EMMA

June 2004

(a) ‘Snobbish, self-centred and patronising …’ Consider the role and characterisation of Emma
Woodhouse in the light of this criticism of her.

(b) Write a critical appreciation of the following passage, relating it to Austen’s methods and
concerns in the novel as a whole.

She must communicate the painful truth, however, and as soon as

“Harriet,” cried Emma, collecting herself resolutely, “let us understand each other
now, without the possibility of further mistake. Are you speaking of—Mr. Knightley?”

From Chapter 47

November 2004

(a) How important are social and class distinctions to the meaning and effect of the novel as a
whole?

(b) Write a critical appreciation of the following passage, giving particular attention to Austen’s
handling of dialogue.

“How much I am obliged to you,” said he, “for telling me to come today! If it had

“Ah! well—to be sure. Yes, I see what she means” (turning to Mr. Knightley), “and
I will try to hold my tongue. I must make myself very disagreeable, or she would not
have said such a thing to an old friend.”
Chapter 43
June 2005

(a) ‘It is his kindness and good sense that separate him from the other men in the novel.’ Discuss
the role and characterisation of Mr Knightley in the light of this comment.

(b) Write a critical appreciation of the following passage from Emma, relating it to Austen’s
methods and concerns in the novel as a whole.

Presently Mr. Knightley looked back, and came and sat down by her. They talked at

‘Perhaps it is as well,’ said Frank Churchill, as he attended Emma to her

carriage. ‘I must have asked Miss Fairfax, and her languid dancing would not have
agreed with me, after yours.’
Chapter 26

November 2005

(a) ‘The novel is structured around Emma’s progress into moral and emotional maturity.’
Discuss this comment on the novel Emma.
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(b) By close reference to the language and tone of the following passage from the first chapter of
Emma, discuss its significance to the novel as a whole.

Mr. Knightley shook his head at her. Her father fondly replied, “Ah! my dear, I

Depend upon it, a man of six or seven-and-twenty can take care of

himself.”
Chapter 1

June 2006

(a) ‘Emma’s view of Harriet is that she was not clever but she had a sweet, docile, grateful
disposition.’
Consider Harriet’s relationship with Emma in the light of this comment.

(b) Write a critical appreciation of the following passage, relating it to Austen’s methods and
concerns in the novel as a whole.

It may be possible to do without dancing entirely. Instances have been known of

He does not think of the draught. I do not mean to set you

against him, but indeed he is not quite the thing.’
Chapter 29

November 2006

(a) ‘Had she intended ever to marry him, it might have been worth while to pause and consider,
and try to understand the value of his preference, and the character of his temper.’
Discuss the significance of the relationship between Emma and Frank Churchill in the light of this
comment.

(b) Discuss the effects of the language, tone and dialogue in the following passage.

Soon afterwards Mr. Elton quitted them, and she could not but do him the

he anticipated nothing in the visit that could be at all

worth the purchase; and the whole of their drive to the vicarage was spent by him in
expressing his discontent.
Chapter 13

June 2016 (1)

(a) Emma tells Mr Knightley that ‘such a girl as Harriet is exactly what every man delights in.’
Discuss the role and characterisation of Harriet Smith in the light of this comment.

(b) Paying close attention to the language, tone and narrative techniques, discuss the following
passage, showing what it contributes to your understanding of Austen’s methods and concerns.

From that moment, Emma could have taken her oath that Mr. Knightley had had

‘I must have asked Miss Fairfax, and her languid dancing would not have
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agreed with me, after yours.’
Volume 2, Chapter 8

June 2016 (2)

(a) Mr Knightley says of Emma: ‘I am not to be talked out of my dislike of her intimacy with Harriet
Smith or my dread of its doing them both harm.’
Discuss the significance of the relationship between Harriet and Emma in the light of Mr
Knightley’s comment.

(b) Paying close attention to the details of the writing, discuss the following passage, showing what
it contributes to your understanding of Emma, Mr Elton and their relationship.

It would be impossible to say what Emma felt, on hearing this — which of all her

The compliment was just returned, coldly

and proudly; and, under indescribable irritation of spirits, she was then conveyed to
Hartfield.
Volume 1, Chapter 15

June 2016 (3)

(a) Compare and contrast the roles and characterisation of Harriet Smith and Jane Fairfax.

(b) Paying close attention to language, tone and narrative techniques, discuss the following
passage, showing what it contributes to your understanding of Austen’s methods and concerns.

She was just as determined when the morrow came, and went early, that

She will be extremely sorry to miss seeing you, Miss Woodhouse, but your kindness will
excuse her.’
Volume 3, Chapter 8

November 2016 (1)

(a) Discuss Austen’s presentation of different attitudes to social class and status in
Emma.

(b) Paying close attention to language, tone and narrative methods, discuss the
following passage, showing what it contributes to Austen’s presentation of Emma.

The hair was curled, and the maid sent away, and Emma sat down to think and
be miserable

Miss Somebody else with twenty, or with ten.

Volume 1, Chapter 16

November 2016 (2)

(a) Emma says to Harriet: ‘I could not have visited Mrs Robert Martin, of Abbey-Mill
Farm.’
In the light of this comment discuss the significance of social class and status in the
novel Emma.

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(b) Paying close attention to Austen’s methods of characterisation, discuss the following
passage, showing what it contributes to your understanding of Mr Knightley’s role in
the novel.

Mr. Knightley, a sensible man about seven or eight-and-thirty, was not only a

being thought perfect by every body.

Volume 1, Chapter 1

June 2017 (1)

(a) Frank Churchill is described as ‘a disgrace to the name of man’.

Discuss the role and characterisation of Frank Churchill in the light of this comment.

(b) Paying close attention to the effects of the writing, discuss the following passage and
show what it contributes to your understanding of Austen’s methods and concerns.

Although in one instance the bearers of not good tidings, Mr. and Mrs. Weston’s

she so very soon proceeded to ask them

what they advised her to do, that their advice for her going was most prompt and
successful.
Volume 2, Chapter 7

June 2017 (2)

(a) A critic has said that Mr Knightley is ‘too dull and severe to be a fit husband for
Emma Woodhouse’.
In the light of this comment, discuss Austen’s presentation of the role and
characterisation of Mr Knightley.

(b) Paying close attention to the effects of the writing, discuss the following passage and
show what it contributes to your understanding of Austen’s methods and concerns.

“The evil of the distance from Enscombe,” said Mr. Weston, “is, that Mrs.

He had done his duty and could return to his son.

Volume 2, Chapter 18

June 2017 (3)

(a) What, in your view, is the significance of the relationship between Frank Churchill
and Jane Fairfax to the novel’s meaning and effects?

(b) Paying close attention to the effects of the writing, discuss the following passage and
show what it contributes to your understanding of Austen’s methods and concerns.

After tea, Mr. and Mrs. Weston, and Mr. Elton sat down with

Mr. Knightley seemed to be trying not to smile; and succeeded without

difficulty, upon Mrs. Elton’s beginning to talk to him.
Volume 2, Chapter 18

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November 2017 (1)

(a) ‘Austen suggests marriage is a business arrangement for money or status.’

In the light of this comment, discuss Austen’s presentation of marriage in the novel.

(b) Paying close attention to the effects of the writing, discuss the following passage and
show what it contributes to your understanding of Austen’s methods and concerns.

“I merely asked, whether you had known much of Miss Fairfax and her party at
Weymouth.”

Poor Mrs. Dixon! Well, I am glad she is gone

to settle in Ireland.”
Volume 2, Chapter 6

November 2017 (2)

(a) Discuss Austen’s presentation of different attitudes to marriage in the novel.

(b) Paying close attention to the effects of the writing, discuss the following passage and
show what it contributes to your understanding of Austen’s methods and concerns.

A reasonable visit paid, Mr. Weston began to move.

Emma remained very

well pleased with this beginning of the acquaintance, and could now engage to think
of them all at Randalls any hour of the day, with full confidence in their comfort.
Volume 2, Chapter 5

November 2017 (3)

(a) ‘Austen suggests marriage is a business arrangement for money or status.’

In the light of this comment, discuss Austen’s presentation of marriage in the novel.

(b) Paying close attention to the effects of the writing, discuss the following passage and
show what it contributes to your understanding of Austen’s methods and concerns.

“I merely asked, whether you had known much of Miss Fairfax and her party at
Weymouth.”

Poor Mrs. Dixon! Well, I am glad she is gone

to settle in Ireland.”
Volume 2, Chapter 6

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Measure 4 Measure
June 2006

(a) ‘The old fantastical duke of dark corners.’

What is your view of the role and characterisation of the Duke in Measure for
Measure?

(b) What might be the thoughts and feelings of an audience as the following passage
unfolds?

Scene I. A hall in Angelo’s house.

Enter ANGELO, ESCALUS, a JUSTICE, PROVOST,
Officers, and other Attendants.
Angelo: We must not make a scarecrow of the law,

Angelo: How now, sir! What’s your name, and what’s the matter?
Act 2, Scene 1

November 2006

(a) ‘… What’s open made to justice, That justice seizes.’

How ‘just’ do you find the play, Measure for Measure?

(b) With close attention to the language, tone and imagery, discuss what you learn
about Angelo at this point in the play.

Enter Angelo.
Angelo: When I would pray and think, I think and pray

As long as you or I; yet he must die.

Act 2, Scene 4
June 2007

(a) ‘I partly think

A due sincerity governed his deeds
Till he did look on me.’
How ‘sincere’ do you find Angelo in Measure for Measure?

(b) Write a critical appreciation of the following passage, commenting in particular on its
dramatic importance in the play.

Lucio: What news, friar, of the Duke?

Lucio: A very superficial, ignorant, unweighing fellow.

Act 3, Scene 2

November 2007

(a) Lucio refers to “The wanton stings and motions of the sense”.
Consider the presentation of sexual desire in Measure for Measure.

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(b) Write a critical appreciation of the following passage, commenting in particular on
how it contributes to your understanding of Isabella and Claudio.

Isabella: O, I do fear thee, Claudio; and I quake,

Claudio: Sweet sister, let me live.

Act 3, Scene 1

June 2008

(a) Discuss Shakespeare’s use of deception and disguise in Measure for Measure.

(b) How satisfying as the ending to the play do you find the following passage? You
should pay attention to the language and tone in your answer.

Provost: This is another prisoner that I sav’d,

Who should have died when Claudio lost his head;
As like almost to Claudio as himself.

What’s mine is yours, and what is yours is mine.

So, bring us to our palace, where we’ll show
What’s yet behind that’s meet you all should know.
[Exeunt.
Act 5, Scene 1

November 2008

(a) Discuss Shakespeare’s presentation of women in Measure for Measure.

(b) Write a critical appreciation of the following passage, commenting in particular on

what it reveals about the low life characters and their role in the play.

Mistress Overdone: Well, well! there’s one yonder arrested and carried to prison
was worth five thousand of you all.

Pompey: Here comes Signior Claudio, led by the provost to prison; and
there’s Madam Juliet. [Exeunt.
Act 1, Scene 2
June 2016 (1)

(a) ‘There are doubts about his morals and his leadership.’
How far and in what ways do you agree with this comment on the Duke?

(b) Paying close attention to language, tone and action, discuss the following passage,
showing its significance to the play as a whole.

Lucio: Gentle and fair, your brother kindly greets you.

Not to be weary with you, he’s in prison.

Commend me to my brother; soon at night

I’ll send him certain word of my success.
Act 1, Scene 4

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June 2016 (2)

(a) Discuss some of the dramatic effects created by Shakespeare’s use of deception
and disguise in Measure for Measure.

(b) Paying close attention to language, tone and dramatic action, discuss the following
passage, showing what it contributes to your understanding of Angelo.

Angelo: Why do you put these sayings upon me?

Subdues me quite. Ever till now,

When men were fond, I smil’d and wond’red how.
[Exit.
Act 2, Scene 2

June 2016 (3)

(a) What, in your view, does the Duke’s disguise as a friar contribute to the play’s
meaning and effects?

(b) Paying close attention to language, tone and dramatic action, consider what might
be the thoughts and feelings of an audience as the following passage unfolds.

Angelo: I think it well;

And from this testimony of your own sex,

And fit his mind to death, for his soul’s rest.

[Exit.
Act 2, Scene 4

November 2016 (1)

(a) Discuss the significance of Shakespeare’s presentation of different attitudes to

justice in Measure for Measure.

(b) Paying close attention to language, tone and action, consider what might be the
thoughts and feelings of an audience as the following passage unfolds.

Angelo: What can you vouch against him, Signior Lucio?

Is this the man that you did tell us of?

Immediate sentence then, and sequent death,

Is all the grace I beg.
Act 5, Scene 1

November 2016 (2)

(a) Angelo: What’s open made to justice,

That justice seizes.
With Angelo’s comment in mind, discuss Shakespeare’s presentation of justice in
the play.

(b) Paying close attention to language, tone and action, discuss the following passage,
showing its significance to the play as a whole.
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[The city gate.
Enter at several doors DUKE, VARRIUS, Lords;
ANGELO, ESCALUS, LUCIO, PROVOST, Officers,
and Citizens.]
Duke: My very worthy cousin, fairly met!
Our old and faithful friend, we are glad to see you.

If he be less, he’s nothing; but he’s more,

Had I more name for badness.
Act 5, Scene 1

June 2017 (1)

(a) Isabella: More than our brother is our chastity.

In the light of her comment, discuss the characterisation and role of Isabella.

(b) Paying close attention to language, tone and action, discuss the following passage
and its significance in the play.

Duke: There is our commission.

From which we would not have you warp.
Call hither,

Duke: I thank you. Fare you well.

Act 1, Scene 1
June 2017 (2)

(a) Claudio: This day my sister should the cloister enter.

What does Isabella’s religious faith and intention to become a nun contribute to the
play’s meanings and effects?

(b) Paying close attention to language, tone and action, discuss the following passage
and show what it contributes to your understanding of Lucio and the Duke.

Lucio: It was a mad fantastical trick of him to steal from the state
and usurp the beggary he was never born to. Lord Angelo
dukes it well in his absence; he puts transgression to’t.

Lucio: Sir, my name is Lucio, well known to the Duke.

Duke: He shall know you better, sir, if I may live to report you.
Act 3, Scene 2

June 2017 (3)

(a) Compare and contrast the roles and characterisation of Lucio and Claudio.

(b) Paying close attention to language, tone and action, discuss the following passage
and its significance in the play.

Duke: I do make myself believe that you may most

uprighteously do a poor wronged lady a merited benefit;

Isabella: I thank you for this comfort. Fare you well, good father.
[Exeunt severally.
Act 3, Scene 1
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November 2017 (1)

(a) The Duke describes Angelo as ‘a man of stricture and firm abstinence’.
How far and in what ways does Shakespeare’s presentation of Angelo support the
Duke’s comment?

(b) Paying close attention to language, tone and action, discuss the following passage,
showing what it contributes to your understanding of Claudio and Isabella.

Isabella: Yes, brother, you may live:

Can lay on nature is a paradise

To what we fear of death.
Act 3, Scene 1

November 2017 (2)

(a) Angelo: I crave death more willingly than mercy,

Tis my deserving and I do entreat it.
How far does Shakespeare’s presentation of Angelo demonstrate that he gets what
he deserves at the end of the play?

(b) Paying close attention to language, tone and action, consider what might be the
thoughts and feelings of an audience as the following passage unfolds.

Claudio: Sweet sister, let me live.

What sin you do to save a brother’s life,

But, O,
how much is the good Duke deceiv’d in Angelo! If ever he
return, and I can speak to him, I will open my lips in vain,
or discover his government.
Act 3, Scene 1

November 2017 (3)

(a) The Duke describes Angelo as ‘a man of stricture and firm abstinence’.
How far and in what ways does Shakespeare’s presentation of Angelo support the
Duke’s comment?

(b) Paying close attention to language, tone and action, discuss the following passage,
showing what it contributes to your understanding of Claudio and Isabella.

Isabella: Yes, brother, you may live:

There is a devilish mercy in the judge,

To what we fear of death.

Act 3, Scene 1

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