Readers! This A Level is all about books: reading books, analysing books, investigating and considering the contexts of books, comparing books, interpreting books . . . so a love of literature and a willingness to read beyond your usual preferences is essential. You will study novels, plays and poetry from a range of genres and historical periods, and learn how to write essays about these texts in a sophisticated academic style. Component One: Drama (Written exam) 35% We study the incredible Shakespearean tragedy, Hamlet – and consider some of the critical responses to its themes that have been written over the years. We also study Tennessee Williams’ play, A Streetcar Named Desire enabling us to explore the tensions at play in post-war New Orleans. Component Two: Prose (Written exam) 20% We read the extraordinary Frankenstein written by a teenage Mary Shelley and compare this with Atwood’s dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale. Component Three: Poetry (Written exam) 30% We study selected poems from the tortured Christina Rossetti who struggled to find contentment in the Victorian age. We look at a selection of contemporary poems written in the first decade of this century; these tackle modern issues such as gender identity and relationship trauma. Skills of poetry analysis are additionally examined through comparison with an unseen poem. Component Four: non-examination assessment Students produce an extended essay of 2500-3000 words comparing two texts of their choice Choices must be complete texts and may be linked by theme, movement, author or period may be selected from poetry, drama, prose or literary nonfiction.