Read the extract below from 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck. Then answer Question 1. Extract: George stared at the water. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the dusty path. Lennie, oblivious, splashed his hands in the stream, giggling softly. 'Don't you go messin' with that water, Lennie,' George said, his voice flat. 'We ain't got time for your games. We got work to do.' Lennie's face fell. He looked like a startled animal, his large eyes wide and innocent. George sighed, the sound heavy with resignation. He knew it was no use. Lennie would always be Lennie. And George would always be there to clean up the mess.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme. The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Question 1(a): How does Steinbeck present the relationship between George and Lennie in this extract? (10 marks)
2. Level 5 (9-10 marks): Perceptive and detailed analysis of Steinbeck's methods, showing a sophisticated understanding of the relationship presented in the extract. Excellent use of textual evidence.
3. Level 4 (7-8 marks): Good analysis of Steinbeck's methods, showing a clear understanding of the relationship presented in the extract. Good use of textual evidence.
4. Level 3 (5-6 marks): Sound understanding of the relationship, with some analysis of Steinbeck's methods. Good use of textual evidence, though perhaps less detailed.
5. Level 2 (3-4 marks): Limited understanding of the relationship, with basic identification of some methods. Some textual reference, but may be descriptive.
6. Level 1 (1-2 marks): Minimal understanding, with little or no analysis. Limited or irrelevant textual reference.
7. Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable material.
8. Indicative content for 1(a):
9. - The contrast between George's weariness/frustration ('voice flat', 'heavy with resignation') and Lennie's child-like innocence/dependency ('splashed his hands', 'giggling softly', 'startled animal').
10. - George's protectiveness and awareness of Lennie's vulnerability (e.g., 'Don't you go messin' with that water').
11. - Lennie's instant obedience/reaction ('Lennie's face fell').
12. - Steinbeck's use of direct speech, descriptive language, and imagery to highlight the dynamic.
13. - The burden George feels balanced with an underlying care.
14. Question 1(b): Explore how Steinbeck presents George's sense of responsibility towards Lennie throughout the novel. (20 marks)
15. Level 5 (17-20 marks): Perceptive and convincing exploration of George's responsibility, developed with detailed textual support. Sophisticated analysis of themes, character, and authorial intent across the novel.
16. Level 4 (13-16 marks): Good exploration of George's responsibility, with relevant and well-chosen textual support. Clear analysis of how it develops throughout the novel.
17. Level 3 (9-12 marks): Sound exploration of George's responsibility, with relevant textual support. Some analysis of how it develops throughout the novel, though may be less consistent.
18. Level 2 (5-8 marks): Limited exploration of George's responsibility, relying on basic plot points. Some textual reference, but analysis is minimal.
19. Level 1 (1-4 marks): Minimal understanding of George's responsibility or the novel's themes. Limited or irrelevant textual reference.
20. Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable material.
21. Indicative content for 1(b):
22. - Early life and promises to Aunt Clara: George's initial burden and how he came to care for Lennie.
23. - Protection from trouble: Incidents like Weed, preventing Lennie from speaking, hiding dead mouse/puppy, shielding him from Curley's rage.
24. - The shared dream: George's role in maintaining the dream, even as he knows its futility, as a way to give Lennie hope and a purpose.
25. - George's internal conflict: His frustration and desire for a life without Lennie vs. his deep-seated loyalty and compassion.
26. - The climax: The decision to kill Lennie as the ultimate act of responsibility, saving him from a worse fate and protecting his friend from the mob.
27. - Steinbeck's portrayal of responsibility as both a burden and a source of companionship, exploring themes of friendship, loneliness, and the harsh realities of the American Dream.