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Starting with this extract, explore how Dickens uses settings to create an atmosphere of tension - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 9
Starting with this extract, explore how Dickens uses settings to create an atmosphere of tension. Write about: - how Dickens uses the setting in this extract - how... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Starting with this extract, explore how Dickens uses settings to create an atmosphere of tension - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
How Dickens uses the setting in this extract
Answer
In this extract, Dickens sets a dark and gloomy scene with descriptions of a 'rimy morning' and 'damp' conditions. The imagery of the 'marsh-mist' creates a sense of isolation, emphasizing Pip's feelings of apprehension as he navigates through the landscape.
The mention of the 'bare hedges' and 'twigs' not only evokes a desolate environment but also contributes to the tension. The mist is described as thick, enhancing the feeling of being lost, akin to a ghostly presence as it obscures visibility. This effectively reflects Pip's uncertainty and vulnerability as he embarks on his errand, which is crucial to the narrative.
Step 2
How Dickens uses settings to create an atmosphere of tension in the novel as a whole
Answer
In the broader scope of the novel, settings play a pivotal role in constructing an atmosphere of tension. For instance, the Satis House is a key location filled with foreboding; its crumbling walls and dark corners symbolize Pip's own insecurities and the unpredictability of his fortunes.
Moreover, the marshes serve as a metaphor for Pip's lack of direction in life. The uncertainty of his journey mirrors the transformative yet perilous trajectory he navigates throughout the story.
Dickens employs imagery of coldness and isolation, often juxtaposing serene landscapes with sudden jolts of tension, exemplifying the juxtaposition between Pip's expectations and reality. This use of setting effectively engages readers in tense moments that resonate throughout Pip's life, revealing the darker undertones of Victorian society.