it shows just how much he relies upon Maggie.
Hobson never actually thought Maggie would get marries which shows that maybe he doesn’t know his daughter
as well as she knows him. This is why he doesn’t put much effort into keeping her until it is too late. He takes her
for granted. He is astonished when she gets married and moves out, as he knows that he has lost her for good and
perhaps understands how he has relied upon her.
Willie and Hobson don’t get along that well, as Willie was just another one of Hobson’s workers. Maggie states, “You and
him didn’t part on the best of terms you know. Will, it’s my father. Is he to come in?” This is important as tables have now
turned and Willie and Maggie are in charge and Hobson has to listen to their demands and not vice-versa.
COMMENTARY
This is a developed and hard-working personal response to the text with appropriate support. There is a good overall understanding
that the writer’s choices of language and form have an impact upon meaning, and a sense of the playwright at work. A secure, midBand 3 answer. There are elements in this answer of some Band 2 descriptors.
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