‘Unravelling’ by Angus Dunn Critical Essay Higher/Intermediate 2 K. Main

‘Unravelling’ Suitable Essay Questions 1 1.Choose a short story in which conflict between two characters is central to the story. Explain how the conflict arises and go on to show how the writer uses it to explore an important theme Choose a short story in which the method of narration makes a major contribution to its impact. Explain what method of narration is employed and go on to show how this adds to your understanding of the story Choose a novel or a short story in which a family disagreement plays an important part. Explain the circumstances of the disagreement and go on to show how the writer uses it to develop the theme and/or character.

‘Unravelling’ Suitable Essay Questions 2 4. Choose a short story that deals with the theme of communication. Discuss how the writer uses techniques such as mode of narration, imagery, and structure to convey this theme to the reader Choose a short story which has an effective ending. Explain briefly what the story is about and go on to show how the ending can be considered effective in conveying the overall themes of the story Choose a story in which the setting is used in an effective way. Describe the setting and go on to discuss how it contributes to your understanding of the story as a whole.

‘Unravelling’ the PLOT It is useful to break the story down based on the settings. ‘Sections’ of the story can roughly be titled: 1.Kabul, Afghanastan 2.Domestic Setting (Hoover/Washing Machine/Family Life) 3.Turkey 4.Domestic Setting (After the carpet’s washed). 5.Salzburg 6.Domestic Setting (Feeding the children) 7.Amman, Jordan 8.Earlier Days (With his wife in their first bought flat) 9.Present Day

Kabul, Afghanastan Exotic setting in which the narrator feels relaxed and comfortable. His immediate connection with the carpet is illustrated.

Domestic Setting Shows lack of affection for his child – no name simply ‘the baby’ Dialogue shows lack of warmth between them. Strong affection for carpet show through his actions and personification.

Turkey Independence along with his imaginative, dreamy outlook on life is shown. Meeting with the Turkish bandit indicates the carpets ability to break down cultural barriers.

Domestic Setting The carpet has clearly changed greatly over the years just as his circumstances have. Tone used when addressing the carpet acts in direct contrast to how he addresses his wife.

Salzburg Narrator is shown to be independent and we get a clear sense of his feelings of freedom. Carpets power in making any place feel like a home. Carpet takes on spiritual meaning

Domestic Setting – Feeding the children Chaotic lifestyle contrasts with the serenity and inner peace shown before Conflict with Jean occurs when Emily takes her first steps Positioning of the carpet is again important.

Amman, Jordan Narrator is shown to be confident and possess good communication skills – direct contrast from the last section Accepted into another culture due to his use of the carpet

Domestic Setting (First Flat) A happiness between the narrator and Jean is felt in a way that has not been felt before However, the less happy ending is foreshadowed in the line: ‘The glow fell on you and me, and it fell on the carpet’

Present day Redecoration is juxtaposed with the bare flat Her suggestion to get rid of the carpet leads to the break doen of he relationship. Final conflict includes it’s not ours etc. which shows unwillingness to give up on the life which he once loved.

Timeline The narrative does not follow chronological order, rather it uses a series of flashbacks at appropriate moments to contrast the narrator’s life in the past and as a young man. 1. The narrator spends some time in Kabul, Afghanastan. 2. He then travels to Turkey. 3.Via Northern Spain, he spends some time in Salzburg. 4. He then spends time in Amman, Jordan. 5.His early life in a new flat – has nothing but seems content with his girl (Jean). 6.Domestic Life – He washes the carpet. 7.Domestic life – Immediately following the washing of the carpet. 8. Domestic Life – Arguing about decorating. 9. Domestic Life – The end of their relationship.