Modern Prose Mark Scheme and Model Answers (Edexcel IGCSE English Literature)

IGCSE Edexcel English Literature Modern Prose

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Explore the theme of friendship in the novel. 

You must consider the context of the novel in your answer

Grade 9 model answer paragraph

In Of Mice and Men, friendship is a significant theme in the novel and is epitomised through the friendship of George and Lennie. Their friendship is evident from the beginning of the novel when they are camping by the river. George’s protective nature towards Lennie is revealed when he cautions Lennie against drinking stagnant water: “You never oughta drink water when it ain’t runnin’, Lennie”. Throughout the narrative, George and Lennie’s friendship is underpinned by their shared dream of owning a “piece of land” and the importance of their friendship: “With us it ain’t like that. We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us”. [AO1: Discriminating use of relevant examples] Both characters convey their hope of becoming financially independent, though this was almost impossible for itinerant farm workers during the Great Depression in 1930s America. Their close friendship leads to suspicions from their boss and he insinuates that there are ulterior motives behind George’s decision to travel with Lennie: “Well I never seen one guy take so much trouble for another guy. I just like to know what your interest is”. The nature of the work during this period meant that friendships were rarely formed and hardly ever kept. Steinbeck’s presentation of their intimacy and mutual support, a rarity in contemporary society, serves to underline the novella’s criticism of the economic hardships prevalent in America at this time. [AO4: Understanding of the relationship between text and context is integrated convincingly into the response]

IGCSE Edexcel English Literature Modern Prose

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 

In what ways is Tom Robinson significant in the novel? 

You must consider the context of the novel in your answer

Graded 9 model answer paragraph

The character of Tom Robinson is significant in the novel as a mockingbird character, a symbol of innocence. He is central to Lee’s exploration and development of this theme in her presentation of Maycomb’s prejudiced society. His depiction reveals the racial and social injustices prevalent during the time and underscores the plight of a black man unjustly accused of raping a white woman. The parallels drawn between Tom’s trial and the real-life cases of the Scottsboro Boys suggest that Lee may have drawn inspiration from these events. Atticus Finch’s decision to defend Tom in court further illustrates the importance of his character in the novel. Despite being aware that Mayella’s accusations are untenable due to Tom’s disability, Atticus understands that racial bias will probably overshadow the truth: “Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed”. In his closing remarks at the trial, Atticus attributes Tom’s downfall to his compassion towards a white girl, however poor and despised her family are. Atticus therefore gives the reader some hope that justice might prevail and that times might be changing. Despite the prejudice around him and the threats made to both his children, Atticus shows courage in standing against the social mores of Maycomb County in the 1930s. [AO1 and AO4: Thorough knowledge and understanding of the novel and points are supported with relevant contextual comment]

IGCSE Edexcel English Literature Modern Prose

Explore the character of Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Graded 9 model answer

Through the character of Scout, Lee presents a compelling first-person perspective, portraying her journey in the novel from a youthful innocence to a growing maturity. This coming-of-age bildungsroman explores the inherent prejudices of its 1930s Southern American setting through the eyes of a child, making this one of the most celebrated novels of the 20th century. 

The growth and development of Scout is a central focus of the novel. The opening chapters are characterised by Scout’s childhood adventures and friendships, her fascination with the Radley house, and the moral influence of her father, Atticus Finch. The narrative begins in the summer of 1933 (when Scout is nearly six years old) in the fictional town of Maycomb, which was inspired by Lee’s upbringing in Monroeville, Alabama. Scout’s narrative voice often shifts between her youthful viewpoint and her retrospective, older self which imbues the narrative with a maturity, credibility and immediacy. [AO1] Throughout the novel, Jem acts as a mentor to Scout, teaching her about the class structure of Maycomb and its prejudices too. Initially, both Scout and Jem harbour childish fears of Boo Radley, believing him to be monstrous: “Inside the house lived a malevolent phantom. People said he existed, but Jem and I had never seen him”. Lee depicts Scout’s naive fears regarding the unknown and mysterious figure of Boo Radley but she gradually learns to confront her prejudices, realising that he is a vulnerable but kind man. [AO1] The first-person narrative enables the reader to witness the impact of Scout’s experiences such as when she recognises the bitterness in the Black community towards her at Calpurnia’s church. This adds realism and authenticity. [AO1]

As the novel progresses, Lee portrays Scout’s transition from childhood innocence. She is strengthened by her experiences and learns a great deal as the narrative progresses. A youthful Scout is unable to comprehend the significance of Walter’s reluctance to accept the money nor does she fully grasp the socio-economic difference between their families, but as she matures she recognises the impact of her lack of sensitivity towards Walter. Similarly, through the views of Aunt Alexandra, Scout understands her non-conformity and rejection of the “Southern Belle” archetype, and begins to understand the societal expectations of women, but chooses to wear unconventional “overalls” and “britches” which symbolises her independent and rebellious nature. [AO1]

Scout’s growing maturity is also portrayed in her understanding of racial injustice during Tom Robinson’s trial. Tom Robinson’s trial has a profound effect on Scout; the reader realises just how much the trial exposes Scout to the racial divisions in society and the inherent prejudices within the community of Maycomb. She learns about social division too, that there are ‘”four kinds of folks in the world”, with the Black community at the bottom of the hierarchy. Even though the abolition of slavery came about after the American Civil War in 1865, the lives of Black people in the 1930s were far from free and equal as Lee clearly depicts. [AO4] Although Scout has a combative streak, her naïve faith in the goodness of the people in Maycomb is tested by the hatred and prejudice that emerges during Tom Robinson’s trial. As the innocent narrator of the novel’s events, Scout enables the reader to see the horrors of injustice and prejudice in Maycomb society. Scout’s childhood innocence is lost as she witnesses the racism that was widespread in the South, which made it impossible for a man such as Tom Robinson to receive a fair trial. After witnessing his trial, her naïve belief that truth and justice will prevail is shattered. Through the example of Atticus, she learns the true meaning of courage and comes to understand the reality of society’s prejudice. As a result, Scout gradually becomes more worldly. [AO1]

Harper Lee presents Scout’s transition from childhood innocence to a more adult perspective throughout the novel. As a character, she is strengthened by her experiences and she learns self-awareness, empathy and compassion for others as the narrative progresses.