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O-LevelLiterature in EnglishDrama2010/22 · Oct/Nov 2016 · Q525 Marks

Read this passage carefully, and then answer the question that follows it: Enter SHYLOCK, SOLANIO, ANTONIO, and Gaoler. Shylock: Gaoler, look to him. Tell not me of mercy – This is the fool that lent out money gratis. Gaoler, look to him. Antonio: Hear me yet, good Shylock. Shylock: I'll have my bond; speak not against my bond. 5 I have sworn an oath that I will have my bond. Thou call'dst me dog before thou hadst a cause, But, since I am a dog, beware my fangs; The Duke shall grant me justice. I do wonder, Thou naughty gaoler, that thou art so fond To come abroad with him at his request. 10 Antonio: I pray thee hear me speak. Shylock: I'll have my bond. I will not hear thee speak; I'll have my bond; and therefore speak no more. I'll not be made a soft and dull-ey'd fool, To shake the head, relent, and sigh, and yield, To Christian intercessors. Follow not; I'll have no speaking; I will have my bond. 15 [Exit. 20 Solanio: It is the most impenetrable cur That ever kept with men. Antonio: Let him alone; I'll follow him no more with bootless prayers. He seeks my life; his reason well I know: I oft deliver'd from his forfeitures Many that have at times made moan to me; Therefore he hates me. 25 Solanio: I am sure the Duke Will never grant this forfeiture to hold. Antonio: The Duke cannot deny the course of law; For the commodity that strangers have With us in Venice, if it be denied, Will much impeach the justice of the state, Since that the trade and profit of the city Consisteth of all nations. Therefore, go; These griefs and losses have so bated me That I shall hardly spare a pound of flesh To-morrow to my bloody creditor. Well, gaoler, on; pray God Bassanio come To see me pay his debt, and then I care not. 30 35 40 [from Act 3 Scene 3]

  1. (a)What vivid impressions of Shylock and Antonio does Shakespeare create for you at this point in the play?[25]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2016). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [25] sustains a critical understanding of the text showing individuality and insight
  2. [25] responds sensitively and in detail to the way the writer achieves effects
  3. [25] incorporates well-selected reference to the text skilfully and with flair

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About this question

Topic
Drama, O-Level Literature in English (syllabus 2010). Structured question, 25 marks.
Source
O-Level Literature in English, Oct/Nov 2016 Paper 2 Variant 2, question 5.

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