Edexcel English Literature IGCSE (4ET1/01) Paper 2 – Modern Drama Past Exam Questions – Death and the King’s Horseman, Wole Soyinka
This is one of five options for Section A Modern Drama in Paper 2 of the Edexcel English Literature IGCSE.
Here, you will need to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the text, including the ways in which writers use language, form and structure to create effects.
You must:
- demonstrate a close understanding of their drama text
- maintain a critical style
- present an informed personal engagement
- understand how writers create literary effects
- understand and use appropriate literary terminology
- identify and use relevant examples from the play.
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.
Instructions: Choose one of two questions (Question 9 or 10)
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
Death and the King’s Horseman, Wole Soyinka
Prescribed Edition
| Book Cover | Book Title | Author | Publisher | Date Published | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Death and the King’s Horseman | Wole Soyinka | Mehuen Student Editions | 01 July 1998 | 9780413695505 |
June 2022
EITHER
9 ‘Jane Pilkings and Amusa both show that they are open to the views of others.’ How far do you agree with this statement about the play?
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
OR
10 Explore the theme of fear in Death and the King’s Horseman.
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
June 2022 Resit
EITHER
9 How far do you agree with the view that the ending of the play is successful?
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
OR
10 Discuss the presentation of one character you admire in Death and the King’s Horseman.
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
Jan 2022
EITHER
9 Discuss the theme of loyalty in Death and the King’s Horseman.
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
OR
10 Simon Pilkings: ‘Well, I did my duty as I saw fit. I have no regrets.’ How is Simon Pilkings presented in the play?
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
Jan 2022 Resit
EITHER
9 ‘The actions of the characters are a result of their strong sense of right and wrong.’
Explore the theme of duty in Death and the King’s Horseman. You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
10 In what ways is the role of Iyaloja important in the play?
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
Nov 2021
EITHER
9 ‘Elesin never intends to complete his role as the King’s Horseman in the play.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
OR
10 Explore the importance of different Yoruba traditions in Death and the King’s Horseman.
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
June 2021
EITHER
9 How is Olunde presented as a respected character in the play?
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
OR
10 Iyaloja: ‘We called you leader and oh, how you led us on…’ Explore the theme of leadership in Death and the King’s Horseman.
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
Nov 2020
EITHER
9 Explore the theme of influence in Death and the King’s Horseman.
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
OR
10 Which character do you sympathise with in the play and why?
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
Nov 2020 Resit
EITHER
9 Olunde: ‘I discovered that you have no respect for what you do not understand.’ Discuss the different views of Jane Pilkings and Olunde on the death ritual in the play.
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
OR
10 How is honour important in Death and the King’s Horseman?
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
Jan 2020
EITHER
9 ‘Much of the conflict in the play comes from a clash of cultures.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
OR
10 Explore the presentation of Iyaloja and the women from the market in Death and the King’s Horseman.
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
Jan 2020 Resit
EITHER
9 How does Soyinka present Olunde’s relationship with his father, Elesin, in this play?
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
OR
10 Explore the importance of the play’s title, Death and the King’s Horseman.
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
May 2019
EITHER
9 How does Soyinka present the relationship between Elesin and Iyaloja in the play?
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
OR
10 ‘Ritual is important to Yoruba culture and society.’ Explore how Soyinka presents the rituals of Yoruba culture and society in Death and the King’s Horseman.
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
May 2019 Resit
EITHER
9 Explore the theme of sacrifice in the play.
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
OR
10 How does Soyinka present Amusa and one other character who tries to do the right thing in Death and the King’s Horseman?
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
Jan 2019
EITHER
9 ‘Elesin is a weak man who deserves his fate.’ How far do you agree with this statement about Elesin?
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
OR
10 Explore the theme of religion in Death and the King’s Horseman.
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
Jan 2019 Resit
EITHER
9 How does Soyinka present the Praise-Singer in Death and the King’s Horseman?
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
OR
10 Explore the theme of courage in this play.
You must consider language, form and structure in your answer.
