Paper 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature

Shakespeare's shortest and most intense tragedy. Macbeth, a Scottish nobleman, is tempted by witches' prophecies and his wife's ambition to murder King Duncan and seize the throne. His reign descends into tyranny, paranoia, and bloodshed.

Romeo and Juliet

A tragedy of two young lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families in Verona. The play explores the destructive power of hate and the intensity of youthful love.

The Merchant of Venice

Bassanio borrows money from the Jewish moneylender Shylock (via Antonio) to woo Portia. When Antonio cannot repay, Shylock demands a pound of flesh. The play raises complex questions about justice, mercy, prejudice, and wealth.

Twelfth Night

A comedy of mistaken identity. Viola, shipwrecked in Illyria, disguises herself as "Cesario" and enters the service of Duke Orsino, whom she secretly loves. A tangled web of love and deception unfolds.

Much Ado About Nothing

A comedy set in Messina where Beatrice and Benedick spar verbally while their friends plot to bring them together. A darker subplot involves the slander of Hero by Don John. The play examines honour, deception, and the nature of love.

Inspector Goole visits the Birling family to investigate the suicide of a young woman, Eva Smith. Each family member is revealed to have played a part. Priestley uses the play to critique capitalist selfishness and promote social responsibility.

Lord of the Flies - William Golding (1954)

A group of boys are stranded on an uninhabited island after a plane crash. Initially attempting democracy, they descend into savagery. Golding explores innate human evil and the fragility of civilisation.

Animal Farm - George Orwell (1945)

An allegorical novella where farm animals overthrow their human farmer, only for the pigs to establish a new tyranny. Orwell satirises the Russian Revolution and Stalinist corruption.

The Woman in Black - Susan Hill (1983)

Arthur Kipps, a young solicitor, travels to the remote Eel Marsh House to settle a deceased client's estate. He encounters the ghostly Woman in Black, whose appearances are linked to the deaths of children. A modern Gothic novel drawing on Victorian ghost story traditions.

Anita and Me - Meera Syal (1996)

Nine-year-old Meena Kumar grows up as the daughter of Punjabi parents in a 1960s Black Country village. She becomes fascinated by the bold, rebellious Anita Rutter. A coming-of-age story exploring cultural identity, belonging, and growing up between two worlds.