Introduction: Mastering the Shakespeare Proposition

Welcome! If you are preparing for your OCR AS Level English Literature (H072) exam, you already know that Shakespeare is a big part of the journey. In Component 01, Section 1, you won't just be asked to "summarise the plot." Instead, you will be given a proposition.

A proposition is essentially a statement or an opinion about the play—like a "debate motion"—and your job is to argue how far you agree with it. Think of it like being a lawyer: you take the evidence from the play and use it to build a case. Don't worry if this sounds intimidating; once you understand the "rules of the game," responding to a proposition becomes a great way to show off what you know.

Quick Note: This chapter focuses on the skill of responding to the question. For specific advice on memorising quotes, see the chapter on "Closed-text essay planning and quotation from memory."

What exactly is a "Proposition"?

In your exam, you will choose one of two questions. Both will start with a statement about a character, a theme, or a dramatic effect.
Example: "In the play 'The Tempest', Prospero is more a cruel tyrant than a victim of injustice."

The question will then ask you to respond to this statement. Your goal is to:

  • Engage critically: Don't just say "yes" or "no." Explore the "grey areas."
  • Communicate a judgement: By the end of your essay, the examiner should know exactly where you stand.
  • Use the whole play: Since this is a closed-text exam, you need to refer to different parts of the play from memory to support your points.

Understanding the "Weight" of the Marks (The AOs)

To get the best marks, you need to balance your answer. In this specific Shakespeare section, the marks are split like this:

1. The "Big Hitter": AO2 (20% of your total AS Level)

This is the most important objective for this paper. You must analyse how Shakespeare "shapes meanings." This means looking at:

  • Language: Metaphors, word choices, and imagery.
  • Dramatic Effects: Stage directions, soliloquies (characters talking to themselves), entrances, exits, and the structure of the scenes.
Tip: Don't just say what happens; explain how Shakespeare makes the audience feel or think using his craft.

2. The "Voice": AO1 (15% of your total AS Level)

This is about how you write. Use literary terminology (like iambic pentameter, foil, hubris, or dramatic irony) and make sure your essay is organized and clear.

3. The "Different Views": AO5 (5% of your total AS Level)

You need to show you understand that people see the play in different ways. You might mention how a modern audience sees a character differently than an Elizabethan audience did, or how two different critics might disagree about a scene.

4. The "Background": AO3 (5% of your total AS Level)

A small but important part of your mark comes from context. This means knowing a bit about the world Shakespeare lived in and how those values (like the "Divine Right of Kings" or ideas about gender) show up in the play.

Step-by-Step: How to Deconstruct a Proposition

When you see the proposition on the exam paper, don't panic! Follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the "Keywords"

Look at the statement and underline the most important words. If the prompt says "Hamlet’s indecision is his greatest weakness," your keywords are "indecision" and "greatest weakness."

Step 2: The "Yes, But..." Method

A great AS Level essay rarely agrees 100% with the statement. Try to find evidence for both sides:

  • Agreement: "Yes, Hamlet is indecisive because he misses the chance to kill Claudius in the chapel."
  • Counter-argument: "However, some might argue his 'indecision' is actually him being a thoughtful, moral person who doesn't want to commit a sin."

Step 3: Plan Your Journey

Before you write, decide on 3 or 4 main points. Each point should relate back to the proposition. Ensure you cover the beginning, middle, and end of the play to show you know the "whole text."

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. The "Storyteller" Trap: Avoid simply re-telling the plot. The examiner knows the story! Instead of saying "Then Iago tells Othello a lie," say "Shakespeare uses Iago’s manipulative language to create dramatic irony."

2. The "Quote Panic": Since you don't have the book, you might worry about forgetting quotes. Don't worry! You can paraphrase (describe the lines in your own words) or use very short, "micro-quotes" (two or three words) that are easy to remember. Accurate description of a scene is just as valid as a long quote.

3. Ignoring the "Drama": Remember, this is a play, not a novel. Mention things like off-stage action, the physical presence of a character on stage, or how the audience would react to a sudden noise or a costume change.

Key Takeaway Summary

- A proposition is an opinion you must debate.
- Focus heavily on AO2 (language and dramatic techniques).
- Always look for the "other side" of the argument (AO5).
- Use the whole play, from start to finish.
- Keep your context (AO3) relevant to the question.

Remember: Shakespeare wrote these plays to be exciting, controversial, and full of tension. The "proposition" question is just your chance to join that 400-year-old conversation!