Edexcel English Literature IGCSE (4ET1/01) Paper 2 – Heritage Texts Past Exam Questions – The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne

This is one of six options for Section B Heritage Texts in Paper 2 of the Edexcel English Literature IGCSE.

Here, you will need to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the text, including the ways in which writers use language, form and structure to create effects. You should also understand the relationship between the text and the context in which it was written.

You must be able to:

• demonstrate a close understanding of their heritage text
• maintain a critical style
• present an informed personal engagement
• understand how writers create literary effects
• understand and use appropriate literary terminology
• understand the influence of contextual factors on the interpretation of texts
• identify and use relevant examples from the text.

The assessment objectives tested in this section are:

AO1 Demonstrate a close knowledge and understanding of texts, maintaining a critical style and presenting an informed personal engagement.
AO2 Analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create meanings and effects.
AO4 Show understanding of the relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written.

Instructions: Choose one of two questions (Question 21 or 22).

Total marks = 30 marks. Recommended time 45 Minutes

Section A Modern Drama Compiled Exam Questions

• A View from the Bridge
• An Inspector Calls
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
• Kindertransport
• Death and the King’s Horseman

Section B Heritage Texts Compiled Exam Questions

• Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare
• Macbeth, William Shakespeare
• The Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare
• Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
• Great Expectations, Charles Dickens
• The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne

Related

• Exam Paper Format

The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne

Prescribed Edition

Book Cover	Book Title	Author	Publisher	Date Published	ISBN
Save	The Scarlet Letter Buy from Bookshop.org Buy from Amazon	Nathaniel Hawthorne	Alma Classics	01 June 2015	9781847494214

June 2022

EITHER
21 Discuss the theme of female independence in The Scarlet Letter.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.
OR
22 ‘Arthur Dimmesdale is presented as cowardly in the novel.’
How far do you agree with this view?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.

June 2022 Resit

EITHER
21 How is Puritan society important in The Scarlet Letter?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.
OR
22 ‘Chillingworth is a person intent on revenge.’
How does Hawthorne present Roger Chillingworth as vengeful in the novel?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.

Jan 2022

EITHER
21 In what ways does Pearl grow up in The Scarlet Letter?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.
OR
22 Explore the theme of punishment in the novel.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.

Jan 2022 Resit

EITHER
21 Explore the significance of sin in The Scarlet Letter.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.
OR
22 ‘Hester is presented as an admirable character in the novel.’ How far do you agree with this view?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.

Nov 2021

EITHER
21 Discuss the presentation of one character you sympathise with in the novel.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.
OR
22 Explore the theme of guilt in The Scarlet Letter.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.

May 2021

EITHER
21 Explore the significance of the symbol of the scarlet letter in the novel.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer .
OR
22 ‘Roger Chillingworth is presented as wholly evil in The Scarlet Letter.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.

Nov 2020

EITHER
21 ‘Adultery and witchcraft were considered crimes at the time.’ Explore the theme of crime in The Scarlet Letter.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.
OR
22 How does Arthur Dimmesdale change as the novel progresses?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.

Nov 2020 Resit

EITHER
21 ‘Hester does not deserve her punishment.’ How far do you agree with this view?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.

22 Explore the importance of responsibility in The Scarlet Letter.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.

Jan 2020

EITHER
21 Explore Hawthorne’s presentation of Hester in The Scarlet Letter.
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer and refer to the context of the novel.
OR
22 Discuss the importance of revenge in the novel.
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer and refer to the context of the novel.

Jan 2020 Resit

EITHER
21 How does Hawthorne present Pearl’s relationship with Arthur Dimmesdale in The Scarlet Letter?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.
OR
22 Explore women and their roles in the novel.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.

May 2019

EITHER
21 How does Hawthorne present the relationship between Arthur Dimmesdale and Roger Chillingworth in the novel?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.
OR
22 Explore the importance of magic in The Scarlet Letter.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.

May 2019 Resit

EITHER
21 How does Hawthorne present the relationship between Hester Prynne and Roger Chillingworth in the novel?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.
OR
22 Explore the significance of the novel’s title, The Scarlet Letter.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.

Jan 2019

EITHER
21 How far do you agree that the ending of The Scarlet Letter is successful?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.
OR
22 ‘My Little Pearl!’ (Hester) Explore Hawthorne’s presentation of the relationship between Pearl and her mother, Hester, in this novel.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.

Jan 2019 Resit

EITHER
21 Explore Hawthorne’s presentation of Arthur Dimmesdale in this novel.
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.
OR
22 In what ways is religion important in The Scarlet Letter?
You must consider language, form and structure and refer to the context of the novel in your answer.