AQA A-Level English Literature A Paper 2: Texts in shared contexts (2B), June 2025: Question 10

Question 10

Top Girls – Caryl Churchill

Examine the significance of marriage in Top Girls.

[25 marks]

Possible content:

Please refer to pages 4 to 7.

AO5 Explore literary texts informed by different interpretations

Students might consider:

• changing attitudes towards marriage within the social, cultural context of the 1980s; the rise of

feminism and Thatcherism

• Marlene’s belief that being a single ‘career woman’ offers her the chance for a far more fulfilling,

challenging and financially secure life than that she might have had as a married wife and mother;

her belief that marriage curtails women’s freedom and limits their career progression

• the interplay between marriage and the world of work – eg the marriage between Mrs Kidd and the

unseen Howard, and Mrs Kidd’s belief that Howard will be emasculated by having to answer to

Marlene at work

• the fact that Janine’s engagement is seen by the agency as a possible block to her career

advancement

• the descriptions of Lady Nijo’s marriage and Griselda’s marriage; similarities and differences in the

marriages of the dinner party guests and those of Marlene and Joyce’s parents and Joyce herself

• the possible impact of particular production(s) on the interpretation of the question

• etc.

AO4 Explore connections across literary texts

Focus might be on:

• dramatic representations of marriage as seen in modern literature

• dramatic representations of gender, power, class and culture as seen in modern literature

• dramatic representations of the relationship between the individual and wider society as a whole in

modern literature

• etc.

AO3 Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which

literary texts are written and received

Focus might be on:

• how attitudes to marriage in the play as a whole are embedded within their respective social,

historical and cultural contexts as well as that of the 1980s, when the play was written

• how responses to the play when it was written and now can reflect changing attitudes over time

• the ways in which dramatic methods are integral to the play’s presentation of marriage

• etc.

AO2 Analyse ways in which meanings are shaped in literary texts

Focus might be on:

• aspects of dramatic form

• non-linear structure, flashbacks

• use of black comedy, non-naturalistic effects, music, sound, lighting

• dialogue and action

• ironic/satiric methods

• use of characters as symbols of larger ideas or abstract concepts

• other possible stage effects and interpretations

• etc.

AO1 Articulate informed, personal and creative responses to literary texts, using associated

concepts and terminology, and coherent, accurate written expression

• quality of argument

• organisation of ideas

• use of appropriate concepts and terminology

• technical accuracy.

Accept any valid interpretations, any valid comments on contexts and any valid discussion of

authorial methods.

Option 2

Section B: Prose and Poetry Contextual Linking