Hamlet
Phoebe's Study Guide | A-Level English Literature
A website to help retain your mirth. Bringing the characters and key scenes to life - using them as a diving board into the depths of a complex story of revenge, deception, madness, of being human.
William Shakespeare
c. 1600-01
Revenge Tragedy
Elizabethan / Jacobean England
Revenge, madness, mortality, deception, duty
Intro by Tailspin w. lyrics by Shakespeare
First edition soundtrack
Study Sections
Everything you need to explore Shakespeare's tragic masterpiece
Component 2, Section A
Shakespeare Study
60 marks
Total
60 minutes
Writing time
Closed-book
No texts allowed
Extract-based
Print extract provided
Exam Technique
Component 2, Section A: Shakespeare — Hamlet
One compulsory two-part question on your chosen Shakespeare play (Hamlet). This is a closed-book exam: no texts are allowed in the examination room.
60 marks total
30 per part
~55–60 min
Half of 2-hour exam
Closed-book
No texts allowed
2 parts
Extract + essay
Assessment Objective Weighting
AO2 and AO3 are weighted equally and highest — close analysis of HOW Shakespeare creates meaning AND contextual understanding are both crucial.
AO1 (5%)
Articulate informed, personal responses; use terminology; coherent expression
AO2 (7.5%)
Analyse how meanings are shaped (language, dramatic techniques, structure)
AO3 (7.5%)
Demonstrate understanding of contexts (Elizabethan/Jacobean, theatrical, genre)
AO4 (5%)
Explore connections across the play
AO5 (5%)
Explore different interpretations (critical and performance)
Time Management
Part (i): 25–30 minutes
- Read extract carefully: 3–5 min
- Plan: 3–5 min
- Write: 18–22 min
- Check: 1–2 min
Part (ii): 25–30 minutes
- Plan: 5–7 min
- Write: 20–23 min
- Check: 1–2 min