Teil B

Aufgabenstellung

1. Leseverstehen

Outline the late Queen's understanding of her role as a monarch.

(20%)

2. Analyse

Analyze how the author convinces the reader of the late Queen's relevance to the UK.

(40%)

3. Gestaltende Schreibaufgabe bzw. persönliche Stellungnahme

Choose ONE of the following:

3a)

"Plenty will say the nation has lost its grandmother, that we are a family bereaved of its matriarch." (ll. 3-4)
You are on an exchange in the United States and your partner school is organizing a political awareness week. You have been asked to write an article for the school magazine commenting on the idolization of political figures.
Starting from the given quote, write this article.

3b)

Starting from the message of the cartoon, assess the challenges King Charles III and the UK face.

(https://www.journalreview.com/stories/heavy-lies-the-crown,252147; published on 5 May 2023; accessed on 31 May 2023)

(40%)

Jonathan Freedland: The Queen's death will shake this country deeply -
she was a steady centre amid constant flux.

We knew the words would be uttered one day, but it was still a shock to hear them.

The Queen is dead. [...]

Plenty will say the nation has lost its grandmother, that we are a family bereaved of its

matriarch - and that comparison is not so wide of the mark. Not because everyone

knew or loved the Queen like a relative, because obviously that is not true. But the

comparison holds in this much narrower sense: she was a fixed point in our lives, a

figure of continuity when all around was in constant flux. Everything has changed since

the day in 1952 when she inherited the throne. That country - of black-and-white

television, gentlemen in hats, and Lyons Corner Houses - and this one would barely

recognise each other. The one thing they have - had - in common was her.

She was woven into the cloth of our lives so completely, we had stopped seeing the

thread long ago. It was not just the coins, the banknotes and the post boxes. [...] My

grandmother was born in 1906 and died nearly 30 years ago, and yet the monarch for

most of her adult lifetime was this same queen. Elizabeth was the head of state of this

country for more than 70 years.

As with parenting, so with serving as the national figurehead: a big part of the job is

simply showing up. Elizabeth understood that very deeply, realising that continuity

amid turbulence was the great value that a monarchy could add to a democratic

system. That was why she never countenanced an abdication, no matter her age or

infirmity. [...]

The monarch's job was to stay put, a steady centre in a swirl of chaos. [...]

The result was that an epoch, that witnessed enormous social upheavals, a shift to the

demotic and democratic in manners and mores and an end to deference - an age that

could have proved disastrous, if not terminal, for a feudal institution such as monarchy

- instead saw royalty cement its position. Republicanism was a lost cause in the

Elizabethan era, even as the notion of allocating any other role in public life according

to genetic bloodline would have been dismissed as an indefensible throwback.

Advocates of an elected head of state struggled to gain traction for the simple reason

that the Queen did the job so well. Republicans could only argue that it was a fluke,

that although the lottery of heredity had thrown up a winner this one time, there was

no guarantee it would do so again. But it was no good. For as long as she was there,

the monarchy seemed to make sense - an illogical, irrational kind of sense, but sense

all the same.

And what was the core of this appeal? Self-restraint, a conspicuous sense of duty and

an old-fashioned work ethic - manifested most recently in her determination to play a

part in her platinum jubilee celebrations, despite what were discreetly referred to as

"episodic mobility problems" - were admirable, but they do not explain the emotional

hold Elizabeth held over the nation she served so long. The key lies instead in an event

that predated her becoming queen, that predated even her adulthood.

For what is the foundational event of modern Britain, the moment that functions as our

national creation myth? It is the second world war, and specifically 1940, when Britain

stood alone against fascism. It's been said that that story - Churchill against Hitler -

has replaced the Christian gospels as the bedrock narrative of good and evil by which

our society orients itself. Every moral predicament, every ideological dispute, is

ultimately viewed through it or measured against it.

Mostly, that period has passed from memory into history. The last human link with the

war, the last person in British public life who played a role in it, was the Queen. She

was on the balcony, in uniform, alongside Winston Churchill on VE Day. Her husband

fought in the Royal Navy. Watch the Oscar-winning film "The King's Speech" and you'll

see that after George VI delivers his landmark address, girding the nation to be stead-

fast in the face of the Nazi menace, the teenage Elizabeth is there to embrace him.

The Queen connected us to the defining event in our modern national life, the event

from which we still draw pride and purpose. That connection did not need spelling out;

even the merest nod in its direction exerted enormous power. Recall her TV message

to the nation at the start of the Covid pandemic in 2020, just as the first, unfamiliar

lockdown began. She counselled that we had endured greater hardships before and

come through them. Invoking the definitive wartime anthem, she promised: "We will

meet again".

This was a mighty bond and it endured through the entire postwar era, a period that

perhaps ends only now with her death. She reminded us of our finest hour.

We enter a new future now. Tiere will be a different head on the coin, different words

for the national anthem. The one element in our collective life that was consistently,

reliably the same - tying the Britain of Vera Lynn and ration books to the Britain of Dua

Lipa and Twitter - has gone.

Many will be mourning a woman they once saw visit a school or open a hospital; the

sender of a birthday telegram to a parent or grandparent; the incarnation of the crown

to which their son or daughter swore an oath and risked their life to defend. There will

be talk of the national values she embodied.

But millions will now be mourning something more intimate and more precious: the loss

of someone who has been a permanent fixture for their - our - entire lives. Her death

will prompt memories of all that has passed these last 70 years, and all those others

who we loved and lost. There is grief contained within grief. Today we mourn a

monarch. And in that very act, we also mourn for ourselves.

(993 words)

[Freedland, Jonathan: "The Queen's death will shake this country deeply - she was a steady centre amid constant flux." https://www.theguardian.com; published on 8 September 2022; accessed on 27 July 2023]

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participation in important events
$\rightarrow$ to demonstrate their commitment to their role and their country

maintaining stability, continuity and unity, especially in crisis situations
$\rightarrow$ provided a sense of reassurance and leadership in national emergencies

supporting their staff in difficult times

demonstrate self-discipline and a strong work ethic
$\rightarrow$ continued to fulfil her duties with determination
$\rightarrow$ overcame personal health problems to remain active in her role

remaining in their role despite ageing

refused to step down despite age or illness

always fulfilled her duties with dedication

represented national values and a shared history
$\rightarrow$ embodiment of the cultural and historical heritage of the nation

preserved the position of the monarchy through significant societal changes
$\rightarrow$ adapting to modern social changes while maintaining traditional values
$\rightarrow$ ensuring the relevance and respect of the monarchy in today's society

The late Queen's importance to the United Kingdom goes beyond her role as a mere figurehead and deeply places her in the heart of the nation. Through her constant presence and commitment to duty with the public, the author argues convincingly that the Queen was a central symbol of stability and continuity.

Introduction

Lexical field of the word family:
$\rightarrow$ metaphor: use of the word family to create an emotional connection between the Queen and the British public
$\rightarrow$ comparison: refering to her as "grandmother" of the nation (l.3) and comparing her role to that of a parent (l.16), creates a fostering sense of familiarity and collective identity

pronouns:
$\rightarrow$ frequent use of "we" and "our" (l.1, l.3, l.11) emphasises this bond and makes the Queen's presence personal and comprehensible to every citizen

metaphor:
$\rightarrow$ "She was woven into the cloth of our lives so completely, we had stopped seeing the thread long ago" (l.11-12) vividly illustrates the Queen's deep integration into the nation's consciousness.

parallelism:
$\rightarrow$ "Today we mourn a monarch, ... we also mourn for ourselves" (l.72-73), underscores the profound emotional loss felt by the public, reinforcing her significance in their lives.

frequent use of her first name "Elizabeth"
$\rightarrow$ emphasizes closeness and familiarity

Main Body
Emotional bond and Unity through style

author contrasts the Queen's stability with the constant change in the world around her
description of the Queen as a "fixed point in our lives" (l.6) and a "firm centre in a whirl of chaos" (l.21) emphasises her role as a bulwark of continuity in the midst of social and political turmoil
alliteration:
$\rightarrow$ The Queen defied logical arguments against the monarchy: "an illogical, irrational kind of sense, but sense all the same" (l.32-33).

Stability in times of change

"Many will be mourning a woman they once saw visit a school or open a hospital..." (l.65-66)
$\rightarrow$ personal stories and anecdotes to illustrate the Queen's far-reaching and intimate influence on people's lives
$\rightarrow$ personal encounters illustrate her approachable nature and the role she played at important moments in people's lives

referring to everyday experiences, such as receiving a birthday telegram from the Queen, which helped to reinforce her presence in the everyday lives of the British people (l. 66-67)
$\rightarrow$ contribute to a collective memory and emotional attachment
$\rightarrow$ reinforcing her importance and sense of loss at her death

Use of anectdotes and personal stories

unique leadership style:
$\rightarrow$ "Self-restraint, a conspicuous sense of duty and an old-fashioned work ethic... " (l.34-35)

effectiveness as a monarch:
$\rightarrow$ "...the Queen did the job so well. Republicans could only argue that it was a fluke..." (l.29)
$\rightarrow$ Queen's successful navigation of her duties contrasts with the challenges that an elected head of state might face

Comparison with other leaders

embodiment of national values:
$\rightarrow$ Queen is portrayed as a living symbol of British values such as resilience, a sense of duty and continuity
$\rightarrow$ her reign was a unifying narrative that connected the British people across generations and social change

historical connections:
$\rightarrow$ Queen's life and reign are interwoven with key moments in British history (World War II)
$\rightarrow$ Her role during these events made her a figure of national significance, linking past and present and providing a sense of stability and continuity.

Impact of National Identity and Unity

Queen is portrayed as a bridge between different eras, embodying national values and connecting historical events with contemporary life.
the Queen's role as a link between two distinct periods: "that country... and this one" (l.8-9) and "tying the Britain of Vera Lynn and ration books to the Britain of Dua Lipa and Twitter" (l.63-64)

Anaphora:
$\rightarrow$ "The last human link with the war, the last person in British public life" (l.46-47) to highlight her historical significance

historical references:
$\rightarrow$ "She reminded us of our finest hour" (l.60), i.e., victory in WWII leads to "pride and purpose" (l.53) and helps maintain steadfastness in current crises like COVID-19

Connecting the present and past

author adeptly portrays Queen Elizabeth II as a unifying force, symbolizing stability and continuity for the nation
Queen Elizabeth II is a key figure in British history thanks to her commitment and resilience
she continues to inspire hope and build a bridge between generations, ensuring her lasting influence

Conclusion

3a)

Political figures: a double-edged sword

Title

"Plenty will say the nation has lost its grandmother, that we are a family bereaved of its matriarch." This quote highlights the deep emotional connection many feel toward certain political figures. However, the idolisation of political figures can be both healthy and unhealthy. This can bring people together but it can also create unrealistic expectations or blind loyalty.

Introduction

political figures become symbols of national identity and stability
calling the Queen "grandmother" of the nation is an extreme idolization
political power of the monarch is symbolic, but also includes: convening and dissolving parliament, official representative of the United Kingdom abroad, meetings with the Prime Minister...

Main Body
Emotional connection

idolising political figures can encourage people to actively participate in community engagement and activism
can mobilise support for important social causes and policies
it can support important social issues and social improvements

Inspiring change

For politicians:
$\rightarrow$ makes people more receptive to their policies
$\rightarrow$ enables politicians to stay in power and to achieve their political goals
$\rightarrow$ improves their ability to build coalitions

For citizens:
$\rightarrow$ reassures citizens in times of uncertainty
$\rightarrow$ provides a sense of stability and predictability in government
$\rightarrow$ Personalises policy by connecting abstract political issues to real-life impacts, fostering empathy and engagement.
$\rightarrow$ inspires confidence in the potential for positive change

Benefits of idolisation

can lead to both unrealistic expectations and blind loyalty
overlooking of mistakes and political failures
suppresses critical thinking and constructive debate
increased danger of emotionalising politics instead of critically evaluating it
forced corruption through excessive idolisation
politicians lose connection to reality
political personalities are forced into certain roles and portray them
can lead to division in society as opponents of the idolised figure are seen as enemies

Disadvantages of idolisation

acknowledge contributions and be inspired by leaders
do not just blindly follow but maintain critical judgement and responsibility
appreciate the complexity of governance and hold leaders to high standards

Balanced perspective

idolising political figures has advantages and risks
it can unite and inspire, but it can also obscure important issues
strive to value leaders while maintaining accountability
to summarise, it can honour contributions while upholding the principles of democracy and critical engagement

Conclusion

3b)

The cartoon, which shows King Charles III in his traditional royal attire next to a fighting soldier, symbolises the challenges facing both the monarchy and the United Kingdom. This image emphasises the tension between the supposed privilege of the king and the economic hardships of the British people.

Introduction

King Charles III
$\rightarrow$ he wears the traditional royal attire
$\rightarrow$ eye-catching gold chain with the word "privilege"
$\rightarrow$ represents the supposed privileges of the monarchy
$\rightarrow$ saying "Heavy lies the crown" refers to the burden and responsibility associated with the office of king

Soldier
$\rightarrow$ wears a helmet labelled "UK economy"
$\rightarrow$ British flag is depicted on his shirt, symbolising the country's economic problems
$\rightarrow$ holds a sign saying "Please help" and a cup, symbolising economic hardship and the need for support
$\rightarrow$ responds with "oh, shut up", expressing frustration and rejection of the king's statement

Juxtaposition of the two contrasts the privileged position of the monarch with the struggles of the common people.
Emphasises the discrepancy between the traditional role of the monarchy and the economic realities faced by citizens today.
Underlines the perceived indifference of the monarchy to the economic suffering of the population.

Main Body
Analysis and description

lack of acceptance due to his age and the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II
difficulties in finding wider recognition in a changing, multicultural society
establishing a meaningful role for himself
family disputes, e.g. with Harry and Meghan, impacting on the monarchy
re-questioning the undemocratic and high-cost nature of the monarchy

Challenges King III faces

a crisis in the standard of living due to inflation and falling incomes
problems in the health sector (NHS)
shortage of skilled staff in critical industries, partly due to Brexit

Challenges faced by the UK

For King Charles III
$\rightarrow$ despite the difficulties, King Charles III had a long time to prepare for his role as monarch
$\rightarrow$ as a privileged white male, it will be difficult for him to be a trustworthy figure in a diverse and multicultural society
$\rightarrow$ although he has no political power, he is more vocal on issues such as environmental protection compared to his mother
$\rightarrow$ family conflicts have had little negative impact on public opinion of him
$\rightarrow$ monarchy, with its long-standing tradition, contributes to the British economy by paying taxes and generating wealth

For the UK
$\rightarrow$ problems associated with Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine have been made worse by the consequences of Brexit
$\rightarrow$ economic hardship affects low-income households disproportionately
$\rightarrow$ doubtful that the current Conservative government will solve the problems of those most affected economically
$\rightarrow$ overworked and underpaid healthcare staff and doctors and insufficient healthcare services are a specifically British problem
$\rightarrow$ problems, which are partly due to Brexit, cannot be solved quickly

Possible assessment

changing attitudes towards privilege and inequality
growing criticism of inherited privilege has an impact on public perceptions of the monarchy
caricature illustrates the contrast between the royal privileges of the king and the economic difficulties of the soldier
$\rightarrow$ emphasises social inequalities
increased visibility of disputes within the royal family,
$\rightarrow$ Harry and Meghan, which influence public opinion of the institution

Cultural and social dynamics

King Charles III's long preparation for his role points to the continuity of tradition.
economic difficulties and social change call into question the relevance and adaptability of the monarchy
caricature emphasises the tension between upholding tradition and coping with modern social problems

Long-Term impact

King Charles III and the UK face economic difficulties and social change
The cartoon illustrates the contrast between the supposed privilege of the monarchy and the struggles of the population.
solutions must respect tradition while accommodating necessary change
he must carefully manage his symbolic role to remain relevant and influential
Focus on effective solutions to economic and social issues to ensure stability and progress.

Conclusion

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Teil B

Aufgabenstellung

1. Leseverstehen

2. Analyse

3. Gestaltende Schreibaufgabe bzw. persönliche Stellungnahme

Jonathan Freedland: The Queen's death will shake this country deeply - she was a steady centre amid constant flux.

Weiter lernen mit SchulLV-PLUS!

Weiter lernen mit SchulLV-PLUS!

Jonathan Freedland: The Queen's death will shake this country deeply -
she was a steady centre amid constant flux.