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English Literature
10 Dec 2025
749
3 pages
Aiysha @aiyshhh_07
This is a brilliant example of A-level English Literature responses that scored full marks. These essays show exactly... Show more
Ever wondered what a perfect Macbeth essay looks like? This response nails the supernatural theme by connecting Shakespeare's witches to real historical fears in the 1600s.
The essay brilliantly links James I's beliefs about witchcraft to how Shakespeare crafted his characters. Banquo represents typical fear of the supernatural, calling the witches "instruments of darkness" - showing he's naturally wary like most people would have been back then. The writer cleverly explains how "darkness" connects to the Devil, which terrified Christian audiences.
Macbeth's conflicted response creates the perfect contrast. Unlike Banquo, he's intrigued by their prophecies but knows becoming king means treason against Duncan. The phrase "This supernatural soliciting/Cannot be ill, cannot be good" shows his internal struggle perfectly.
Top Tip Notice how this essay weaves historical context seamlessly into character analysis - that's what gets you top marks!
The conclusion argues that Shakespeare makes Macbeth responsible for his own downfall - it's ambition, not fate or witches, that destroys him. This transforms the play into a morality tale about personal responsibility.
This response shows exactly how to tackle Victorian literature by focusing on the social restrictions that shaped Stevenson's writing. The key insight? Victorian decency laws meant authors had to create tension through subtle symbolism rather than graphic violence.
The analysis of darkness symbolism is spot-on. When Utterson mentions "dark like the back-end of evening," it's not just setting - it represents the dark side of human nature that Stevenson believed everyone possessed. The essay cleverly links this to Hyde's "back-way" entrance, making Hyde literally Jekyll's "darker side."
Utterson's "terror of the law" reveals Victorian society's problems. The writer explains how police officers were more interested in career advancement than justice, reflecting the rigid class system. This makes Utterson's investigation feel more dangerous and isolated.
The animal imagery analysis is particularly strong. Hyde described as a "rat" shows his savage nature, but the essay goes deeper - his secrecy reflects Victorian repression where people hid their true desires.
Key Insight The best essays show how literary techniques serve the author's bigger themes - here, mystery and secrecy all support Stevenson's idea that "man is not truly one, but two."
These responses demonstrate exactly what examiners want to see at A-level. Both essays master the art of contextual analysis - they don't just mention historical facts, they show how social conditions directly shaped the literature.
The structure is flawless in both pieces. Each paragraph develops a clear argument, uses precise quotations, and connects back to the main themes. Notice how they move from specific language analysis to broader thematic significance.
Technical terminology appears naturally throughout - metonymy, juxtaposition, foreshadowing - but never feels forced. The writers demonstrate sophisticated understanding without showing off.
Both essays excel at comparative analysis within texts. The Macbeth essay contrasts Macbeth and Banquo's reactions, while the Jekyll and Hyde piece compares different characters' secrecy. This depth of analysis separates top-grade responses from average ones.
Exam Strategy These essays prove that the highest marks come from showing how authors use literary techniques to explore universal human themes through specific historical contexts.
The conclusions don't just summarise - they offer fresh insights about moral responsibility in Macbeth and human duality in Jekyll and Hyde. That's what transforms good analysis into exceptional work.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
8
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Aiysha
@aiyshhh_07
This is a brilliant example of A-level English Literature responses that scored full marks. These essays show exactly how to analyse Shakespeare's Macbeth and Stevenson's Jekyll and Hyde using sophisticated literary techniques and historical context.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Ever wondered what a perfect Macbeth essay looks like? This response nails the supernatural theme by connecting Shakespeare's witches to real historical fears in the 1600s.
The essay brilliantly links James I's beliefs about witchcraft to how Shakespeare crafted his characters. Banquo represents typical fear of the supernatural, calling the witches "instruments of darkness" - showing he's naturally wary like most people would have been back then. The writer cleverly explains how "darkness" connects to the Devil, which terrified Christian audiences.
Macbeth's conflicted response creates the perfect contrast. Unlike Banquo, he's intrigued by their prophecies but knows becoming king means treason against Duncan. The phrase "This supernatural soliciting/Cannot be ill, cannot be good" shows his internal struggle perfectly.
Top Tip: Notice how this essay weaves historical context seamlessly into character analysis - that's what gets you top marks!
The conclusion argues that Shakespeare makes Macbeth responsible for his own downfall - it's ambition, not fate or witches, that destroys him. This transforms the play into a morality tale about personal responsibility.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This response shows exactly how to tackle Victorian literature by focusing on the social restrictions that shaped Stevenson's writing. The key insight? Victorian decency laws meant authors had to create tension through subtle symbolism rather than graphic violence.
The analysis of darkness symbolism is spot-on. When Utterson mentions "dark like the back-end of evening," it's not just setting - it represents the dark side of human nature that Stevenson believed everyone possessed. The essay cleverly links this to Hyde's "back-way" entrance, making Hyde literally Jekyll's "darker side."
Utterson's "terror of the law" reveals Victorian society's problems. The writer explains how police officers were more interested in career advancement than justice, reflecting the rigid class system. This makes Utterson's investigation feel more dangerous and isolated.
The animal imagery analysis is particularly strong. Hyde described as a "rat" shows his savage nature, but the essay goes deeper - his secrecy reflects Victorian repression where people hid their true desires.
Key Insight: The best essays show how literary techniques serve the author's bigger themes - here, mystery and secrecy all support Stevenson's idea that "man is not truly one, but two."
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
These responses demonstrate exactly what examiners want to see at A-level. Both essays master the art of contextual analysis - they don't just mention historical facts, they show how social conditions directly shaped the literature.
The structure is flawless in both pieces. Each paragraph develops a clear argument, uses precise quotations, and connects back to the main themes. Notice how they move from specific language analysis to broader thematic significance.
Technical terminology appears naturally throughout - metonymy, juxtaposition, foreshadowing - but never feels forced. The writers demonstrate sophisticated understanding without showing off.
Both essays excel at comparative analysis within texts. The Macbeth essay contrasts Macbeth and Banquo's reactions, while the Jekyll and Hyde piece compares different characters' secrecy. This depth of analysis separates top-grade responses from average ones.
Exam Strategy: These essays prove that the highest marks come from showing how authors use literary techniques to explore universal human themes through specific historical contexts.
The conclusions don't just summarise - they offer fresh insights about moral responsibility in Macbeth and human duality in Jekyll and Hyde. That's what transforms good analysis into exceptional work.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
8
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology