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

Extract Question

• Mark Scheme: The assessment will focus on AO2 (Analysis of Language, Structure, and Form) and AO1 (Understanding and Interpretation). To achieve the highest marks, your analysis must be detailed and well-supported, with precise use of literary terminology and a clear understanding of the extract's role within the wider play.

Essay Question

• Mark Scheme: This section is marked across all assessment objectives (AO1 to AO5). To achieve top marks, your essay must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the play, insightful analysis of language and structure, and effective engagement with context and critical perspectives. Your writing should be fluent, well-organised, and supported by precise textual evidence.

Model answer

In Romeo and Juliet, Juliet's character clearly becomes more powerful as the play progresses. At the beginning, she is portrayed as a dutiful and obedient daughter who seems to accept her parents' decisions without question. However, as the play continues, Juliet's strength and independence grow, showing her to be a much more complex and powerful character than she initially appears.

One significant moment that demonstrates Juliet's increasing power is her decision to marry Romeo in secret. Initially, Juliet appears to be a passive character who would likely follow her parents' wishes. But when she meets Romeo, she quickly takes control of her own fate by agreeing to marry him despite knowing the dangers involved due to the feud between their families. This choice shows that Juliet is not just a passive participant in her life; she is willing to take bold steps to pursue what she truly wants, even if it means defying societal expectations and her family's wishes. Her secret marriage is a clear act of independence and power, as she takes her destiny into her own hands.

Another key moment where Juliet's power is evident is when she refuses to marry Paris after Tybalt's death. Her father, Lord Capulet, insists that she marry Paris, but Juliet stands her ground and outright refuses. This is a dramatic shift from the obedient daughter we see at the beginning of the play. In this moment, Juliet is not just rebelling; she is asserting her own will and showing that she is in control of her life. By saying, "I will not marry yet," Juliet challenges her father's authority and makes it clear that she will not be forced into a decision she doesn't agree with. This act of defiance highlights Juliet's strength and her transformation into a powerful character who is not afraid to stand up for herself.

In conclusion, Juliet's journey throughout the play shows her becoming increasingly powerful, evolving from a compliant daughter into a strong-willed and independent young woman. Her secret marriage to Romeo and her refusal to marry Paris are key moments that highlight her growth in power and control over her own life. Therefore, I fully agree that Juliet becomes a much more powerful character as the play develops, ultimately shaping her own tragic fate through her bold and decisive actions.