Exploring modern texts1 hour 30 minutes

The exam – Tuesday 20 MaySection A – The Woman in Black Answer one question from a choice of two. Spend 45 minutes answering the question.

Section B – Of Mice and Men Answer both part a and part b Spend 25 minutes on part a and 20 minutes on b.

Part a will ask pupils to respond to a specific: theme or character in the extract.

Part b will be a question about how the specific theme or character is explored in the text as a whole. In this part you must show that you understand the context of the era.

Example questionsPart (a) In this passage, how does Steinbeck present Slim? Refer closely

to the passage in your answer.

and then Part (b) In the rest of the novel, how does Steinbeck show that some

people on the ranch are considered more important than others? How does this reflect the society in which the novel is set?

(30 marks) SPaG: (4 marks)

Part A You must focus on the extract. Identify 4 quotes from the extract and ensure you

use PQEL to talk about the language/structure (AO2) Steinbeck has chosen.

Try to make some reference to context (AO4)

Symbolism Animals are symbolic of cruelty of life in 1930s. Hands are an important tool on the ranch and are

symbolic of the role of the migrant worker. Light and Dark – generally indoors are where negative

things happen, outdoors/nature are positive. Symbolic of the racial segregation of the time? Think about the irony in Curley’s wife being killed in the barn - supposedly safe place where animals can find shelter and warmth.

Nature is symbolic of safety – the river is a safe sanctuary for George and Lennie

Structure Novella but written like a play 6 chapters each an extended episode in the same place. Cyclical – nature starts and ends the novel. Suggesting

life of migrant worker – cannot escape. Each chapter starts with a description of the setting. Steinbeck’s use of foreshadowing: Girl in Weed with red

dress, escape plan already agreed, shooting of Candy’s dog and increased violence from Lennie (mouse, hand, dog, Curley’s wife)

Language Simple writing style - beginning of each chapter

describes setting but most of novel uses dialogue. Dialogue – characters given opportunity to tell

their story – voice to men who were powerless Realistic language of 1930s itinerant workers –

swearing, racist language, sexist language 3rd person omniscient author – hidden. How does

this make the reader feel? Imagery

Part b 20 minutes. 3 PQELs. Using quotes from across the book. Demonstrate understanding of the social, cultural

and historical contexts (AO4).

Part B – characters are archetypes/symbols of the era and ranch could be seen as microcosm of 1930s USA

What does each character symbolise about 1930s USA?

Complete your chart in pairs considering what each character represents about 1930s USA.

Part B – characters are archetypes/symbols of the era and ranch could be seen as microcosm of 1930s USA Lennie - people who are mistreated/discriminated because of their mental

handicaps. Curley’s wife- Eve. Also symbolic of women everywhere who are repressed

by patriarchal societies. Curley - "small" people who may feel inferior and overcompensate by

inflating or flaunting their power and status. Crooks - people who are discriminated against because of their race. Candy - people who are undervalued and discriminated against because of

their age. Carlson - people who are oblivious to the feelings of others, and who can

only be concerned about something if it affects them personally. Slim – the hero, king, or leader. He represents those few who, in their

wisdom and strength, seem larger than life. George is symbolic of "the everyman" – the type of normal, average person

who is found everywhere and whose feelings and actions are neither exceptional nor terrible.

Social, cultural and historical context Set against the background of the Great Depression. The

contrast between the driving force of American capitalism in the 1920s and the economic hardships of the 1930s is highlighted through the way the characters articulate their own version of the American dream, and the fact that they will never be able to realise their version of this dream.

Other aspects of American society – such as the role of women, civil rights and the growing influence of Hollywood – are present in the narrative.

The book makes a plea for sympathy and understanding for the lonely, the excluded and the vulnerable; it is permeated by an understanding, based on Christianity, that human beings are fundamentally flawed.

Past questions