St Ninian’s High SchoolEnglish Department

4

National 5 English

Revision Pack

Mrs Paul – 2017

Contents

Exam outline………………………….......……..3

Reading for U, A and E……………......……….. 4Understanding Questions………......…..… 4Analysis Questions………………......…..… 5Evaluation Questions……………….......….8

Scottish set text – Bold Girls.............…. 9

Critical essay……………………………........… 13‘The Pedestrian’………..………………….. 14‘The ballad of the Sad Cafe’……….........….17

Revision tasks..........................................17

Revision websites......................................17

‘MacCaig’ revision – general analysis..........18

Annotating newspaper articles..................19

2

Exam Outline

Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation (30%)

Read a passage and answer questions 30 marks 1 hour

Critical Reading (40%) – 1 hour and 30 minutes

Part 1 – Scottish set texto Bold Girlso Answer questions on the portion of the play printed in the exam booklet.o 8 mark question linking the primary text to the rest of the play.o 20 marks

Part 2 – Critical essayo Texts studied in classo Write an essay with no notes or textso 20 marks

Portfolio (30%)

Worked on in class and at home before being sent to the SQA Two essays to be included One broadly discursive, one broadly creative 1000 words each Each essay is marked out of 15

3

Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation

Understanding Questions

The purpose of understanding questions is to check that you have understood the passage.

You MUST answer these in your own words – you will get no marks for quoting from the passage.

It is important that you check the number of marks available for each question – each point is worth one mark.

Question Types

In Your Own Words Questions

In these questions you must:

1. Identify the section of the passage the question is referring to.2. Work out the overall meaning of the phrase.3. Write out the meaning using your own words. HINT:

o You may use more or less words than the writer. o You may need to change the order of the words to do this.o Avoid using any words or parts of words from the passage – unless it is IMPOSSIBLE

Word Choice Questions Use this format:1. Quote the word(s) “ “ (line 63) “derailed”2. Usually means… when a train leaves the track.3. In this context… the writer is saying that we should not be

thrown of our life course just because we do not succeed in one thing. We should learn from it and stay on track

Summarisingo These questions often ask about the main points in a paragraph or passage. o This question is often featured at the end of a passage and asks you to

summarise the main points of the article.o To help with this, you should highlight the main ideas as you read through, using

topic sentences to help you work out key points.o Make sure you check the number of marks available.

4

Linking Questionso Linking questions usually ask about one sentence which acts as a link between

two paragraphs.o You need to show how the sentence links back to the ideas of the pervious

paragraph, and also how it links forward to the ideas in the next paragraph.o These questions always contain the word ‘link’ or ‘linking’.o How to answer:

Step 1: Quote the words from the linking sentence which refer back to the previous paragraph.

Step 2: Explain what the previous paragraph is about. Step 3: Quote the words from the linking sentence which refer forward to

the next paragraph. Step 4: Explain what the next paragraph is going to be about.

o Formula: “______” links back to __________ which was discussed in the

previous paragraph. “_______” links forward to ___________ which is going to be

discussed in the next paragraph.o Example:

“to explain this” links back to the harmful effects of always being connected which was discussed in the previous paragraph.

“my efforts” links forward to the writer’s attempt to explain the value of having an interior life, which is going to be discussed in the next paragraph.

Key words of Question• Explain... (what/why)• Summarise the main points/key ideas• What does the writer describe...• Identify...• In your words...• What difference/contrast does the writer identify...

5

Analysis Questions

The purpose of analysis questions is to explore HOW the writer has chosen to give you certain information – what techniques has he/she used?

These questions are asking about the WRITER’S USE OF LANGUAGE. To answer these questions, you should focus on the main language techniques.

Analysis Techniques

Word Choiceo This focuses on why a writer has chosen a particular word over any other –

i.e. you have to comment on CONNOTATIONS (what is suggested by a particular word?)

o You should pick only one or two words – do not quote a whole sentence.o How to answer:

1. Quote the word (1 mark)2. Write “suggests”3. Give the connotations (1 mark) – must be directly linked to the

questiono Example

o Explain how the writer’s word choice in paragraph 1 helps to show that the gancheros’ job is tiring (2)

“Hauling” suggests the bags are heavy and awkward to move, which would make this job exhausting.

Imageryo In this question, you have to analyse images – i.e. simile, metaphor,

personificationo To do this, you need to identify what two things are being compared and why

– what do they have in common?o How to answer:

1. Quote the example of imagery and name the technique2. Explain what two things are being compared and why, using the

phrase “just as…so too…”3. State why it is effective IN THIS PASSAGE.

o Example How effective is the writer’s use of imagery in describing the tidal

wave of muddy water following a dam bursting. (2) “water advancing like a wall of lions” is a simile which compares the

waves to a pack of lions. Just as a wall of approaching hunting lions is terrifying, so too is the advancing, unstoppable water, which is

6

dangerous and can cause great damage. The image is effective because we understand just how aggressive the waves are once they are compared to a pack of lions.

Sentence Structureo These questions ask you about how a sentence is made and built up.o This means you have to identify FEATURES of the sentence, not content, but

is not enough to merely point out the feature of sentence structure – you have to explain how it helps emphasise the writer’s point.

o Aspects to comment on: Punctuation

Parenthesis ( ) , , - - To add in additional information Dash (single) – To introduce a list, example or explanation

OR for a dramatic pause Colon : To introduce a list, example or explanation Semi-colon ; Separates items in a complex list OR

introduces a balancing point Quotation marks “ ” To show exact words spoken OR

to cast doubt on what was said Ellipsis … To show that words have been missed

out OR that a list carries on. Lists Repetition Sentence type Word order Sentence length

o How to answer:1. Step 1: Identify the feature of sentence structure (either quote or

explain)2. Step 2: Explain what purpose that feature has in this passage.3. Step 3: Explain why it is effective in enhancing their point.

Toneo Tone tells us the emotion or feeling of the writer.o It is not a technique in itself – it is created by other techniques, i.e. word

choice, imagery and sentence structure.o How to answer:

7

1. Step 1: State what the tone is2. Step 2: quote the words/explain the technique used to create that

tone.3. Step 3: Explain how the words you have quoted/techniques you have

explained create the tone.

Key words of the Question

• Choose and explain examples of language• The writer’s use of language• Explain how/show how...• Explain the function of...• How does the writer’s language make clear• Explain fully ways in which the writer...• Explain the writer’s word choice/sentence structure/imagery/tone...

Evaluation Questions

The purpose of evaluation questions is to explore how effective the passage is.

To answer these questions, you need to identify either key ideas or techniques, or both, used by the writer.

If you are picking key ideas, you need to explain these in your own words and explain why these ideas are effective.

If you are writing about techniques, you analyse them as normal, adding on a comment explaining why you find that technique effective in emphasising the writer’s point.

8

Bold Girls by Rona Munro

Understanding the PlotOn the surface, ‘Bold Girls’ is a simple play which follows the events affecting four women (Marie, Cassie, Nora and Deirdre) in Belfast over a single day and night. The play has only one act which consists of four scenes. Below is a summary of the events of these four scenes.

Scene OneIn the opening scene we are introduced to each of the four main characters. Marie is a widowed mother of two young boys and at the start of the play is doing her laundry. She is joined by her best friend and neighbour Cassie and Cassie’s mother Nora. Cassie is trying to convince Marie to join her at a club. Their conversation is interrupted when Deirdre (who until this point has been outside in the rain) knocks on Marie’s door and asks for shelter. As the women watch an episode of ‘Blind Date’ we notice tension between Cassie and her mother. This increases when they talk about Cassie’s beloved father Sean who Nora claims was violent. Additionally, we are given a negative first impression of Deirdre who ignores many of the questions she is asked. Nora even suggests that she may be on drugs! This negative impression continues when she takes a shower without asking and then steals Marie’s clothes and money belonging to Cassie.

Scene TwoThis scene is set in the club and reveals more about the personalities of each of the characters. When Marie wins the chance to play ‘The Price is Right,’ she has to be convinced to leave her seat as she does not like attracting attention. This is very different from Cassie who wears quite revealing clothes and dances in a way which attracts attention. As Marie is playing, Cassie and Nora argue again. Nora is unhappy with the way her daughter is dressed and is behaving. She does not think she is acting in appropriate way for a married mother. Cassie thinks that her mum is hypocritical as she did not act in the same way towards her brother Martin when he fathered an illegitimate child. Cassie’s soliloquy in this scene reveals the fact that she was very unhappy as a child because she thought she was treated differently from her brother. Moreover, as she dances with Marie, Cassie reveals that she is dreading the release of her husband from jail. When the women are all seated again, Deirdre (who is a waitress in the club) re-enters wearing the clothes and earrings she stole from Marie. Marie asks for the earrings back as they were a present from her husband Michael but allows Deirdre to keep the clothes. Cassie thinks that Marie is being too soft and confronts Deirdre herself. The young waitress suggests that she has seen Cassie

9

cheating on her imprisoned husband in the back of a car. Cassie is very angry at this point and has to be held back as she tries to attack Deirdre.

Scene ThreeScene three mainly consists of the conversation which takes place between Marie and Cassie as they wait for a taxi outside the club. Cassie reveals just how unhappy she is and tells Marie of her plans to escape. She reveals that she has saved £200 and plans to leave even if it means having to leave her children behind. We learn that Cassie feels that living with Nora has meant that she has taken on the role of the main mother figure to her children. At the end of the scene we learn that Deirdre has found a knife and used it to destroy a roll peach polyester Nora had earmarked for a pair of curtains. This perfectly sets up the final scene.

Scene FourScene four is the story of three huge conflicts. First, Cassie and Nora fight about Sean. Cassie continues to defend her father as Nora remembers the beatings he gave her. They also disagree about Cassie’s husband Joe. During the fight, Cassie reveals her intention to leave and is devastated to discover that her money has been stolen. After Nora departs, Cassie becomes frustrated by Marie’s apparent happiness and shares a hidden truth- the fact she had an affair with Marie’s husband Michael. Marie responds furiously and throws Cassie out of her house. At this point, Deirdre comes into the house holding the stolen knife. She reveals that she is Michael’s illegitimate child and demands to be told the truth about her father. Marie, who has lost all of her previous tranquillity, disarms Deirdre and uses the knife to destroy the picture of her husband which had symbolised her love and devotion towards him. She tells Deirdre that she is unable to tell the truth about Michael as she did not fully know him herself and had created a false ideal image. Deirdre returns the stolen money and tries to return Marie’s clothes. Marie refuses to take the clothes back and invites Deirdre to stay for breakfast.

Beneath this surface, there is a play which has meaning far beyond the domestic soap opera which is played out. To have a full understanding of the play it is necessary to look more closely at the characters, themes and historical context of the play.

10

Historical Context ‘Bold Girls’ is set in Belfast during ‘The Troubles’- a conflict in Northern Ireland which

lasted from 1968 to 1998. The conflict was about the position of Northern Ireland as a part of the United

Kingdom. Unionists, the mostly Protestant majority, wanted to stay a part of the United

Kingdom. Republicans, the mostly Catholic minority, wanted to leave the United Kingdom and

join with the Republic of Ireland. The conflict was often very bloody and violent. This was mainly because of fights

between rival paramilitary organisations (armies not controlled by the state). The main Unionist paramilitary organisations were called the UVF (Ulster Volunteer

Force) and UDA (Ulster Defence Association). They violently opposed Irish unification.

The main Republican paramilitary force was the IRA (Irish Republican Army). They wanted the full withdrawal of the British and Irish unification.

More than 3600 people were killed during the Troubles. Up to 50,000 people were physically maimed or injured. British troops were sent to Northern Ireland to restore order. Extreme violence was an everyday reality for many in Northern Ireland during this

historical period. The conflict ended with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement on 10 April 1998.

While the divisions remain, the organisations involved agreed to try to achieve their aims in a democratic and non-violent way.

Munro is saying that her play has a message which is relevant in many places. She is also saying that the characters are more important to the story than the setting. It is therefore important to examine each of these four characters in greater detail.

11

Talking about the play, Rona Munro said:

‘I don’t think the battles women fight, or the daily struggles they have in much of Belfast, are particularly different from those in any other area with bad housing or high unemployment- except that guns make a difference to everything. But this isn’t a story about guns. It’s the story of four bold women.’

CharactersThe two families:

is outside of the families but claims to be Michael’s illegitimate daughter. She looks a lot like him so this claim is easy to believe.

The men and children of the play are given no lines. We see them only from the perspective of the women. It is therefore important to develop a deeper understanding of these four characters.

12

Deirdre

Marie Michael (deceased)

Michael Junior Brendan

Sean (deceased) Nora

Joe (in jail)

Brian

CassieMartin (in jail)

Teresa

Character ProfileMarieCharacter Name: Marie

Observation Evidence AnalysisEven before Marie speaks, we are given a very positive impression of her by the stage directions. It is immediately clear that she makes the most of what little she has. She is a good mother and a good hostess.

‘toys that are new and gleaming and flashing with lights and have swallowed up the year’s savings.’

Marie puts her children before herself. In order to make sure that they have the latest toys, she is willing to sacrifice all of her savings. List effect with repeated use of “AND” to demonstrate that the toys have all the cool features. They are not cheap imitation.WORD CHOICE: “swallowed” she has not only spent a little of her saving but instead allowed all of her savings to disappear to give her children the best. They are her priority.

‘It’s pots and pans and steam and the kettle always hot for tea.’

The list tells us that Marie is a frequent hostess with her kitchen messy with food preparation but the water is always ready to provide a welcoming cup of tea for anyone who drops in. the repetition of “and” highlights this muddle and chaos. She ensures that no guest will go without refreshments.

‘it’s furniture that’s bald with age and a hearth in front of the coal fire that’s gleaming clean.’

The age and condition of the furniture tells us that Marie does not have much money. WORD CHOICE: “bald” highlights how worn the furniture is. However, she makes the most of this by making sure that everything is clean and tidy. WORD CHOICE: “gleaming. This word highlights how she is skilled in domestic chores ensuring what she has is spotless.

Marie looks upon her dead husband Michael with an admiration which matches religious devotion.

‘There is a small picture of the Virgin on one wall, a large grainy blow-up photo of a smiling young man on the other.’

Marie’s “large” picture of Michael is a centrepiece on the stage. The fact that it is bigger than the picture of the Virgin Mary suggests that she places him on a pedestal like an icon. It tells us a great deal about Marie’s priorities in life.

Marie is naïve and worships a false idol.

When trying to convince Marie to go to the club, Cassie says to Nora:‘Sure he was hardly here when he was alive.’

INDIRECT CHARACTERISATION The idealised view of Michael held by Marie is not shared by other characters. This suggests to us that she is possibly delusional and may become very unhappy when confronted with the truth.

13

Biography:

Marie is a widowed housewife with two children. She works in a poor job and struggles for money. Despite this, she appears to be very happy and always makes sure her house is welcoming for visitors.

Marie is kind, caring and motherly. When Deirdre knocks on the door, she is unable to ignore her visitor and is willing to let her stay.

‘You better sit down by the fire’

CHARACTERISATION Even when confronted by a complete stranger, Marie is unable to turn her away. Instead she invites her in and shows concern for her well-being.

‘Well you wouldn’t have me turn her out on the street in a towel would you?’

CHARACTERISATION Even after Deirdre has exploited her hospitality, Marie remains considerate.

Marie is shy. She does not enjoy being the centre of attention.

‘Oh I hate standing out in front of everyone.’

CHARACTERISATION When she wins the chance to play ‘The Price is Right,’ Marie is very reluctant to go up as everyone will be looking at her. This shows that she prefers to remain in the background.

‘Feel a bit like the last meat pie in the shop out here, Cassie.’

“Marie stars shuffling cautiously from foot to foot.”

IMAGERY – SIMILE She is suggesting the men are looking at them ‘hungrily’ as if they were the only source of entertainment. As Cassie dances extravagantly, Marie is sent to get her by Nora. Her movements are apprehensive and she is unhappy that everyone is looking at them. This further shows her reluctance to take the spotlight. WORD CHOICE: “shuffling” suggests small movements made in an embarrassed way. She feels very uncomfortable and does not want to draw attention to herself. “cautiously” suggests a fear of moving too much in case she is noticed by anyone.

Marie is a good friend. When Cassie reveals that she is afraid of what will happen when her husband is released from jail, Marie reassures her by saying:‘I’ll be just across the road, I won’t let you go crazy. You just see what you’ll get if you try it.’

CHARACTERISATION Instead of being shocked by Cassie’s revelations, Marie is very supportive. She shows that she will be there even when times are tough.“I won’t let you” shows a determination to protect her friend and strength of character which suggests she will stand against anyone who tries to hurt her friend.

‘I don’t know how you coped with all Joe’s carry on. I don’t. You were the martyr there, Cassie.

CHARACTERISATION Marie offers a sympathetic ear for a troubled friend. She reassures her friend that her suffering is not imagined.

Marie’s selfless, gentle and caring nature is also evident in her treatment of animals.

‘she’s worried she won’t be out of her bed to feed the sparrows their crusts first thing’

CHARACTERISATION This shows how selfless Marie is. Instead of going to bed after getting home late, she scatters crumbs for the birds as she is worried she will sleep in. Her first thoughts are never for herself.

‘She wouldn’t tread on a spider if she found it in her shoe.’

CHARACTERISATION Cassie’s observation again highlights how caring Marie is. Even when it is an inconvenience, she is not willing to treat other beings with anything other than complete care and affection.

Marie is a positive character who is able

When Cassie asks why she is so happy, Marie says:

Although she is impoverished and struggling to cope financially, Marie is thankful for what she has.

14

to put a positive spin on even poor circumstances.

‘I’ve a lot to be thankful for. I’ve my kids, my job, a nice wee house and I can still pay for it.’

While she has to suffer, she is pleased that she is still able to provide for others.LIST Marie lists hers blessings to show how fortunate she believes she is. She could also list the troubles in her life but as a positive person she only sees the good in her life.

Despite her apparent positivism and delusional nature, Marie is very self-aware.

‘I know nothing at all. That’s the only story I’m fit to tell you about, about nothing at all… Except being brave and coping great and never complaining and holding the home together.’

Marie is fully aware of the way others see her. It is clear from this that her apparent ignorance is an intentional construct which she has built to save herself from complete misery.

Cassie

Observation Evidence AnalysisCassie is not naturally motherly. This is one reason why she struggles to fit into a society in which women are valued for being good mothers.

Cassie scares Michael Junior by:‘I’ll tell you what happens to all those men that drink whiskey and all those wee boys that drink raspberry ice-cream syrup; their intestines get eaten away and their stomachs get eaten away and all the other bits just shrivel up and die.’

Here, Cassie uses fear as a controlling device. This shows that she is willing to achieve her goals using methods which may hurt the child. These are not qualities we associate with good motherhood.WORD CHOICE: “eaten away” “shrivel up” “die” these words are chosen to scare Michael Jr to make him compliant. Cassie doesn’t know how to discipline so uses fear instead.

Cassie is insensitive and can seem uncaring.

In scene one, Nora says:‘God forgive me for bringing a child into the world with a heart of flint and a tongue to match.’

Imagery: METAPHOR portrays Cassie as a cold person who is incapable of sensitivity or sympathy. “flint” a hard sharp substance suggesting this is like Cassie’s heart and her tongue – her words.The fact that her own mother is saying this reveals a negative aspect of her personality.

Cassie does not agree with the values of a

‘Oh so should I just get back in my box and wear bin liners till

Cassie objects to her mother’s belief that she should not wear revealing clothes in the

15

Cassie is an extroverted mother of two. She is the daughter of Sean and Nora, the brother of Martin and is married to Joe. She admires her dead father and despises her husband. Her desperation to escape Belfast reveals a lot about her character. Unlike Marie, she is not a natural mother. Moreover, she has had a number of extra-marital affairs, including one with Marie’s husband Michael.

society which values men over women.

he’s out should I?’ absence of her husband. She likes looking good and wants to grab the attention of others.

‘Do you know that you never put a plate of food in front of me before he had his.’

Cassie was hurt by the clear favouritism showed to her brother Martin. She knows that society values men over women but does not accept these values.

Cassie is very confident and enjoys being the centre of attention.

When Marie informs her that everyone is watching her dance, Cassie says:‘Let them.’

Cassie is very different to Marie. While Marie is uncomfortable with attention, Cassie thrives on it.

Cassie is forthright and confrontational.

When Marie fails to confront Deirdre over the thefts, Cassie takes it upon herself to do so:‘I hope you’ve not taken a fancy to anything else that’s caught your eye, like my handbag.’

Cassie refuses to act in any way which may be considered weak. She is annoyed by Marie’s submissiveness and feels that protecting her friend is her duty.

Cassie is selfish. ‘I could leave her the children.’ Cassie is so desperate to escape that she is even willing to leave her own children behind. This again shows that she is not a kind and caring mother.

Cassie views herself in a negative way.

‘Heart like a Brillo pad, that’s me.’

In both of these quotes, Cassie shows that she does not have a high opinion of herself. She sees herself as being unkind, uncaring and lacking in humanity.

‘I’m just wicked.’

Cassie is not a good friend.

‘That’s what I’m telling you Marie. We were both lying to you for years.’

Cassie has not only betrayed Marie but has kept this information to herself. She deliberately tries to destroy Marie’s happiness out of jealousy as she herself is deeply unhappy having learned that her money has been stolen.

16

Nora

Nora is fiercely protective of her family.

‘“I’m that boy’s mother-in law, and before you take him you’ll have to answer to me.”’

As Joe is being arrested, Nora bravely confronts the soldiers taking him even although she is risking her own safety. Cassie describes her as ‘lioness’ and this highlights just how much she cares about her family.

Nora is caring. As Cassie complains about Deirdre taking a shower, Nora says:‘That child needs help from someone’

Although Deirdre is acting in a way which does not invite sympathy, Nora is able to see that she is a troubled young woman.

She spends lots of money on fruit for her imprisoned son and son-in-law.

She wants to ease the suffering of family members even although it comes at an expense she can hardly afford.

Nora is old-fashioned. In Nora’s house, the men are always served their food first.

Here, Nora shows that she thinks that the job of women is to make life comfortable for the men in their lives. She is unable to sympathise with Cassie’s complaints as she does not feel that women should put themselves ahead of others.

‘You’ve a job to do bringing up that family and making a decent home for you and your man, so get on with it.’

17

Nora is Cassie’s mother and the wife of the now dead Sean. She was unhappy in her marriage but loves her son Martin dearly. Her relationship with her daughter is at times very tense. She is obsessed with home improvements.

Deirdre

Roles played by Deirdre in the play:

A conventional character - With a past.- With a present.- With a purpose.- With typical characteristics of a

teenager.A ‘ghost’ - She resembles Marie’s dead

husband.- She wears clothes which forces Marie

to remember her past.A parasite - She exploits Marie’s kindness and

hospitality.- She steals literally and metaphorically

from others.- Defines herself in relation to other

people.A catalyst - Reveals the past.

- Forces confessions.- Uncovers the ‘truth.’- Destroys dreams.- Changes the mood of the play.

A link - Links Marie’s home and the violence and crime outside.

- Links the past and the present.- Between the present and the future.

An observer and a commentator - On the physical setting.- Evoking mood and atmosphere.- As a spy or a detective.

18

Deirdre is a sixteen year old girl who is desperate to learn the truth about her father Michael. She has not had a good life. Her mother neglects her and the male role models in her life are either absent or violent.

Observation Evidence AnalysisDeirdre is an outsider. Stage directions:

‘Deirdre is not in this room, she’s crouching on all fours on her own talking out of darkness in which only her face is visible. She is wary, young.’

While the other characters are safe and warm in Marie’s home, Deirdre is trapped outside. She is on ‘all fours’ which makes us think of an animal. It makes us think that she lonely and frightened.

Deirdre is determined. ‘I’m wet, I’m cold. I want to get inside. There’s burning making the sky black. The sky’s full of rain and the sound of the helicopter. I want to get inside. Can’t keep me out.’

While this underlines Deirdre’s outsider status as an outsider who is exposed to the harsh outside world, it also reveals more about her personality. Her repetition of ‘I want to get inside’ makes her ambition very clear. She wants to invade the comfortable domestic world represented by Marie’s home. The final line shows that she will stop at nothing in her attempts to achieve this.

Deirdre lacks basic manners and courtesy. She is also a thief.

She does not thank Marie for her hospitality and takes a shower without asking permission. Moreover, she steals Marie’s clothing and earrings as well as Cassie’s two hundred pounds.

This perhaps suggests that Deirdre is self-centred as she wants takes what she wants without thinking about the possible consequences. It may also suggest desperation. She is so weary of her second rate life that she is willing to involve herself in criminal activity to escape the harsh reality of the outside world.

Deirdre is destructive. ‘I need a knife. A wee blade of my own… A wee bit of hard truth you could hold in your hand and point where you liked.’

Deirdre’s determination is apparent in her willingness to destroy obstacles to the truth in a violent way. She believes that a knife

19

empowers her and gives her the chance to get the truth on her own terms.

‘She looks at the broad, smooth stretch of material then starts to slash at it, ripping it, trampling it till she’s breathless.’

Deirdre is cunning. ‘It was in a car. A blue car.’ As the pressure is turned on her, Deirdre subtly lets Cassie know of the power she possesses. She knows of the affair between Cassie and Michael and is willing to use this knowledge for her own purposes.

Deirdre is neglected and abused.

‘She’ll have locked me out.’ Deirdre’s mother is guilty of terrible neglect. Instead of worrying about the whereabouts of her sixteen year old daughter, she is willing to leave her locked out when the streets are a warzone. Moreover, she continues to live with a man who is abusing her daughter physically

When she is asked who bruised her, Deirdre says:‘Just the fella she’s got living with her just now.’

20

Relationships between the Characters

1- Marie and Cassie

From the start of the play, we are made aware of the close relationship between these two characters. Cassie is willing to ask Marie a deeply personal question about her underwear and even helps deal with the behaviour of Michael Junior. The closeness of this relationship is further revealed when Cassie confides her fears about the release from prison of her husband Joe in Marie. There are no barriers between the two characters and Cassie even reveals her desire to escape Belfast even if it means leaving her children behind. Beneath the surface of this seemingly close relationship though, there is a story of betrayal. Cassie is jealous of her friend’s ability to appear happy despite her poor quality of life and reveals a hidden secret- her affair with Michael. This causes a huge change in their friendship and Marie screams at Cassie to get out of her house.

2- Cassie and Nora Conflict is central to the relationship between Cassie and Nora. They are very different women who have very different beliefs. Central to their conflict is their differing memories of Sean. While Cassie idolises a man she remembers as a ‘lovely,’ ‘gentle’ man, her mother recalls the physical abuse she was subjected to. Cassie maintains that Nora brought the beatings upon herself as she would constantly nag her husband. They also disagree about Cassie’s husband Joe. While Cassie despises him, Nora remembers him as an ideal husband.

Cassie does not remember her upbringing fondly. She feels that she was taught only to be a second class citizen who was to look up to men. While her brother Martin was spoiled, she was constantly in trouble. She complains that he was always served dinner first as part of his clear role as his mother’s favourite. There appears to be some foundation in Cassie’s complaints. When Nora complains about Cassie’s revealing dress and failure to wear a bra, Cassie points out that she had no problem accepting Martin’s womanising ways. Nora denies that Martin fathered an illegitimate child despite being presented with obvious proof. It is obvious that there are double standards at work.

21

Another reason why Cassie resents Nora is the role her mother is playing in the upbringing of her children. She feels that Nora has stopped her from developing a close relationship with the children. This is revealed when she says:

‘Teresa turns to her before she turns to me and Brian’s getting all the washing and polishing and wee cups of ice cream to keep him smiling that Martin ever got.’

At the end of the play, Nora tries to force Cassie to admit that her dad was not a saint. The subsequent argument leads to a revelation which helps us to understand the poor relationship between the two women. Cassie tells her mum: ‘I never hated you… I just wanted you to make it happen different.’ From this it can be taken that Cassie resents her mum for not putting a positive slant on things in the way Marie does with her children. She even admits that her mother has had a tough life when she tells Marie, ‘Mummy’s heart is made of steel. She had to grow it that way.’

3- Marie and Deirdre At first, Marie’s warmth towards Deirdre and willingness to overlook the theft seems bizarre. However, it is possible that she feels an obligation to the girl as it is clear that she resembles Michael. Moreover, she may see Deirdre as the daughter she never had. Deirdre, at first exploits this in a way which makes her seem contemptible. However, by the end of the play she has changed and is willing to give back what she has taken after a stressed Marie lashes out at her. On the final page Deirdre is invited to stay for breakfast and Marie tells her about the joys of feeding birds. This is a positive ending which leaves room for optimism. We feel that the future relationship between these characters represents hope for the future.

4- Marie and Michael Marie idolises Michael and memories of their relationship help her to survive alone in a war torn environment. She believes that this relationship was built on trust, truthfulness and respect. When she explains her reasons for being thankful, she neatly surmises the role Michael plays in her life, ‘I’ve had better times with Michael than a lot of women get in their whole lives with a man.’

After the affair is revealed, there is a brief change in Marie’s view. Her destruction of the picture along with her failure to finish the story she tells her children and her reference to her husband’s ‘lying head’ suggests that her love and respect for him have been destroyed by the truth. However, she goes on to admit that she herself concealed the truth she knew about the inevitable fate shared by men like her husband. She concludes by saying, ‘I loved him. I can’t throw that away even now. I loved him.’

22

5- Cassie and Joe Cassie tells her mother that she regards her decision to marry Joe as a mistake made someone too young to know better. She confides in Marie about her true feelings towards her husband when she says:

‘‘‘I tell you Marie I can’t stand the smell of him. The greasy, grinning, beer bellied smell of him. And he’s winking away about all he’s been dreaming of, wriggling his fat fingers over me like I’m a poke of chips- I don’t want him in the house in my bed, Marie.”’This tells us why Cassie feels the way she does about her husband. Her reference to him ‘wriggling his fat fingers over me like I’m a poke of chips’ shows that he sees his wife as a possession and an object. He treats her without any respect as he believes that she is his personal belonging.

The full extent of this hatred is revealed in the final stanza when she reveals that she has been plotting to kill him to avoid the continuation of their marriage when he is released from prison.

6- Cassie and Sean Cassie looks up to her father. He is the only male she seems to exclude from her general condemnation of the gender. Despite his obvious faults she remembers him as a kind, caring and gentle man who was driven to an early grave by the unholy alliance of Nora and Martin.

7- Nora and Sean Nora remembers Sean as a violent drunk who made her life a misery. Her unwillingness to remember him in a positive way causes a great deal of conflict with her daughter.

23

Symbolism and ThemeTruth versus Escapism

The main theme in ‘Bold Girls’ is the nature of the truth. While Marie, Nora and Cassie try hard to escape from the truth, Deirdre is desperate to discover it.

Each of the characters escapes reality in different ways.

Marie escapes reality in the following ways:

- By remembering the quality of her married life fondly. This is symbolised by the huge picture of Michael which dominates her living space.

- Feeding the birds. As birds have connotation of freedom and escape, it is clear that they symbolise Marie’s desire to flee from the truth. On the final page, she reveals that she admires the resourcefulness of smaller birds. They are the model by which she lives her life.

- Drink large amounts of alcohol.- Keeping her house in good order. Houses and the inside represent safety from the

outside world. By maintaining her home, Marie is able to block out the darkness of the outside world.

Nora escapes from reality in the following ways:

- Constantly decorating her house. The peach polyester symbolises her escape from everyday life as her attempts to secure it dominate her mind over everything else.

- Drinking large amounts of alcohol.

Cassie escapes from reality in the following ways:

- By telling herself that she will be able to escape Belfast using the money she has been saving.

- Affairs with men.- Drinking large amounts of alcohol.

While Marie and Nora seem reasonably happy in consequence of their chosen methods of escape, Cassie’s honest assessment suggests that escapism is not successful in blocking out reality. She tells Marie that her affairs have not stopped her from getting ‘damp.’ The idea that escapism has not benefited her is continued when she says:

24

‘Grabbing onto some man because he smells like excitement, he smells like escape. They can’t take you anywhere except into the back seat of their car. They’re all the same.’

This perhaps suggests that escapism is not the answer. Does the truth bring happiness in the play though?

Throughout the play, the truth is symbolised by the knife. Deirdre wishes to get one as she believes this will allow her to find out the truth. When she finds one and destroys Nora’s peach polyester, she sets in motion a series of event which lead to the truth being revealed.

Does the truth bring happiness?

Discovering the truth about Michael destroys Marie’s artificial reality. She is no longer able to comfort herself with her memories of her ‘perfect’ marriage and uses the knife to destroy his picture (the symbol representing this form of escape). For her, the truth is destructive.

Learning the truth about the unlikeliness of her escape makes Cassie deeply unhappy. She lashes out and destroys her friendship with Marie out of petty jealousy at her friend’s ability to be happy.

Deirdre is desperate for the truth but Marie is unable to provide her with the truth she wanted as her knowledge of Michael’s personality was flawed. The revelations she has set in motion by destroying the symbol of domestic bliss seems to have made everyone unhappy.

Therefore, Cassie’s reflections on the nature of the truth seem to be supported by the events of the final scene:

‘…he did always tell you the truth, but there’s only so much of the truth anyone wants to hear.’

Marie seems to agree with this when she tells Deirdre that she did not share the truths she knew with Michael and withheld the parts he would have found upsetting as they would have required him to change.

25

The bleak reality the characters are trying to escape is symbolised both by the colour grey and by rain in the play. At the start of the play Deirdre is caught in the rain. It is raining on Marie’s wedding day until she is taken to the home which she can make her own in order to escape this reality. In saying that her mode of escapism didn’t work, Cassie reveals that she was not sheltered from the rain.

Therefore, in reflecting upon the truth, the play seems to suggest that the full truth is a destructive force which causes deep unhappiness. Only truths which will fall on welcome ears should be shared in order to maintain happiness.

The Role of Women in SocietyIn the play, the respective roles of women and men in society (at the time of the play) are also considered.

Men WomenFight for justice. Be good mothers.Work to provide for their family. To put the interests of the males in their lives

before their own needs.Care about the appearance of their home.

While Marie and Nora fit with the expected role of women in society at this time, Cassie and Deirdre are excluded.

Cassie is excluded as she has been forced to stay at home by her personal circumstances. She is unable to create a happy household which will allow her to escape reality. Moreover, the presence of her mother stops her from developing her skills as a mother.

Deirdre is excluded from this as she has been denied the presence of a male who she can look up to as a child. She has not had the opportunity to develop the skills she will need to successfully integrate into such a society.

Food and Drink as a Symbol

In the play, food and drink symbolises the subordinate position of females in Irish society during this historical period. Men and boys are always served first and it is the role of wives and daughters to prepare and serve meals. This is symptomatic of the wider role of women who are expected to use their domestic skills to make a nice home for their husbands and children. Nora’s treatment of Brian suggests that this is a vicious cycle which is being repeated. Cassie objects to this and as such is excluded from the form of escapism shared by Marie and Nora who use their domestic duties as a distraction from the harsh world outside of their doors.

26

Betrayal

Colour is very important as a symbol in the play. We learn a lot about the characters from the colours they wear.

White is a positive colour which has connotations of purity, innocence, being angelic and of wedding dresses.

Red has more negative connotations. As it is associated with Satan and hell, it is seen to represent evil and sinfulness.

Wears White Wears RedMarie CassieDeirdre

As Cassie cheats on her husband and betrays Marie, she is wearing a red dress. The mentions of this dress earlier in the play hint at her fallen status as a sinner.

Marie wears white as she is pure and innocent. She is a character we are supposed to admire in consequence of her bravery and resourcefulness.

We are at first surprised that Deirdre is seen wearing white. Her initial acts suggest that she is not a character we should identify with. However, the full revelation of her character shows that she is blameless and is a victim of circumstance. The colour she wears hints that she is a character we should feel pity and sympathy for.

27

Critical Essay In this part of the exam, you will be given a list of essay questions to choose from.

You pick ONLY ONE and write ONE essay within 45 minutes.

Make sure you choose from the correct section:

You can answer in PROSE (‘Of Mice and Men/At the Bar/If I Quench Thee)

Or POETRY (In Mrs.Tilscher’s Class/Dulce et Decorum Est)– ignore all other sections.

Make sure you read all questions carefully before deciding on your question.

Once you have decided, make a plan using the following outline for your essay:

• Introduction Title of text Author Refer to Question Techniques to be discussed Summary of text

• Critical paragraphs PEAR (4-6)

o Point sentence – make clear what your paragraph will be abouto Evidence – give a relevant quotationo Analysis – explain, in detail, what this quotation tells us and the techniques

used to make this clearo Refer to question – use the key words of the question

• Conclusiono Sum up your main points

28

‘If I Quench Thee’

Summary

Arthur Stern goes to visit his daughter for her birthday He is extremely critical of where she lives and what she does – he is obviously

annoyed that she left the family Monica mentions a surprise she has for her father, but doesn’t tell him what it is Throughout their conversation, Arthur reveals himself to be incredibly racist A man names Tod Humbert comes to the apartment. Monica introduces her dad to

Tod, but doesn’t say who Tod is The way Tod speaks makes Arthur think that he is Monica’s boyfriend. Disgusted,

Arthur leaves the apartment Arthur Stern realises he doesn’t want to be distanced from his daughter, so he goes

back to the apartment, where he overhears Tod telling Monica that marrying her will be the greatest thrill of his life

In a rage, Arthur leaves When Tod leaves the apartment, Arthur speaks to him under the pretence of

apologising He attacks him, and ends up killing him, while making it look like Tod attacked him In the police station, Monica tells Arthur she knows what really happened – Arthur

killed Tod – and she is willing to testify against him Monica reveals that Tod was the minister and her fiancé is actually in the army – the

kind of man Arthur would be proud of

Themes

Racism Prejudice Family relationships

Key Question Types

• Story with a twist/key incident• Interesting character/character who provoked an emotional response• Important theme/issue• Conflict

29

At the Bar by William McIlvanneyKey Quotes

• “…the ill-fitting suit”• “… the barman noticed him more than he normally would have done.”• “ The suit was slightly out of fashion yet looked quite new”• “ Whatever had happened to him had tightened him but not diminished him.”• “He looked along the gantry with a bemused innocence, like a small boy in a

sweet-shop.”• “His face looked as if it had just come off a whetstone.”• “His pallor suggested a plant kept out of the light. Prison, the barman thought.”• “I'll have.' It seemed a momentous choice. 'A pint of heavy.'”• “Then he retreated inside himself.”• “Denim-dressed, he looked nasty-hard, a broad pitted face framed in long black

hair. He was a fidgety drinker, one of those who keep looking over both shoulders as if they know somebody must be trying to take a liberty and they're determined to catch him at it”

• “His arrival froze the barman.”• “The moment crackled like an electrical storm.”• “The silence prolonged itself like an empty street with a man at either end of it.”• “`Ye had a pint, right enough. But Ah felt like it. So Ah drank it. That's the dinky-

dory.'”• “. 'What does it matter? Ah can afford another one. Forget it.'”• “The barman felt as if he was pouring out the big man's blood but he did it”• “…the side of the big man's clenched right hand had hit the base of the glass like

a demolition-ball.”• “Cheerio. Nice shop you run.”• “`You're barred,' he said.”

30

'At The Bar' By William McIllvanney Notes And Quotes:

At the start of the short story the atmosphere is quiet and dull:

1. Line one: "The pub was quiet."

This set the atmosphere early on. The poet uses sentence structure to emphasise how quiet and dull the bar is. The kind of sentence he uses is a short sentence. This grabs our attention and lets this important piece of information sink in straight away.

The big man appears to have recently come out of prison because of his outdated and overlarge clothes:

2. Line 3: "The suit was slightly out of fashion yet looked quite new and it was too big for him."

The Big man seems to fit in with the quiet and placid environment as he seems quiet and innocent:

3. Line 11"He looked along the gantry with a bemused innocence, like a small boy in a sweet shop"

Here the poet uses a simile to compare the big man to a small innocent child in a sweet shop.

Just as a small child would be happy and excited with the choice of sweets on offer in a sweet shop so the big man is in awe at the amount of drinks he has to choose from. This simile makes him seem quiet and makes the moment when he flips out more surprising.

The poet uses a great metaphor to describe the skin tone of the big man:

4. "His pallor suggested a plant kept out of the light."

"Pallor" is the colour and look of his skin. Here the poet compares the big man's unhealthy pale skin to a plant that has been kept out of the light. This is a good metaphor to use as a plant kept out of the light would be yellow and unhealthy looking. The man may look yellow and unhealthy as he has spent so much time locked up away from the outdoors.

All of these techniques used to describe the big man are examples of 'Characterisation'. This is a good word to use when discussing how the poet has created a quiet and well behaved character.

31

Then the denim man enters and tries to get people to look at him so that he can accuse them of something and start a fight. The characterisation of the big man is very different.

5. Line 15 "Nasty hard"6. Line 16 "Fidgety drinker"7. Line 19 "He kept glancing along at the big man and seemed annoyed no reaction."8. Line 20 "His eyes were a demonstration looking for a place to happen."

This makes the reader dislike this unpredictable and violent character. The big man seems to ignore him which winds the denim man up even more.

The atmosphere of the bar is still very quiet, calm and placid.

9. Line 28: "The barman was relieved to see Old Dave come towards the bar as if he was walking across America"

This is a good simile to show how slowly the pace of life is in the bar. It compares the amount of time Old Dave takes to reach the bar with the amount of time it would take to walk across America.

When the denim man does not get a reaction out of the big man he drinks his pint to cause tension.

The moment of realisation and the climax.

The big man remains calm and polite when he finds his pint is gone:

1. "Excuse me. Ah had a pint there"

This shows the big man's quiet manner in the short sentences and polite word choice. He does not blame the denim man or anyone else and he is not looking for trouble. This shows that he is not thinking of violence before his moment of realisation. However when the denim man owns up to it in a very sarcastic way the atmosphere changes from dull to electrically charged.

2. "The moment crackled like an electrical storm"

This is the moment the big man realises what has happened and turns from being quiet and polite to angry. This simile shows the friction and possibility as the big man has to think about how to react. The situation is made even more tense when the denim man challenges and provokes him further. The poet then uses a great image that would be perfectly at home in a western film:

3. "The silence prolonged itself like an empty street with a man at either end of it."

32

This shows the tense atmosphere between the two men and how the big man feels this tension also as he is silent while deciding what he should do. The reader realises there may be violence as the connotations (what the words or images make us think of) suggest two cowboys across a deserted street with some locals about to watch a gun fight where one dies and one is victorious. The big man continues to rise above the situation and appears to make his decision to defuse the situation.

4. "The big man stared and lowered his eyes, looked up and smiled. It wasn't convincing. Nonchalant surrender never is."

The big man tries to be pleasant and take it as a joke although the reader feels that he does not truly feel this. He continues to joke when he offers to buy the denim man a drink:

5. "Get the man a pint of heavy"

This seems to be the end of the moment of realisation where he decides that violence is not worth it and he seeks to avoid conflict. However, that changes when the denim man keeps pushing. He has already been very cheeky to the big man:

6. "Ye had a pint there but I drank it. That's the dinky dory"

When the denim man continues to be cheeky the big man has a second moment of realisation and realises he has to do something to get the denim man back.

The denim man continues to wind the big man up by saying:"Your good health. You obviously value it."

He is deliberately trying to make a fool of the big man and is assuming the role of the victorious person. He makes remarks like this which make the big man look like a coward. This statement and his wink to the bar man end the big man’s second moment of realisation as he realises that he needs to do something to regain his pride.

He realises now that he must teach the denim man a lesson in a language he will understand (violence).

The climax scene

The climax of the story is when the big man punches the denim man.

The poet's explosive language and imagery of the climax scene show the outcome of the big man's second moment of realisation for both characters. The big man suddenly attacks the denim man:

33

1. "...big man's clenched right fist had hit the base of the glass like a demolition ball"

This simile compares the big man's fist with a demolition ball and shows the reader the force at which the fist hits the glass. The notion of sudden violence is clear.

"Splintered scream among the shards of volleying glass and exploding beer..."

The verbs volleying and exploding show the force of the scene and the alliteration (repetition of 's' and 'sh') makes the glass seem all the sharper. The reader realises the outcome of the short story has suddenly changed and we have an unexpected ending. The big man has now come out as the clear winner. The most impressive thing is that the big man switches back to self control and restraint:

2. "The name's Rafferty. Cheerio. Nice shop you run."

He is willing to take control and responsibility for his own actions and leaves his name in case the denim man pursues him. The reaction of the bar man lets us know that the big man did the right thing and left victorious:

3. "'You're barred', he said"

At the Bar by William McIlvanneyKey Incident/Key Moment/Moment of Tension

EssayEssay Plan

34

The Essay

Paragraph 1 –Introduction“At the Bar” by William McIlvanney is a short story set in a local bar. The pub is very quiet and uneventful until two characters face a growing moment of tension. This key moment changes everything and leads to a sudden violent outburst.

Now you write your own version below

Paragraph 2 – First Main Body ParagraphDiscuss the setting before the tension – the quiet pub.

35

P: Before the key incident the writer describes the setting of the bar as one of stillness and calm and monotony.

E: Add a quote here to show the bar is quiet

A: Are there any good words or techniques in this quote that the writer has used? Tell me about them:

E: Add another quote here to show the bar is quiet

A: Are there any good words or techniques in this quote that the writer has used? Tell me about them:

R: So how do these quotes prove the setting is quiet and uneventful?

36

Paragraph 3 – Second Main Body Paragraph

Tell me about the character of the big man. Focus on the fact he is looking for a quiet drink and no company

P: Similarly, the character of the big man was described as someone noteworthy and unusual, but nonetheless serene.

E: Add a quote here to show this character.

A: Are there any good words or techniques in this quote that the writer has used? Tell me about them:

E: Add another quote here to show this character.

A: Are there any good words or techniques in this quote that the writer has used? Tell me about them:

R: So how do these quotes show this to be a man trying to avoid trouble?

37

Paragraph 4 – Third Main Body Paragraph

The Key Incident/Building Tension

P: The key incident occurs as the big man left the bar momentarily. Looking for trouble, the man in denim decides to actively provoke him.

E: Add a quote here to demonstrate the tension building

A: Are there any good words or techniques in this quote that the writer has used? Tell me about them:

E: Add another quote here to demonstrate the key moment

R: Comment that this growing tension and key moment is significant in the story.

38

Paragraph 5 – Fourth Main Body Paragraph

How the key moment changes everything

P: The aftermath of this key incident erupts into an act of brutal violence which shatters the peace.

E: Add a quote here to demonstrate this

A: Are there any good words or techniques in this quote that the writer has used? Tell me about them:

E: Add another quote here to demonstrate the key moment

R: Comment that this violence was as a result of the increased tension at the key moment.

39

Conclusion:Use TAGL and summarize your answer – make sure you look at the question and discuss that.

40

Critical Essay

Curley’s Wife Class Essay

Choose a novel or short story in which the author creates a fascinating character. By referring to appropriate techniques, show how the author has created this character and why you found him/her so fascinating.

“Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck is a novel based in America’s Midwest during the 1930s. It follows the story of George and Lennie, two itinerant ranch workers, whose story is one of hopes and dreams but which eventually ends in tragedy. There are many interesting characters in the novel, but the most fascinating is the solitary female character on the ranch, known only as Curley’s wife. Her character has many interesting facets: she is a flirt, a bully, lonely and a victim.

Initially Steinbeck introduces Curley’s wife as a minor character who appears to be nothing more than the object of the men’s distrust. Her real name is never revealed which misleads the reader into believing that she is of little significance but this idea soon changes. When George first meets her, he is immediately aware of her potential to cause trouble; but Lennie is enchanted with her. “She’s purty”, he claims but George responds, “Yeah and she’s sure hiding it.” The use of sarcasm in his tone highlights his immediate distrust. His instinct warns him against getting too close and he turns angrily to Lennie warning him to avoid, “that bitch…” claiming she is “poison” and a “rattrap”. By using the word ‘poison’ Steinbeck implies a fatal consequence which suggests that if the men get involved with her there could be fatal consequences – a foreshadowing of her own fateful ending and the demise of their own dreams. This level of abuse clearly suggests that George distrusts her and increases her interest as a character. His choice of insults, especially ‘rattrap’ creates an impression of a dangerous character who will lure the men into difficult situations and we soon realise that despite the lack of name she is an interesting character who is, in fact, central to the plot.

Our fascination in Curley’s wife develops as Steinbeck underlines her provocative nature. When she is initially introduction to the newcomers, she positions herself so that her “body was thrown forward” clearly sending the flirtatious signals that greatly concerned George. Indicative of her character, Curley’s wife almost can’t help herself as she adopts this predatory stance when conversing with men. Her outward appearance supports her seductive character as Steinbeck presents her as possessing, “full, rouged lip…fingernails red…red mules…red ostrich feathers.” The

41

repetition of ‘red’ is suggestive of love, blood, heat and danger – all signals of what George fears most. She has clearly dressed herself in a costume of allure, highlighting her “full …lips” in an attempt to attract the attention of anyone. This is clearly the symptom of a lonely and unhappy woman which again makes her an interesting character.

As the novel progresses we soon realise that this fascinating character is actually desperately lonely. As the only female on the ranch, she has no one to talk to, “I get awful lonely” and therefore she wanders amongst the men looking for company. Suspicious of her, the men often try to ignore her and she states: “I never get to talk to nobody.” Steinbeck uses a double negative in this statement to emphasise how lonely she actually is. Wandering around the ranch while her husband spends Saturday night at “old Susy’s” cathouse she strays into Crooks room. Hoping for some conversation she is again met with suspicion. Our sympathy is provoked when she pleads: “Think I don’t like to talk to somebody ever’ once in a while?” This question demonstrates her desperation for company- even if it is with these men. In contrast to our initial impression we begin to feel that Curley’s wife deserves our attention. However this quickly alters.

Just as we begin to feel kindly towards her, Steinbeck continues to keep our attention as he reveals a nastier side to her nature. Whilst talking to Crooks, Candy and Lennie, she turns on them when they refuse to welcome her in. She blurts out that they are simply “a nigger, an’ a dum-dum and a lousy ol sheep.” This is a nasty and derogatory comment whose intention was to belittle the men for their race, their age and their mental capacity. She chose their imperfections to use against them and to wound them. She then adds further injury when she threatens Crooks in a manner only a white woman could. She knows that she could lie and “get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain’t funny.” Her flippant remark regarding her ability to lie about Crooks and get him hung shows the depths of her callousness. Suddenly our sympathy for her fades as we realise that she can be extremely nasty to those who would, given time, be potential friends. Steinbeck keeps us interested in this character with her many varying traits.

Our feelings towards Curley’s wife once again fluctuate as Steinbeck presents a naiveté that we find fascinating. She reveals to Lennie, shortly before her death, that she has a specific dream: to make it in Hollywood. A manipulative male once suggested that she “…was a natural” and that he would “write” to her “about it.” Her innocence and gullibility evoke sympathy in the reader as we realise that she is ready to believe anything to have some success in life. She was certain that this man was able to make her dreams come true and blamed her “ol’ lady” when she “never got that letter.” This was her one chance of escape and she was ready to believe the word of a stranger-that he was her way to a better life. This disappointment caused her to marry Curley, but she soon discovered that she “don’t like Curley,” as he often treats her badly and leaves her to have his own fun. He is often mean to her and she claims: “He ain’t a nice fella,” in a quiet moment of confession with Lennie. She made a quick decision to escape her mum but sadly, her choices only led her to misery and eventually death. It is this final point that keeps us engaged in her character.

Curley’s wife, a character with no name, a flirt, distrusted by the men she lived with, ignored and bullied by her husband is one of the most fascinating characters in John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men.” Despite all of the negative aspects to her character, I find she is my favourite character in the novel.

42

Of Mice and Men Loneliness EssayChoose a novel which considers an important issue or theme. Explain the theme briefly and go on to show how the writer make this theme interesting to readers.

 In his novel “Of mice and men” the writer John Steinbeck explores the theme of loneliness. He does this through setting, characterisation and foreshadowing.

The first way that Steinbeck explores the theme of loneliness is through the setting of the novel. Most of the action takes place on a ranch near the town of Soledad, California. The name “Soledad” means “The lady of loneliness” and effectively draws our attention that the main theme in the book is loneliness. It also successfully point out that events will centre around a woman, in this story that is Curley’s wife.

The setting influences the start and the end of the book. It is described as “golden foothill slopes.” The word “golden” suggests that the ranch is in a beautiful and perfect place. This place is spoiled when two men, George Milton and Lennie small arrive on the scene: “the rabbits hurried noiselessly for cover.” This suggests that the rabbits sense that something bad is going to happen and so they hide for protection. The story will come back full circle to this beautiful scene where the most tragic event in the novel will happen.

Another way that Steinbeck looks at loneliness is through characterisation. The story centres around three pairs of characters each one of them lonely and trying to meet their needs in each other. The first pair, and the main characters in the story, are George Milton and Lennie Small. They form a contrast, George is “small and quick” but Lennie is his opposite: “a huge man, shapeless of face.” The reader feels sorry for Lennie at the start of the story as he is backward and is described in animal terms: “paw” “snorted” and “bleated.” He is helpless without George.

What keeps George and Lennie together is their dream that one day they will own their own place. They want to be different from all the other unemployed men who worked on the ranches: “Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don’t belong no place. With us it ain’t like that. We got a future.”

Lennie, however, has a real flaw in his character. He loves to stroke things but doesn’t know his own strength. The story begins with him stroking “a mouse” but he kills it. Later he kills a puppy. It also comes out in the story that he had tried to stroke a woman in a red dress in a town called Weed. The woman had mistaken it for attempted rape and the two men had to run for their lives. This attempted rape and the killing of the mouse and puppy foreshadow a much more important killing later in the story.

The second pair is an old man called Candy whose only real friend is an old dog: “had him since was a pup.” The other men in the bunkhouse complain about how badly the dog smells and suggest that Candy puts him down. Candy says: “No, I couldn’t do that. I had ‘im too long,” One of the other ranchers then puts the dog down with a pistol. This event foreshadows the end of the story when George will also have to kill his best friend, Lennie

43

with the same pistol, the difference is that George does it himself, rather than have someone else do it for him.

The third pair is Curly the boss’ son and his wife. Curly is the boss’ son and is a bully. He used to box and he still pushes people around. He wears a hand covered by a vaseline filled glove supposedly to keep it soft for his wife. It seems however that he bullies his wife, she says: “He ain’t a nice fella.” Curley also bullies Lennie “slugging him in the face.” The word “slugging” suggests that he hit him very hard. The other men encourage Lennie to get his revenge so he crushes Curley’s hand: “his fist lost in Lennie’s paw.” The word “paw” reminds us of Lennie’s animal like nature and the incident forshadows Lennie being violent later in the story.

Curley’s wife has her dream too: “coulda been in the movies, an’ had nice clothes too.” Her dream was spoilt by marrying Curley who keeps her alone in the ranch. She is not allowed to talk to the other ranchers who see her as trouble. She starts talking to Lennie and invites him to stroke her hair. Lennie forgets to stop so she cries angrily “You stop it now, you’ll mess it all up.” A violent scene follows when Lennie, not knowing his own strength, accidentally kills her: “and then she was still, for Lennie had broken her neck.” This is the climax of the novel which Steinbeck has skilfully foreshadowed in the setting, in the events in Weed and in the building up of Lennie’s killings.

As a result Lennie runs back to the river to wait for George. George comes armed with Carlsson’s pistol and shot Lennie in the back of the head. This fulfils the title of the book, taken from Burns’ poem “To a mouse” that “the best laid plans of mice and men will often go wrong.” Their plan of a place of their own will now never happen and George is left on his own.

In conclusion “Of mice and men” is a story about loneliness. The writer successfully brings a group of lonely people into a lonely place where they find that they do not make each other’s lives better, instead they make everything worse

Revision TasksYou can complete the following tasks to help with your revision:

Planning critical essays

Writing critical essays (timed/not timed)

Revision of text notes

Mindmapping character, theme, key incident notes for class texts

44

Annotating newspaper articles

Reading for U, A and E questions/full papers

Analysis of MacCaig poems

Re-reading all texts

Revision Sites

http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/45674.html - past papers and marking instructions

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zmcrd2p - RUAE, critical essays and

MacCaig

http://www.myetutor.tv/national-5/ - RUAE, critical essays and MacCaig poems

45