Eight Mark Model Answer

Question Questions could focus on any aspect of the play – symbolism, themes, characters, relationships. It is important that you write a structured answer to gain maximum credit for your answer.

Model Question The yacht is an important symbol in the play. What does the yacht symbolise? Your answer should focus on the extract that you are given, as well as the rest of the play. (p.62 – 64)

Introductory sentence Step 1 – Use an introductory sentence to show what themes/ideas your essay will contain. In the extract we see how the yacht symbolises fresh starts and in the rest of the play the yacht symbolises childhood, broken relationships and sectarianism.

Extract Paragraph Step 2 – Use a PEE format paragraph to show how the theme from the extract is shown. In this extract we can see that fresh starts are shown. We see this when Alec says ‘It sailed in the fire like a Viking longboat’. Viking longboats were used to send chiefs to the next life and as this is at the end we can see that all characters have fresh starts.

Childhood Step 3 – Use three separate PEE paragraphs from elsewhere in the text. The yacht is a symbol of Alec’s childhood. Billy says ‘it’ll be so real we can sail away in it!’ The yacht is used as a toy by Alec and sparks his imagination, so is a symbol of his childhood.

Broken Relationships The yacht also symbolises broken relationships. Davie says ’Ah’m gonna fix it up, when I’ve got time’. He never does fix the yacht for Alec and this shows how he fails his son and damages their relationship.

Sectarianism The yacht is also a symbol of sectarianism. Billy paints the boat ‘Blue and white. Best colours in the world.’ He refers to the colours of Rangers and this offers an insight into the mind of sectarianism in Glasgow, where football colours stand as a signal of religious divide.

Complete Answer In the extract we see how the yacht symbolises fresh starts and in the rest of the play the yacht symbolises childhood, broken relationships and sectarianism. In this extract we can see that fresh starts are shown. We see this when Alec says ‘It sailed in the fire like a Viking longboat’. Viking longboats were used to send chiefs to the next life and as this is at the end we can see that all characters have fresh starts. The yacht is a symbol of Alec’s childhood. Billy says ‘it’ll be so real we can sail away in it!’ The yacht is used as a toy by Alec and sparks his imagination, so is a symbol of his childhood. The yacht also symbolises broken relationships. Davie says ’Ah’m gonna fix it up, when I’ve got time’. He never does fix the yacht for Alec and this shows how he fails his son and damages their relationship. The yacht is also a symbol of sectarianism. Billy paints the boat ‘Blue and white. Best colours in the world.’ He refers to the colours of Rangers and this offers an insight into the mind of sectarianism in Glasgow, where football colours stand as a signal of religious divide.

Your Own Mini-Essay Extract – Pages 16 - 17 Gambling and escape from reality are two themes explored in this extract. With close reference to the rest of the play explain how both these themes are explored. (8)