GCSE Edexcel english literature paper 2

permanent-facet

Do they ask a question on either theme or character for the 19th century novel?

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DataVenia

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Original post by permanent-facet

Do they ask a question on either theme or character for the 19th century novel?

According to the specification, which you can find here:

"● Section A – 19th-century novel: students complete a two part question.
● Part 1 is focussed on a close language analysis of an extract of approximately 400 words.
● Part 2 questions may focus on different aspects of the text, requiring exploration of one of more of the following areas: plot, setting(s), character(s),
theme(s)."

By "one of more of the following areas" I assume they mean "one or more of the following areas". So the specification allows them to ask about multiple areas of those listed.

However, if you look at past papers (which you can find here), you'll can get a better idea of what they ask in reality. For example, if you were studying Jane Eyre in 2023 you'd have been presented with this question (following an extract):

"1 (a) Explore how Brontë presents what Jane Eyre sees and hears in this extract.
Give examples from the extract to support your ideas.
(b) In this extract, Jane hears a mysterious cry.
Explain how mysterious events are explored elsewhere in the novel.
In your answer, you must consider:
• what mysterious events occur
• the effect these mysterious events have."

I'd you'd have been studying Great Expectations the same year, following an extract you'd have received this question:

"2 (a) Explore how Dickens presents Pip’s visitor in this extract.
Give examples from the extract to support your ideas.
(b) In this extract, Pip’s visitor, later revealed as Magwitch, says that he has been
looking forward to seeing Pip for a long time.
Explain the importance of Magwitch elsewhere in the novel.
In your answer, you must consider:
• what Magwitch says and does
• the effect Magwitch has on Pip."