11.2.1

Specification B

Test yourself

Approaching AQA English Literature: Specification B

Within Specification B, you can either study Aspects of Comedy or Aspects of Tragedy. If you study Othello, then you are completing the Aspects of Tragedy route.

Illustrative background for The examIllustrative background for The exam ?? "content

The exam

  • In AS, you will be studying the drama in the Drama paper. This is Paper 2.
  • In this examination, students may take a copy of their set text into the examination.
  • These texts must not be annotated and must not contain additional notes or materials.
Illustrative background for Literary Genre of Aspects of TragedyIllustrative background for Literary Genre of Aspects of Tragedy ?? "content

Literary Genre of Aspects of Tragedy

  • In the A Level, students again look at the literary genre of Aspects of Tragedy.
  • It is noted that Tragedy is a long-established literary genre.
  • This paper is a closed book examination.
  • Students are not permitted to take a copy of their set texts into the examination.
Illustrative background for Tragic hero or heroine Illustrative background for Tragic hero or heroine  ?? "content

Tragic hero or heroine

  • At the core of all the set texts in this part of the Specification is a tragic hero or heroine who is flawed in some way, who suffers and causes suffering to others. In all texts, there is an interplay between what might be seen as villains and victims.
Illustrative background for Tragic features Illustrative background for Tragic features  ?? "content

Tragic features

  • Some tragic features will be more in evidence in some texts than in others.
  • Students will need to understand how particular aspects of the tragic genre are used and how they work in the four chosen texts.
  • The absence of an ‘aspect’ can be as significant as its presence.

Jump to other topics

1Context

2Act One: Summaries & Themes

3Act Two: Summaries & Themes

4Act Three: Summaries & Themes

5Act Four

6Act Five

7Character Profiles

8Key Themes

9Writing Techniques

10Critical Debates

11Approaching AQA English Literature

12Issues of Assessment

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson