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In this extract, there is an attempt to show the narrator's changing thoughts and feelings - Edexcel - GCSE English Language - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 4
In this extract, there is an attempt to show the narrator's changing thoughts and feelings. Evaluate how successfully this is achieved. Support your views with det... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In this extract, there is an attempt to show the narrator's changing thoughts and feelings - Edexcel - GCSE English Language - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Evaluate how successfully this is achieved.
Answer
The extract demonstrates the narrator's changing thoughts effectively through varied narrative techniques.
Initial Conflicted Thoughts
The narrator begins with a deterministic view, expressed through the line: 'What will be, will be!' This conveys a sense of fatalism and resignation, setting a tone of inevitability which hints at the struggles the narrator faces internally.
Use of Exclamation Marks
Throughout, the power of the narrator's feelings is highlighted by the frequent use of exclamation marks. This stylistic choice emphasizes the intensity of the narrator's emotional state, allowing the reader to experience confusion and urgency.
First-Person Perspective
By utilizing a first-person narrative, the writer evokes a strong connection with the narrator, enabling readers to sympathize with their moral confusion. The shift in tone invites readers to engage more deeply with the narrator’s plight.
Moments of Clarity and Relief
An important moment is when the narrator expresses relief at escaping from potential danger: 'No one on the stairs! Or at the gates!' This sense of immediate relief contrasts strongly with his earlier anxiety, showcasing the narrator’s evolving thoughts and the emotional gravity of the situation.
Use of Physical and Mental States
The narrator’s reflections on physical actions suggest deeper mental distress. For example, the acknowledgment that after committing murder, he feels like 'the murderer' not just in action but in identity highlights a psychological battle. This internal conflict indicates the extent of his anguish and regret, adding complexity to his character.
Conclusion
Overall, the extract successfully conveys the narrator's changing thoughts through effective literary techniques. The interplay between narrative perspective, emotional intensity, and moral conflict enriches the reader's understanding of the narrator's psychological journey.