How does Wharton convey what a hard life some people have to endure in this novel? Support your ideas with details from the writing.

Mark scheme

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

1. Perhaps the task should have said most people rather than some people since there is no shortage of candidates for the hard life.
2. Indeed, it appears that it is only Eady who seems to find the way to make consistent money in this world.
3. No doubt most answers will centre upon Frome and his troubles but there are other examples of hardship which may feature in answers which show a range of knowledge.
4. In the present of the novel, there are a number of worthies from earlier times whom life has left in reduced circumstances.
5. Differentiate according to how well a developing argument is supported with detail and at the highest level how deeply the candidate engages with the ways in which Wharton conveys the miserable existences of these people.