Classical Greek J292,03 June 2023 , OCR GCSE Past Papers with Mark Schemes

1. Socrates’ Final Days & Companions | Devotion of friends, daily visits before execution, emotional reactions of companions, significance of the arrival of the Delian ship.

2. Xanthippe & Gender Views | Role of Xanthippe in Socrates’ last moments, depiction of women’s emotions, Phaedo’s commentary on traditional female mourning.

3. Socratic Philosophy & Death | Socrates’ detachment from physical existence, Crito’s misunderstanding of identity, humor and irony in his final words.

4. Public Perception of Socrates | The executioner’s admiration, Socrates’ calmness under death, comparison to other condemned prisoners, portrayal of philosophical integrity.

5. Plato’s Narrative Techniques | Vivid depiction of emotions, gradual effects of the poison, detailed descriptions of physical decline, final silence of Socrates.

6. Debate on Socrates’ Death | Whether his composure was comforting or isolating, emotional impact on followers, philosophical stance on mortality, legacy in Greek thought.