2019HSCExtended responseKing Henry IV, Part 1 — William Shakespeare

Q8

20 marks

Question

Shakespearean Drama - William Shakespeare, King Henry IV, Part 1
Comdey steps into the path of hisotry and is crushed.
To what extent does this view align with your understanding of King Henry IV, Part 1? In your response, make close reference to your prescribed text.

Try the question before revealing the answer.

Solution

Section II — Module B: Critical Study of Literature

Criteria	Marks
• Evaluates skilfully the extent to which the statement aligns with an understanding of the prescribed text<br>• Demonstrates a well-informed understanding of context, language, form and ideas using well-selected and detailed analysis of textual references<br>• Composes a thoughtful argument using language appropriate to audience, purpose and form	17–20
• Evaluates effectively the extent to which the statement aligns with an understanding of the prescribed text<br>• Demonstrates an informed understanding of context, language, form and ideas using well-selected analysis of textual references<br>• Composes an effective argument using language appropriate to audience, purpose and form	13–16
• Evaluates the extent to which the statement aligns with an understanding of the prescribed text<br>• Demonstrates an understanding of context, language, form and ideas using textual references<br>• Composes a sound argument using language appropriate to audience, purpose and form	9–12
• Describes some aspects of the prescribed text<br>• Demonstrates some understanding of context, language and form with limited textual references<br>• Composes a limited response to the question	5–8
• Attempts to describe aspects of the prescribed text<br>• Attempts to compose a response to the question	1–4

General NESA Feedback

In better responses, students were able to:

skilfully explore the influence of the Elizabethan context on Shakespeare’s work
demonstrate a sophisticated awareness of how comedy was used by Shakespeare to highlight the importance of political figures in history
move beyond a literal reading of comedy to view Falstaff as a symbolic figure
provide a skilful discussion of distinctive features of form, character and setting
incorporate an insightful and personal critical evaluation of notions of ongoing significance.

Areas for students to improve include:

moving beyond a discussion of characters to focus on features of form
engaging with key words of the question
broadening the range of textual analysis
incorporating a strong personal voice rather than a reliance on critics.

Supplied marking guidance · human reviewed

Compare this with your working, not only your final sentence.

Syllabus alignment

Module B: Critical Study of Literature

Critical Study of LiteratureDevelop and support an informed personal interpretation through close analysis of a substantial literary text.

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