English Literature: Understanding prose

Section A: Question A One paragraph 8 marks = 10 minutes Opening point – 2 general adjectives about the character. 1 big quote or 2/3 smaller quotes. Identify key words and what they show about the character. Try to get 8 different ideas. Finish with a reader reaction. Use the word discover.

(a) From this extract, what do you discover about the character of Poole? The reader discovers that Poole is fearful and withdrawn in this extract. For example, “He observed with wonder the greatness of the relief that appeared upon the butler’s face, and perhaps with no less, that the wine was still untasted when he set it down to follow.” The reference to ‘relief’ emphasises how Poole is pleased he has help and we discover that the fact that he doesn’t drink the ‘wine’ shows his anxiety and his impatience to return to Jekyll’s house. Another example is, “But for all the hurry of his coming, these were not the dews of exertion that he wiped away, but the moisture of some strangling anguish; for his face was white and his voice, when he spoke, harsh and broken.” The adjectives ‘harsh’ and ‘broken’ demonstrates how scared and impacted the butler is, with his face ‘white’ emphasising the physical signs of fear. ‘Strangling anguish’ helps us discover that Poole is very nervous but also trying to hide it, indicating his loyalty to Jekyll. The reaction of this character builds the tension for the reader as we get closer to the truth about Jekyll.

Section A: Question B Two paragraphs 12 marks = 15 minutes Topic = Character, setting or event Opening point 1 – 2 adjectives about how the topic is presented. Opening point 2 – 2 explanations about the effect of the language. 1 good, juicy quote with features. Identify features and what they show about the topic and what effect they have. Try to make 3 comments. Finish with an evaluation of the language. Use the word effect.

(b) Explore how the writer uses language in the extract to describe the setting. In this extract the setting is presented as dangerous and unnerving. The language used has a foreboding and uneasy effect on the reader. For example, “It was a wild, cold, seasonable night of March, with a pale moon, lying on her back as though the wind had tilted her, and a flying wrack of the most diaphanous and lawny texture.” The adjectives ‘wild’ and ‘cold’ present the streets as off limits and potentially damaging, this has a dramatic effect because it builds up the tension of the journey. The personification of the ‘moon lying’ emphasises the power of the wind, like a supernatural force is trying to stop them from reaching Jekyll. And finally, the metaphor ‘flying wrack’ implies that the clouds are attacking the streets and covering them in darkness, creating a fearful effect for the reader. This language is very effective because it helps create the sense of dread through the setting with the characters feeling apprehensive on their journey to see Jekyll.

Section A: Question C Three paragraphs + Introduction to the extract 16 marks = 25 minutes Theme Introduce the extract – theme, page number, chapter number, key moment, first line and last line. – No more than 1 page. Opening point 1 – Identify the key moment for the theme. Opening point 2 – explain the significance of the moment. 1 good, juicy quote with features. Identify features or key words and what they show about the theme and what the reader learns about the theme. Try to make 3 comments. Finish with a reader reaction. Use the word significant.

C) In the extract, characters demonstrate their fears C) In the extract, characters demonstrate their fears. Explore how the writer presents fear in one other part of the novel. Another extract for the theme of fear is on the final page of chapter 9 when Lanyon witnesses Hyde transforming into Jekyll. The extract begins ‘And now, he said’ and finishes with ‘There stood Henry Jeykll.’ A key moment for the theme of fear in this extract is Lanyon’s reaction to the transformation. This moment is significant because we learn how fear can cause physical reactions and desperation. For example, “I had sprung to my feet and leaped back against the wall, my arms raised to shield me from that prodigy, my mind submerged in terror.” The dynamic verbs ‘sprung’ and ‘leaped’ demonstrate Lanyon’s overwhelming anxiety and his fear for his safety. Describing the transformation as a ‘prodigy’ emphasises the fear of the unknown and Lanyon’s struggle to comprehend what he has seen. Finally the metaphor ‘submerged in terror’ suggest that the fear has taken over his mind and he is drowning in ‘terror’, suggesting the long term impact of fear. Because of the secrecy of Victorian society Lanyon would never of imagined he would witness this event. This causes the reader to realise how graphic and disturbing the transformation is and how fear can have an extreme effect on people.

Section B: Question 13/14 5 paragraphs 40 marks = 50 minutes Theme or Character Context x2 Introduction – introduce your topic and your reasons why it is significant Opening point – Key moment and why this moment is significant. Quote Identify key words/features and what they show about the character/theme. Explain the significance Make a contextual link Finish with a reader reaction. Use the word significance. Refer back to the key word Think about role, what we learn, what they represent, overall messages, impact and effect.

One key moment for the theme of violence is at the end of chapter 3 when Curley attacks Lennie. This is a significance moment because it delivers the message that violence is difficult to stop and often the size of the fighter isn’t relevant. For example, “He slashed at Lennie with his left, and then smashed down his nose with a right. Lennie gave a cry of terror.” The dynamic verb ‘slashed’ presents the violence as deadly, like Curley’s fists are weapons. This is supported by the other aggressive verb ‘smashed’ which demonstrates the power in Curley’s punches and how much damage violence causes. Finally the adjective ‘terror’ emphasises the fear Lennie feels and supports the idea that violence has an impact on everyone regardless of size. Contextually Curley’s attack represents the violence of the era, with men more likely to fight for the status and power due to the crippling financial situation triggered by the wall street crash in 1929. This moment leaves most readers in shock at how quickly violence can occur, while some readers might relish the fact that these characters have finally clashed. Key moment Significance explained Quote 2/3 comments on the quote linking to the topic. Contextual link Reader reaction/evaluation