Geoffrey Chaucer: The Merchant’s Prologue and Tale: Eduqas A‑Level English Literature questions

Every Eduqas A-Level English Literature exam question on Geoffrey Chaucer: The Merchant’s Prologue and Tale, 2017–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

All 18 questions on Geoffrey Chaucer: The Merchant’s Prologue and Tale, as a list

June 2025, Component 1, Q1(i) (20 marks): Re-read lines 976–999 from “‘I have,’ quod she, ‘a soule for to kepe…’” to “…and up he wente.” Examine Chaucer’s presentation of May in these lines.
June 2025, Component 1, Q1(ii) (40 marks): “As Chaucer presents them, we can neither admire nor sympathise with any of the characters.” With close reference to relevant contexts, examine this view of The
June 2024, Component 1, Q1(i) (20 marks): Re-read lines 266–288 from “Placebo seyde…” to “…or elles thing semblable.” Examine Chaucer’s presentation of Placebo in these lines.
June 2024, Component 1, Q1(ii) (40 marks): “The Merchant’s Prologue and Tale is carefully designed to undermine the social order of its day.” In the light of this comment and with close reference to rele
June 2023, Component 1, Q1(i) (20 marks): Re-read lines 33–54 from “Whilom ther was dwellinge…” to “…that was so wis.” Analyse the ways in which Chaucer suggests the Merchant’s attitudes in these lines.
June 2023, Component 1, Q1(ii) (40 marks): “Chaucer points the finger critically but always humorously at a full range of human failings.” In the light of this comment and with close reference to relevan
June 2022, Component 1, Q1(i) (20 marks): Re-read lines 203–224 from “But o thing warne I yow…” to “...whan I die.” How does Chaucer shape the reader’s response to Januarie in these lines?
June 2022, Component 1, Q1(ii) (40 marks): With close reference to relevant contexts, discuss the view that in The Merchant’s Prologue and Tale, Chaucer presents “a sustained criticism of human selfishne
Autumn 2021, Component 1, Q1(i) (20 marks): Re-read lines 314–341 from “And sin I oghte avise…” to “…wringeth me my sho.” Analyse Chaucer’s presentation of marriage in these lines.
Autumn 2021, Component 1, Q1(ii) (40 marks): “Chaucer’s Merchant seems primarily concerned with sharing his misery rather than entertaining his audience.” In the light of this comment and with close refere
Autumn 2020, Component 1, Q1(i) (20 marks): Re-read lines 606-629 from “The bride was broght abedde…” to “‘…by the lawe.’” How does Chaucer shape the reader’s feelings towards Januarie in this extract?
Autumn 2020, Component 1, Q1(ii) (40 marks): “If there is a victory in The Merchant’s Prologue and Tale it is that of ruthless youth over foolish age.” In the light of this comment, examine Chaucer’s prese
June 2019, Component 1, Q1(i) (20 marks): Re-read lines 559–582 from “And ful of joye…” to “…in thy presence.” Analyse Chaucer’s use of imagery in this extract.
June 2019, Component 1, Q1(ii) (40 marks): “Beneath the surface of this entertaining and bawdy tale we find a serious examination of obligation and loyalty.” Explore this view of The Merchant’s Prologue
June 2018, Component 1, Q1(i) (20 marks): Re-read lines 1013 – 1036 of The Merchant’s Prologue and Tale from “And so bifel…” to “…alle foond I noon.” How does Chaucer shape the reader’s response to Plut
June 2018, Component 1, Q1(ii) (40 marks): “In Chaucer’s version of the eternal battle between the sexes there are some surprising outcomes.” How far do you agree with this comment on the presentation of
June 2017, Component 1, Q1(i) (20 marks): Re-read lines 535 – 555 of The Merchant’s Prologue and Tale (from “But thus muche...” to “...in subtil wise.”). How does Chaucer shape the reader’s response to
June 2017, Component 1, Q1(ii) (40 marks): “All the characters have ideas above their social status or their abilities.” In the light of this comment, consider Chaucer’s presentation of characters’ aspir

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