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1. Read the excerpt with the character of the Porter - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 1
1. Read the excerpt with the character of the Porter. 2. Discuss how Shakespeare humorously presents the Porter’s character as the gatekeeper to Hell. 3. Analyze t... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1. Read the excerpt with the character of the Porter - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
How does Shakespeare present the character of the Porter?
Answer
Shakespeare presents the character of the Porter as a humorous and ironic figure who imagines himself as the gatekeeper of Hell. His speech is characterized by short, punchy sentences that evoke a sense of frustration with the knocking, while also serving to reflect the chaotic atmosphere of the scene. The language employed by the Porter, filled with references to death and the devil, highlights his rudimentary understanding of morality, thereby engaging the audience’s sense of irony.
Moreover, his use of vivid imagery and lists, referencing parts of the body, comically underscores the nature of sin. The Porter mentions various professions that are commonly associated with vices, such as 'farmer' and 'English tailor,' thereby connecting the everyday to the concept of sinning. This not only presents a comedic effect but also serves to comment on the broader implications of guilt and vice in society.
Step 2
Interpretation of the text (AO1)
Answer
Shakespeare introduces the theme of evil through the portrayal of the Porter, as he embodies both humor and the sinister undercurrents present in the play. Lady Macbeth’s desire to ‘unsex’ herself is mirrored in the Porter’s disdain for moral hypocrisy. This juxtaposition suggests that the dual nature of humanity is at the heart of the play's conflicts. When Macbeth expresses remorse and guilt, especially after Banquo’s murder, the Porter’s jests serve as a dark commentary on the nature of human ambition and greed.
Step 3
Relationships between text and context (AO3)
Answer
The Porter’s role is significant in the context of James I’s reign, during which witchcraft was a burning issue. Shakespeare’s allusion to the supernatural serves to both entertain and elicit critical reflection from the audience. The dynamics of power depicted in Macbeth's one-off moment of humor exemplify the fragility of authority, particularly in a play where the consequences of ambition are dire. Thus, the relationship between the text and its societal context illustrates the pervasive nature of evil and how it manifests in everyday life.