Explore how Keatley presents the changes in the relationship between Jackie and Rosie as the play develops. Refer in detail to the play in your answer.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2010). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Jackie has lived a lie as far as Rosie is concerned for the first 15 years of Rosie's life and the revelation of the truth brings about a huge change in their relationship.
2. As she hands Rosie, at three months of age, over to Margaret, Jackie feels guilty and somewhat ashamed, but that gradually changes and she becomes a prosperous big sister providing treats for her baby 'sister'.
3. The truth about Rosie's origin is explosive and changes the relationship dramatically between mother and daughter.
4. Keatley is equivocal about how the relationship develops in the future: in her final scene Rosie is happy living with Doris and makes plain her love for her great-grandmother; she has Jackie appear in the background dressed as she was during the conflagration.
5. Candidates should refer to material throughout the play that is relevant to this question for creditable reward.
6. Reserve the highest recognition for those who probe Keatley's writing and search for the subtlety of her innuendo.