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O-LevelLiterature in EnglishPoetry2010/12 · Oct/Nov 2022 · Q425 Marks

Or 4 How does Monck powerfully convey the strength of her love in Verses Written on Her Death-bed at Bath to Her Husband in London? Verses Written on Her Death-bed at Bath to Her Husband in London Thou who dost all my worldly thoughts employ, Thou pleasing source of all my earthly joy, Thou tenderest husband and thou dearest friend, To thee this first, this last adieu I send. At length the conqueror Death asserts his right, And will for ever veil me from thy sight. He woos me to him with a cheerful grace, And not one terror clouds his meagre face. He promises a lasting rest in pain, And shows that all life's fleeting joys are vain. The eternal scenes of Heaven he sets in view, And tells me that no other joys are true, But love, fond love, would yet resist his power, Would fain awhile defer the parting hour. He brings thy mourning image to my eyes, And would obstruct my journey to the skies. But say, thou dearest, thou unwearied friend, Say, shouldst thou grieve to see my sorrows end? Thou knowest a painful pilgrimage I've passed, And shouldst thou grieve that rest is come at last? Rather rejoice to see me shake off life, And die, as I have lived, thy faithful wife. (Mary Monck 'Marinda')

  1. How does Monck powerfully convey the strength of her love in Verses Written on Her Death-bed at Bath to Her Husband in London?[25]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [25] demonstrates knowledge by incorporating well-selected reference to the text skilfully and with flair (AO1)
  2. [25] sustains a critical understanding of the text showing individuality and insight (AO2)
  3. [25] responds sensitively and in considerable detail to the way the writer achieves her/his effects (AO3)
  4. [25] sustains personal and evaluative engagement with task and text (AO4)

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About this question

Topic
Poetry, O-Level Literature in English (syllabus 2010). Structured question, 25 marks.
Source
O-Level Literature in English, Oct/Nov 2022 Paper 1 Variant 2, question 4.

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