Missing ones

Missing ones

Compare the ways in which poets explore the experiences of motherhood in The Deliverer by Tishani Doshi and one other poem of your choice from Poems of the Decade: An Anthology of the Forward Books of Poetry 2002–2011.
In your answer, you should consider the following:
the poets’ development of themes

the poets’ use of language and imagery

the use of other poetic techniques

✅ Pairing suggestion: Material (Ros Barber) – contrasts Doshi’s global, tragic lens on discarded children with Barber’s nostalgic, personal reflection on motherhood and generational shifts.
Candidates may include the following in their answers:
Doshi presents motherhood as overshadowed by cultural traditions, where daughters are unwanted, e.g. “crippled” or “tied to bamboo poles.”

Motherhood is shown as devalued when babies are abandoned, e.g. “This is the one my mother will bring,” highlighting selective worth.

The cyclical suffering of women is emphasised, e.g. “Trudge home to lie down for their men again,” suggesting repetition without change.

Stark and clinical imagery removes sentimentality from birth, e.g. “on video tapes,” detaching the child from the mother’s immediate presence.

The use of isolated single lines heightens the impact of particular maternal moments, e.g. “The parents wait at the gates.”

References to specific, ordinary details of birth (e.g. “the day of her birth”) contrast expected maternal joy with harsh reality.

The division of the poem into three parts reflects fragmented motherhood, shifting between birth, abandonment, and adoption.

2, Compare the ways in which poets explore the effects of age and physical change in To My Nine-Year-Old Self by Helen Dunmore and one other poem of your choice from Poems of the Decade: An Anthology of the Forward Books of Poetry 2002–2011.
In your answer, you should consider the following:
the poets’ development of themes

the poets’ use of language and imagery

the use of other poetic techniques.

Candidates may include the following in their answers:
the poem addresses the younger self directly, highlighting the contrast between past energy and present physical limitations, e.g. ‘You must forgive me’

presentation of the child as energetic, adventurous, and physically free, e.g. ‘run and climb and throw’; ‘walk on your hands’; ‘squandered your body’s gold’

sense of nostalgia and regret at the loss of youthful vitality, e.g. ‘I leave you in an ecstasy / of concentration’

the older speaker’s acknowledgment of the body’s decline, e.g. ‘I have nothing to say’; ‘a balance I have lost’

images of scars and injuries suggest how physical change is inscribed on the body, e.g. ‘bruised foot’; ‘the scar / still tucked behind your ear’

tension between admiration for the younger self’s energy and sadness at present limitations, e.g. ‘you are taller, more beautiful’

shift in tone from celebratory description of youth to reflective acceptance of aging

free verse and conversational style reinforce the intimate, reflective nature of the address

use of enjambment mirrors the flow of memory and movement between past and present

the poem’s second-person voice creates immediacy, as though in dialogue with the past self, intensifying the contrast between ages

Compare the ways in which poets explore power and control in relationships in Eat Me by Patience Agbabi and one other poem of your choice from Poems of the Decade: An Anthology of the Forward Books of Poetry 2002–2011.
In your answer, you should consider the following:
the poets’ development of themes

the poets’ use of language and imagery

the use of other poetic techniques.
Eat Me
All reasonable and relevant interpretations of 'power and control in relationships'
should be rewarded. A pertinent choice of second poem might be The Gun by Vicki Feaver.
Candidates may include the following in their answers:
the central theme of the poem is a relationship defined by control, dominance and objectification, e.g. the speaker is compelled to eat to fulfil the desires of her partner

use of the dramatic monologue form allows the reader access to the speaker’s thoughts while also emphasising the imbalance of power in the relationship

the poem’s title itself acts as a command, establishing the motif of dominance and submission that runs throughout

the use of language of consumption, appetite, and excess conveys control through feeding and restriction, e.g. ‘he said, Open wide’, ‘I was his Jacuzzi’, ‘big girls are beautiful’

imagery of size and physicality conveys the way the partner exerts ownership and manipulates her body, e.g. ‘broad belly wobble, hips judder like a juggernaut’

the partner is presented as manipulative but also enabling, using food as a tool of dominance, e.g. ‘I was a fat female whale’

the speaker, however, gains a moment of agency and power in the poem’s ending, where she turns her physicality against him, suggesting a reversal of control, e.g. ‘I rolled and he drowned in my flesh’

use of half-rhyme, irregular rhythm and enjambment creates both fluidity and a sense of imbalance, reflecting the shifting dynamic of power and submission

the cyclical tone of indulgence and rebellion mirrors the unstable nature of relationships structured around control.

Question 1

“Hosseini presents childhood actions as having long-lasting consequences.”
In the light of this statement, explore Hosseini’s presentation of guilt and the impact of betrayal in The Kite Runner.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
(Total for Question = 25 marks)

Question 2

“Hosseini’s novel shows that father-son relationships can be both complicated and defining.”
In the light of this statement, explore Hosseini’s presentation of father-son relationships in The Kite Runner.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
(Total for Question = 25 marks)

Question 1

“Hosseini presents childhood actions as having long-lasting consequences.”
In the light of this statement, explore Hosseini’s presentation of guilt and the impact of betrayal in The Kite Runner.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
Candidates may include the following in their answers:
Amir’s betrayal of Hassan during the kite tournament and its immediate consequences, e.g. Amir’s failure to intervene during Hassan’s assault

Amir’s subsequent feelings of guilt, shame, and self-loathing, e.g. hiding behind the kite, manipulating Hassan to leave

framing of Hassan for theft as a further consequence of Amir’s betrayal and guilt, leading to Hassan and Ali leaving Baba’s house

use of the first-person narrative to provide insight into Amir’s guilt and remorse

the enduring impact of childhood actions in adulthood, e.g. Amir’s memories haunting him in America, his difficulty forming authentic relationships

interplay of personal betrayal with broader social and ethnic hierarchies, e.g. Amir’s privilege as a Pashtun enabling his betrayal

depiction of the psychological burden of guilt and the need for redemption, e.g. Rahim Khan’s call, “There is a way to be good again”

use of contrast between innocence and wrongdoing to highlight the moral consequences of early actions

influence of Afghan cultural and historical context on characters’ understanding of loyalty, honor, and betrayal

Question 2

“Hosseini’s novel shows that father-son relationships can be both complicated and defining.”
In the light of this statement, explore Hosseini’s presentation of father-son relationships in The Kite Runner.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
Candidates may include the following in their answers:
Amir’s desire for Baba’s approval as a central motivator for his actions, e.g. kite-fighting tournament as a means to earn praise

Baba’s expectations of courage, strength, and moral character contrasted with Amir’s sensitivity and literary interests

evolution of father-son relationships in exile, e.g. shared experiences in America, Baba’s adaptation to menial work, and continued parental influence

use of dialogue and internal thoughts to reveal tension and affection between father and son

moments of reconciliation or mutual understanding, e.g. Amir supporting Baba in America, gradual recognition of each other’s strengths and vulnerabilities

depiction of father-son dynamics as culturally influenced, e.g. Afghan ideals of masculinity, honor, and paternal responsibility

influence of past actions and secrets on relationships, e.g. revelations about Hassan’s paternity adding complexity to Amir and Baba’s bond

use of contrast between childhood and adulthood to explore changing perceptions of fathers and sons

narrative structure emphasizing memory and reflection to examine the long-term impact of father-son relationships

Question 3

“Hosseini presents Afghan society as divided by ethnic and social prejudice.”
In the light of this statement, explore Hosseini’s presentation of racial and social divisions in The Kite Runner.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
(Total for Question = 25 marks)

Question 4

“Hosseini’s novel explores how exile affects identity and family relationships.”
In the light of this statement, explore Hosseini’s presentation of exile and assimilation in The Kite Runner.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
(Total for Question = 25 marks)

Question 5

“Hosseini shows that redemption is possible, but it requires confronting the past.”
In the light of this statement, explore Hosseini’s presentation of the path to redemption in The Kite Runner.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
(Total for Question = 25 marks)

Question 6

“Hosseini presents Afghanistan as a place where personal and political upheaval are closely intertwined.”
In the light of this statement, explore Hosseini’s presentation of political change and its effects on ordinary lives in The Kite Runner.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
(Total for Question = 25 marks)

Question 7

“Hosseini explores how jealousy and envy can damage friendships.”
In the light of this statement, explore Hosseini’s presentation of Amir and Hassan’s relationship in The Kite Runner.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
(Total for Question = 25 marks)
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“Hosseini presents childhood actions as having long-lasting consequences.”
→ Focuses on guilt and betrayal.
Why best: Chapters 1–14 give lots of material (kite tournament, assault, framing Hassan, Rahim Khan’s phone call). Exam-ready and directly engages students with text.

“Hosseini’s novel shows that father-son relationships can be both complicated and defining.”
→ Focuses on Baba-Amir relationship.
Why best: Strong textual support in Chapters 1–19 (Kabul childhood, America exile, Baba’s death). Very exam-friendly.

“Hosseini presents Afghan society as divided by ethnic and social prejudice.”
→ Focuses on Pashtun-Hazara divisions.
Why best: Clear examples from Chapters 1–9 (Hassan’s treatment, Assef, class hierarchy). Very visible in the text.

“Hosseini explores how jealousy and envy can damage friendships.”
→ Focuses on Amir-Hassan dynamic.
Why best: Central to Chapters 1–9 (Amir’s envy, betrayal, kite tournament). Easy to find textual evidence.

“Hosseini’s novel shows the impact of political change on ordinary lives.”
→ Focuses on political upheaval.
Why best: Chapters 8–9 foreshadow instability, setting up exile. Students can connect personal and political.

OTHELLO

Question 1

‘In Othello, Shakespeare presents the manipulation of others as a driving force behind conflict.’
In the light of this statement, explore how Shakespeare presents manipulation in Othello.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
(Total for Question = 25 marks)

Question 2

‘Othello depicts the fragility of trust in relationships and its consequences.’
In the light of this statement, explore Shakespeare’s presentation of trust and suspicion in Othello.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
(Total for Question = 25 marks)

Question 3

‘Shakespeare presents the tension between appearance and reality as central to the drama.’
In the light of this statement, explore how Shakespeare develops the theme of appearance versus reality in Othello.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
(Total for Question = 25 marks)

Question 1

‘In Othello, Shakespeare presents the manipulation of others as a driving force behind conflict.’
Candidates may refer to the following in their answers:
Iago’s manipulation of Roderigo to serve his own ends, e.g. promising Desdemona while inciting anger at Othello in Act 1, Scene 1

Iago’s manipulation of Brabantio, e.g. using rhetoric to provoke outrage over Desdemona’s elopement

use of soliloquies to reveal Iago’s duplicity and plotting, e.g. ‘I am not what I am’

manipulation of Cassio and Othello indirectly, e.g. planting seeds of doubt and orchestrating opportunities for misperception

dramatic irony in showing the audience Iago’s schemes while other characters remain unaware, e.g. Act 2, Scene 1 discussions of Cyprus

manipulation as a driver of plot and conflict, e.g. escalating tensions between Othello and Desdemona, Othello and Cassio

contextual understanding of Elizabethan/Machiavellian villains as a lens for Iago’s behavior

use of juxtaposition between Iago’s outward honesty and inner scheming to heighten tension

Question 2

‘Othello depicts the fragility of trust in relationships and its consequences.’
Candidates may refer to the following in their answers:
Othello’s trust in Iago as “honest Iago,” demonstrating the ease with which trust can be exploited

Desdemona’s unquestioning trust in Othello, contrasted with Othello’s growing suspicion

the breakdown of trust between Othello and Cassio, e.g. Iago’s insinuations in Act 2, Scene 3

use of language and rhetorical questioning to reflect Othello’s insecurity, e.g. repeated questioning about Desdemona’s fidelity

dramatic irony highlighting audience awareness of deception versus characters’ misplaced trust

exploration of trust in the context of patriarchal expectations and gender, e.g. societal pressures on women to be obedient and faithful

impact of betrayal on relationships and emotional states, e.g. Othello’s jealousy and eventual alienation

contextual understanding of early modern concepts of honour, reputation, and trust as underpinning character behaviour

Question 3

‘Shakespeare presents the tension between appearance and reality as central to the drama.’
Candidates may refer to the following in their answers:
Iago’s outward appearance of honesty contrasted with his inner scheming, e.g. Act 1, Scene 1 and Act 2, Scene 1 soliloquies

Cassio’s reputation and actions misrepresented through Iago’s insinuations, e.g. Act 2, Scene 3 interactions with Desdemona

Othello’s perception of Desdemona and the evidence he believes, highlighting how appearances mislead him

use of dramatic irony to allow the audience to see the reality behind appearances

manipulation of language and suggestion by Iago to distort reality for others

tension between public persona and private intentions, e.g. Brabantio’s shock at Desdemona’s elopement

contextual reference to Elizabethan concerns with honour, reputation, and deception

structural techniques, e.g. soliloquies and asides, that emphasise the contrast between what is seen and what is true

Question 1

‘In A Streetcar Named Desire, Williams presents the tension between illusion and reality as a source of both sympathy and unease.’
In the light of this statement, explore how Williams presents the interplay of illusion and reality in the play.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
(Total for Question = 25 marks)

Question 2

‘Williams uses the setting of New Orleans to reflect social change and the decline of old Southern values.’
In the light of this statement, explore how Williams presents the role of place and environment in shaping conflict in A Streetcar Named Desire.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
(Total for Question = 25 marks)

Question 3

‘In A Streetcar Named Desire, Williams explores how power is exerted and contested through gender and sexuality.’
In the light of this statement, explore how Williams presents power and control in relationships.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
(Total for Question = 25 marks)

Question 4

‘Williams presents desire as a destructive and transformative force in the lives of the characters.’
In the light of this statement, explore how Williams presents the effects of desire on Blanche, Stanley, and other characters.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
(Total for Question = 25 marks)

Question 5

‘Williams uses music, sound, and other stage effects to reinforce tension and emotional states in the play.’
In the light of this statement, explore how Williams’ use of auditory and visual techniques shapes audience response.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
(Total for Question = 25 marks)

Question 1

‘In A Streetcar Named Desire, Williams presents the tension between the old Southern gentility and the new, working-class environment.’
In the light of this statement, explore how Williams presents cultural and social conflict in the first four scenes.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
(Total for Question = 25 marks)

Question 2

‘Blanche’s need for control and illusion is central to the drama in A Streetcar Named Desire.’
In the light of this statement, explore how Williams presents Blanche’s use of deception and pretense in Scenes 1–4.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
(Total for Question = 25 marks)

Question 3

‘Williams presents desire as both a driving force and a source of conflict in the play.’
In the light of this statement, explore how Williams presents the influence of sexual and romantic desire in Scenes 1–4.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
(Total for Question = 25 marks)

Question 4

‘In A Streetcar Named Desire, power and control are negotiated through gender and social roles.’
In the light of this statement, explore how Williams presents dynamics of power and authority in the first four scenes.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
(Total for Question = 25 marks)

Question 5

‘Williams uses stage directions, sound, and music to reflect characters’ emotions and foreshadow conflict.’
In the light of this statement, explore how Williams uses auditory and visual techniques in Scenes 1–4.
In your answer, you must consider relevant contextual factors.
(Total for Question = 25 marks)

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