Mark Scheme And Model Answer (OCR GCSE English Literature): Model Answers

Mark Scheme

• Mark Scheme: The answer will be marked primarily on AO2 (50%), which focuses on the analysis of how language, form, and structure create meaning. AO1 (25%) assesses your understanding of the passage and its place in the wider text, and AO3 (25%) evaluates your contextual understanding. The top marks are awarded for consistently detailed and precise analysis, effective use of quotations, and fluent, accurate writing.

Model Answer

The extract:

'My name is on the first leaf. If you can ever write under my name, "I forgive her," though ever so long after my broken heart is dust – pray do it!' 'Oh, Miss Havisham,' said I, 'I can do it now. There have been sore mistakes, and my life has been a blind and thankless one; and I want forgiveness and direction far too much, to be bitter with you.' She turned her face to me for the first time since she had averted it, and, to my amazement, I may even add to my terror, dropped on her knees at my feet; with her folded hands raised to me in the manner in which, when her poor heart was young and fresh and whole, they must often have been raised to Heaven from her mother's side. To see her with her white hair and her worn face kneeling at my feet, gave me a shock through all my frame. I entreated her to rise, and got my arms about her to help her up; but she only pressed that hand of mine which was nearest to her grasp, and hung her head over it and wept. I had never seen her shed a tear before, and in the hope that the relief might do her good, I bent over her without speaking. She was not kneeling now, but was down upon the ground. 'Oh!' she cried, despairingly. 'What have I done! What have I done!

In Great Expectations, Charles Dickens presents acts of forgiveness as complex and meaningful moments that reveal the emotional depth of his characters and convey important themes about personal growth and society. The scene where Miss Havisham asks Pip for forgiveness is a powerful example of this, showing how forgiveness can lead to personal redemption and highlighting the challenges of both seeking and giving it.

Miss Havisham's plea, "If you can ever write under my name, 'I forgive her,' though ever so long after my broken heart is dust – pray do it!" marks a crucial moment in her character development. Throughout much of the novel, Miss Havisham is shown as a bitter, vengeful woman, driven by her own heartbreak to hurt others. Her request for forgiveness shows that she has become aware of the harm she's caused and is genuinely remorseful. Dickens uses this moment to illustrate that seeking forgiveness isn't just about making things right with others but also about facing one's own guilt and the consequences of one's actions.

Pip's response, where he says, "I can do it now," is just as important. It shows how much Pip has grown from a self-centred young man into someone more empathetic and understanding. Earlier in the novel, Pip is often focused on his own desires, sometimes hurting others in the process. But in this moment, his willingness to forgive Miss Havisham demonstrates his maturity and recognition of the complexities of human emotions. By forgiving her, Pip not only offers her a chance at peace but also frees himself from the bitterness that could have otherwise held him back. This exchange between them highlights how forgiveness can bring relief and healing to both the forgiver and the forgiven.

The physical imagery in this passage—Miss Havisham dropping to her knees and crying—adds depth to the theme of forgiveness. Her act of kneeling, which suggests repentance and vulnerability, contrasts sharply with her earlier portrayal as a powerful, almost menacing figure. The description of her "white hair" and "worn face" as she kneels before Pip emphasises the weight of her guilt and the sincerity of her plea for forgiveness. Dickens uses this imagery to suggest that true forgiveness often requires a humbling of oneself, an acknowledgement of wrongdoing, and a sincere desire for redemption.

Throughout the novel, the theme of forgiveness is also explored in Pip's relationship with Joe and Biddy. Pip's eventual forgiveness of Joe and Biddy, after initially feeling ashamed of them, is another significant moment that illustrates his growth and newfound maturity. This forgiveness is not just about making peace with them but also about Pip forgiving himself for his mistakes and the pain he has caused. Similarly, Magwitch's forgiveness of society, despite the harsh treatment he has endured, reinforces the novel's message that forgiveness can lead to healing and redemption, even in the most difficult situations.

In conclusion, Dickens uses acts of forgiveness in Great Expectations to explore the emotional complexity of his characters and to convey important themes about redemption, growth, and empathy. The scene with Miss Havisham is a clear example of how seeking and offering forgiveness can lead to powerful changes in the characters, helping them to confront their past mistakes and move forwards. Through these moments, Dickens suggests that forgiveness, though challenging, is essential for personal and social healing.