Drama and poetry pre-1900

Drama and poetry pre-1900 is a compulsory component of the OCR A-Level English Literature specification, requiring students to study at least one drama text and one poetry text written before 1900. This unit explores how writers from earlier centuries engaged with timeless themes such as love, power, identity, and mortality, often through the lens of their own historical and cultural contexts. By analysing the language, form, and structure of these works, students develop critical skills in close reading and contextual interpretation, which are essential for the wider subject.

Studying pre-1900 literature is vital because it provides insight into the foundations of modern English literature and thought. Texts from this period—such as Shakespeare's tragedies, metaphysical poetry, or Victorian novels in verse—reflect the social, political, and philosophical concerns of their time, from the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution. This unit also prepares students for the synoptic element of the A-Level, where they must make connections across texts and periods, demonstrating an understanding of literary evolution and enduring human questions.

In the OCR exam, students are assessed through a closed-book paper (Paper 1) that includes a comparative essay question on two pre-1900 texts, as well as a critical analysis of an unseen passage. Success requires not only knowledge of the set texts but also the ability to apply critical concepts such as genre, literary movements (e.g., Romanticism, Jacobean drama), and historical context. Mastery of this unit builds confidence in handling complex language and ideas, which is invaluable for both further study and life.