Kindertransport. English Literature.

You get the choice between two questions. 
You could be asked about:

• Character. (eg: what is the importance of the character of Lil and how is she presented in the play Kindertransport?) 
• Relationship between characters (eg: how does Diane Samuels present and explore family relationships in the play Kindertransport?) 
• Themes and issues (eg: How does Samuels show the ways that Eva's experiences as a child affect Evelyn when she is grown up?)
• A question about a quotation. 
• A scene-specific question. (eg: Remind yourself of the final section of the play, from the stage direction 'Helga embraces Eva who stands stock still'. How effective do you think this is an ending to the play?)

You can talk about structure and language. 

Language

• Say a little about a lot. Pick out a small quote from the text and talk about the effect of the language use. Look at the words. What do they mean? What can you infer from them? Remember every word  used in the play has been used for a reason, Diane Samuels wants you to feel something when she use these words. What is it she wants you to feel?
• Look at interactions between characters. Consider the stage directions - sometimes the characters may not say anything to each other, but a lot can be said through their actions. Samuels didn't have to put these stage directions in, so what is their significance?
• German language is used in the play. When is it used? Why is it used at this point? Is there any significance in what is said in German?

Structure

• Parallel Action and juxtapostion. Throughout the play, there is use of 'split scenes' - two scenes, two time eras, two worlds on one stage. For example, characters are on the same stage but do not interact or see each other, and the Ratcatcher, who is not a real character, is around at many points but is only ever rarely acknowledged by the characters.
• Flashbacks over time
• Imagined Characters
• Change over time. 
• Themes and ideas - eg: ephemerality (when something's broken it cannot be fixed) and post modernism. 

Remember that it's a play, and not a novel. 

• Kindertransport has an audience not a reader. 
• Staging - positioning on the stage, interactions, settings.
• Stage directions - they are there for a reason. 
• Actions and expressions. (Found in stage directions)
• Dramatic effect of events and speeches - eg: the final scene. 
• Use of pauses and silence.
• Settings - box room, train station etc. 

Criteria You Need to Meet: 

• A detailed and relevant response. 
• You need to be critical and imaginative, insightful and interpretive.
• You should evaluate the play, and explore wider meanings.
• Talk about the impact on audience. 
• Talk about the structure, language and form of the play. 
• You get marks for spelling and grammar, so take care. 
• Your response should be well structured, and use effective vocabulary to convey your ideas. 
• Concentrate on what you can comment on, dont just state the content. 

Eva

• Eva is 9…