Structuring the Shakespeare Essay (AQA GCSE English Literature): Model Answers
Shakespeare Essay Planning and Structure Guide
- Read the question carefully and identify which characters or themes you need to focus on.
Think back to your revision notes. What is your opinion about this character or theme?
For each character:
- Consider why they are important in the play. Why do you think Shakespeare included this character?
- Consider how the character changes in the play. How does this character develop as the play progresses?
- Identify the key moments for this character. Which scenes do they play an important part in?
- Think of your notes about the different themes in the play. Does thinking about a theme develop your understanding of a character? How could you also talk about themes here?
- Think of your notes about the historical context of the play. Does this develop your understanding of the character?
- Analyse quotations and consider how Shakespeare has used language to tell us something about the characters.
For each theme:
- Consider why they are important in the play. Why do you think Shakespeare wants the audience to think about this issue.
- Consider how the theme changes in the play. How does this theme develop as the play progresses?
- Identify the key moments for this theme. Which scenes do they play an important part in?
- Look at your notes about the different characters in the play. Does thinking about a character develop your understanding of a theme?
- Look at your notes about the historical context of the play. Does this develop your understanding of the theme?
- Pick at least three quotations for each theme. Annotate them to consider how Shakespeare has used language to tell us something.
• Read the extract and pick out 2/3 quotations you would like to focus on. Annotate these to consider how Shakespeare has used language/structure/form for effect.
• Identify other moments in the play that you think are important in exploring your opinion about the characters/themes.
• Consider what information about historical context will help your explore your opinion.
• When planning, order your notes into 4-6 clear points you are going to make.
Aiming for top grades?
• Can you see how a particular motif is important in this extract/the whole play?
• Have you got a point to make about structure and/or form?
• Can you consider alternative opinions to your own? What do other people think about this theme or character?
• Make sure you have a clear line or argument (thesis) that answers the question.
How do you structure a paragraph for Shakespeare in English Literature Paper 1?
Example question: Explore the importance of guilt in Macbeth.
- Start with a clear point that directly answers the question:
Lady Macbeth exhibits an increasing amount of guilt as the play progresses.
- Introduce the quotation by embedding it in a sentence:
Immediately after Macbeth murders King Duncan, Lady Macbeth assures him that 'a little water clears us off this deed'...
- Analyse and explain the quote:
...which portrays how she does not yet feel guilt for the crime that has been committed, as only 'a little water' is sufficient to clear her conscience.
- Introduce further evidence (if necessary):
However, as the play continues, the audience witnesses how guilt is gradually affecting Lady Macbeth, manifesting itself through her sleepwalking where she repeats 'out damned spot'.
- Explain this evidence and make sure that you are linking back to the question:
When juxtaposed with her previous attitude, guilt evidently has an impact on the once-strong character of Lady Macbeth which eventually leads to her suicide in the final act of the play.
• Repeat this 3 times!
Points to remember:
Try to use words other than 'shows' to make your writing sound more sophisticated (portrays, demonstrates, elicits, etc.).
Include the reaction of the audience, possibly comparing a modern and contemporary audience. Use evaluative language such as evidently, clearly and effectively.