Shakespeare Mark Scheme and Model Answers (WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Literature)

CLAUDIO Benedick, didst thou note the daughter of Signior Leonato? 

BENEDICK I noted her not, but I looked on her. 

CLAUDIO Is she not a modest young lady? 

BENEDICK Do you question me as an honest man should do, for 

my simple true judgement? Or would you have me 

speak after my custom, as being a professed tyrant to 

their sex? 

CLAUDIO No, I pray thee speak in sober judgement. 

BENEDICK Why, i’faith, methinks she’s too low for a high praise,

too brown for a fair praise, and too little for a great 

praise. Only this commendation I can afford her, that 

were she other than she is, she were unhandsome; and 

being no other but as she is, I do not like her. 

CLAUDIO Thou thinkest I am in sport. I pray thee tell me truly 

how thou likest her. 

BENEDICK Would you buy her, that you inquire after her? 

CLAUDIO Can the world buy such a jewel? 

BENEDICK Yea, and a case to put it into. But speak you this with 

a sad brow? Or do you play the flouting Jack, to tell 

us Cupid is a good hare-finder, and Vulcan a rare 

carpenter? Come, in what key shall a man take you to 

go in the song? 

CLAUDIO In mine eye she is the sweetest lady that ever I looked on. 

BENEDICK I can see yet without spectacles, and I see no such 

matter. There’s her cousin, an she were not possessed 

with a fury, exceeds her as much in beauty as the first 

of May doth the last of December. But I hope you have 

no intent to turn husband, have you? 

CLAUDIO I would scarce trust myself, though I had sworn the contrary, if Hero would be my wife.

GCSE Eduqas English Literature, Shakespeare question

Explore how Shakespeare presents different opinions of Hero in this extract

Grade 9 model answer paragraphs 

In this extract, Benedick and Claudio express contrasting opinions regarding Hero. Claudio is portrayed as the romantic idealist, while Benedict expresses a sceptical view of love. [Introduction presents clear contrast between characters (AO1)] Claudio’s language is earnest and he shows his instant fascination and infatuation with Hero through his repetitive questioning of Benedick: “didst thou note the daughter of Signior Leonato?”, “Is she not a modest young lady?” [Analyses use of repetitive questioning to convey Claudio’s feelings — all evidence is linked to the focus of the question (AO2)]  His repeated inquiries convey his urgency and preoccupation with Hero. Here, Shakespeare depicts him as a love-struck young man. [Shows perceptive understanding of Claudio’s characterisation (AO1)] He uses a metaphor to describe Hero as “a jewel” which illustrates how in love he is with her and how he views her as something precious. 

In contrast, Benedick’s language is filled with sarcasm, wit and cynicism. He uses a list of three to convey how little he thinks of Hero: “too low … too brown … too little” and how he does “not like her”. Benedick taunts Claudio by questioning if he would “buy her”. [Evidence backs up main point about Benedick’s disdain (AO2)] Despite Benedick’s teasing, Claudio’s language shows that he respects Benedick’s opinion as he urges him to “tell [him] truly” what he thinks of her: “speak in sober judgement”. Benedick’s response is rather harsh and he states he does not consider Hero “the sweetest lady” he has seen. [Shows perceptive understanding of Benedick’s character (AO1)] He contrasts Hero’s beauty with that of Beatrice, whom he perceives as more beautiful despite her occasional “fury”, stating that Beatrice “exceeds her in beauty”. Claudio appears to dismiss Benedick’s opinions of Hero and despite Benedick advising him to “have no intent to turn husband”, Claudio concludes by saying he wishes “Hero would be [his] wife”. This reveals his impulsiveness and his romanticised view of Hero. [Answer explores Claudio’s nature in developed analysis (AO1)] This scene highlights the central conflict of the play by establishing Claudio’s romantic interest in Hero and Benedick’s aversion to marriage.

GCSE Eduqas English Literature, Shakespeare question

Twelfth Night is a play about the importance of humour. Write about how Shakespeare presents the importance of humour at different points of the play.

Grade 9 model answer paragraph

Humour is important in creating the drama, confusion and slapstick elements within Twelfth Night and this is particularly evident through the depiction of both Maria and Sir Toby. [Introductory sentence presents clear focus on the task (AO1)] Maria is described as naturally comedic and possesses a sharp wit and tongue that enables her to assert her dominance over Sir Toby and Sir Andrew when they are drunk with the outburst, “For the love o’ God, peace!” This quote demonstrates her ability to maintain control and command attention even in chaotic situations. Maria is one of the play’s most comedic characters and she frequently uses coarse humour and crude jokes. For example, she states, “By my troth, Sir Toby, you must come in earlier o’ nights: your cousin, my lady, takes great exceptions to your ill hours”. Here, Maria uses wordplay and innuendo to humorously suggest to Sir Toby that he should come home earlier at night. The pun “takes great exceptions” could mean to take offense, or to make excuses. She implies that Olivia makes excuses for Sir Toby’s late nights which hints at their secret romantic relationship. The use of the phrase “ill hours” adds humour as it suggests both late hours of the night and morally questionable behaviour. [Shows perceptive understanding of Shakespeare’s use of language (AO2)] Similarly, much of the humour in the play is generated through Sir Toby’s mischievous and conniving nature. Referred to as “Belch”, this term reflects his boisterous conduct and his penchant for practical jokes and late-night revelries. For example, he torments Malvolio by confining him in a dark, damp cell which leads to Malvolio believing he has lost his sanity. This moment is significant in the structure of the play as it represents the culmination of the subplot involving Malvolio’s humiliation and mistreatment. [Understanding of the subplot involving Malvolio shows sophisticated analysis of the play’s structure (AO2)]

GCSE Eduqas English Literature, Shakespeare question

What does this extract show an audience about Iago’s thoughts and feelings here? 

Refer closely to details from the extract to support your answer.

Cassio 

Good night, honest Iago. 

[Exit]

Iago 

And what’s he then that says I play the villain, 

When this advice is free I give and honest, 

Probal to thinking, and indeed the course 

To win the Moor again? For ’tis most easy 

Th’inclining Desdemona to subdue 

In any honest suit; she’s framed as fruitful 

As the free elements. And then for her 

To win the Moor — were’t to renounce his baptism,

 All seals and symbols of redeemed sin — 

His soul is so enfettered to her love, 

That she may make, unmake, do what she list, 

Even as her appetite shall play the god 

With his weak function. How am I then a villain 

To counsel Cassio to this parallel course, 

Directly to his good? Divinity of hell, 

When devils will the blackest sins put on, 

They do suggest at first with heavenly shows, 

As I do now. For whiles this honest fool 

Plies Desdemona to repair his fortunes, 

And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor, 

I’ll pour this pestilence into his ear, 

That she repeals him for her body’s lust; 

And by how much she strives to do him good, 

She shall undo her credit with the Moor. 

So will I turn her virtue into pitch, 

And out of her own goodness make the net 

That shall enmesh them all.

Grade 9 model answer 

In this extract, Iago’s feelings towards Othello are characterised by resentment, envy and a desire for revenge. [Introductory sentence places clear focus on Iago’s feelings (AO1)]

Despite serving as Othello’s ensign, Iago feels overlooked and undervalued, particularly due to Othello’s elevation of Cassio over him. Shakespeare uses a soliloquy to convey Iago’s conflicted state of mind and this is evident through his use of questions, including “How am I then a villain”. The soliloquy also heightens the dramatic irony as the audience is privy to Iago’s true intentions while the other characters remain unaware. [Analysis of soliloquy and rhetorical questions show understanding of Othello as a play (AO2)] Iago justifies his actions by suggesting that his advice to Cassio is well-intentioned and honest, claiming that “this advice is free I give and honest”. While Iago outwardly maintains a façade of camaraderie towards Cassio, he secretly holds a disdain for him. [Shows perceptive understanding of Iago’s duplicitous nature (AO1)] Iago’s manipulation of Cassio’s downfall reflects his personal vendetta against him and also his aim to weaken Othello’s trust in those around him. The imagery of the afterlife through the “divinity of hell” is used as a metaphor for the darkness and corruption of Iago’s soul. This enables the audience to see Iago’s malevolent intentions and heightens the tension and suspense within this scene. [Considers the effect of imagery on the audience and use of dramatic tension (AO2)] Cassio refers to Iago as “honest Iago” which is ironic as it contrasts with his true nature as a deceitful and manipulative character. 

Iago’s feelings towards Desdemona are also revealed. On the one hand, he appears to have a general contempt for women and views them as untrustworthy and deceitful. However, his manipulation of Desdemona’s reputation and his insinuations about her infidelity suggest a deeper sense of resentment and malice specifically towards her [Analysis presents alternative interpretations (AO1)]. His derogatory language towards her  — “That she repeals him for her body’s lust” — reveals his contempt and desire to undermine her reputation. He views her as a means to further his own agenda and to exploit her innocence and purity.

At the end of the extract, Iago’s manipulative and cunning behaviour towards those around him is fully revealed. He says that “The net that shall enmesh them all”, the imagery of entrapment conveying Iago’s manipulative tactics and foreshadowing the eventual downfall of the characters caught in Iago’s web. [Evaluation of Shakespeare’s dramatic devices shows perceptive understanding of the play as a whole (AO1)] This creates dramatic tension and alludes to an impending doom. Iago plants seeds of doubt and suspicion in Othello’s mind and his manipulation of Cassio and Desdemona is subtle and he exploits their weaknesses and vulnerabilities to further his own agenda. [The answer engages fully with Iago’s manipulation and its impact on other characters (AO1)]

GCSE Eduqas English Literature, Shakespeare question

Write about Shylock and how Shakespeare presents him at different points in the play.

Grade 9 model answer

The character of Shylock and his actions and motivations is open to a wide range of different interpretations by audiences. He can be viewed either as a villainous character motivated by greed and vengeance or as a victim of prejudice and personal betrayal. [Introductory paragraph maintains clear focus on the question but also offers alternative interpretations (AO1)]

Many of Shylock's actions could be seen to be largely motivated by his miserliness and greed as his language primarily revolves around money. Indeed, his first words in the play, “Three thousand ducats”, are in reference to money. Antonio’s grievance with Shylock is primarily down to Shylock’s greed. Antonio lends out money without charging interest, and this infuriates Shylock as it “brings down / The rate of usance here”, thus reducing Shylock’s profits. [Explores how Shakespeare uses Antonio’s actions to highlight Shylock’s motivations (AO1)] Shylock cunningly deceives others into believing he is a generous man and although he has a deep animosity towards Antonio, Shylock feigns kindness by offering Antonio a loan. In reality, it is the threat of revenge and castigation behind his loan which motivates his offer. Antonio however sees through Shylock’s true intentions and describes him as “a villain with a smiling cheek” and is aware that Shylock’s proposed terms are a deceptive kindness. [Explores the deception in Shylock’s character (AO2)] 

Shylock’s actions are also motivated by vengeance. His hatred of Antonio leads him to seek revenge for the acts of anti-Semitism against him and he pledges that he “will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him”, revealing his deep-seated resentment towards Antonio. Despite Portia’s plea, Shylock does not show mercy to Antonio and asserts “I crave the law” which suggests he craves the law not just for justice but as a means of revenge against Antonio for the years of prejudice and humiliation. The brevity of his sentence underscores his resolve. Shylock’s hatred for Antonio can be seen in the persistence of his quest for revenge: “I’ll plague him, I’ll torture him - I am glad of it”. The repetition of the first person highlights how personal Shylock’s grievance is against Antonio. Shylock’s greed is in direct contrast to Antonio’s generosity throughout the play. For example, Antonio offers his whole “purse and person” to Bassanio when he needs money to pursue Portia. [Presenting contrasts between characters is a good way to explore Shakespeare’s characterisation (AO2)]

Shylock’s personal life is marked by betrayal as his daughter Jessica elopes with Lorenzo, a Christian. When Shylock discovers Jessica’s elopement with Lorenzo, his reaction is steeped in both anger and avarice. This personal betrayal and financial concern is further revealed through Salarino’s recounting of Shylock’s outburst (“My daughter! – O my ducats! – O my daughter!”) and the repetition and exclamations in Shylock’s speech suggest almost equal distress over the loss of his wealth and his daughter. He laments the loss of his “precious, precious jewels!” and his repeated use of “precious” reveals a greater preoccupation with his riches than with Jessica. [Developed personal response offered here (AO1)] Jessica’s actions throughout the play demonstrate her resentment towards her father. However, Shylock is not portrayed as a cruel father or master. His strictness towards his daughter, Jessica, is perhaps due to his disdain for the frivolity of Venetian society, which he believes is wholly inappropriate for his daughter. [Offers personal interpretations of Shylock’s behaviour (AO1)] Similarly, his servant, Launcelot, leaves not because of Shylock's harshness but because he is concerned about being tainted by being employed by a Jew. However, Shylock’s loss of Jessica marks his intensified desire to seek revenge against Antonio which is a significant turning point in the play.  [Shows understanding of the change in Shylock’s character (AO1)]

Despite his reputation as a malevolent character, Shylock is also portrayed as a man who has experienced significant abuse. [Shows perceptive understanding of Shylock’s nuanced portrayal by Shakespeare (AO1)] While he poses a significant threat to the romantic happiness of many of the other characters, his frequent mentions of past mistreatment at the hands of Christians therefore make him a more complex and sympathetic character. Although he has lived in Venice his entire life, he is treated as a foreigner and he is continually subjected to prejudice and humiliation. For example, Antonio's harsh behaviour towards Shylock reveals a violent and cruel aspect of Antonio’s character. [Engages with the complexity of character interactions and contemporary prejudice (AO1)] He confesses to having used offensive language towards Shylock, including calling him a non-believer, as well as spitting on him. Shylock is relentlessly victimised and subjected to harsh verbal insults. He is referred to through animalistic imagery — “cut-throat dog”, “dog Jew” and “wolf” — which strips him of his humanity and portrays him as something feral and vicious. Similarly, referring to him as a “wolf” suggests he is predatory and dangerous and an enemy to the Christian characters. This language not only reflects the intense prejudice Shylock faces but also serves to justify the cruel treatment he endures, reinforcing his marginalised status within Venetian society. [Assured evaluation of the meanings and effects of the use of animalistic imagery (AO2)] Although the audience is not expected to sympathise completely with Shylock, his malice could be seen to be partly driven by the other characters’ prejudices towards him. 

While Shylock is a complex character, he does not undergo any significant changes throughout the play. His inflexibility and rigidity are some of his most notable traits and they persist until the end of the play. Through his character, Shakespeare reveals the dangers of prejudice and while the play does not excuse his actions, it compels the audience to confront the consequences of intolerance. [Conclusion demonstrates an assured personal engagement to the complexity of Shylock’s portrayal (AO1)] [Accurate use of grammar, sentence structure and punctuation throughout (AO4)]