In lines 24–38, how does the writer use language and structure to show the narrator’s thoughts and feelings about the Count?
Support your views with reference to the text. - Edexcel - GCSE English Language - Question 3 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 3
In lines 24–38, how does the writer use language and structure to show the narrator’s thoughts and feelings about the Count?
Support your views with reference to th... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In lines 24–38, how does the writer use language and structure to show the narrator’s thoughts and feelings about the Count?
Support your views with reference to the text. - Edexcel - GCSE English Language - Question 3 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Language: Strong Abstract Nouns
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Answer
The writer employs strong abstract nouns such as 'repulsion' and 'terror' to convey the narrator’s immediate feelings of horror towards the Count. These nouns underline the intensity of his emotions, illustrating how the Count inspires fear.
Step 2
Language: Phrasing for Certainty
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Answer
Phrases indicating the narrator's certainty such as 'I knew the man' and 'I could not mistake' reflect a strong emotional response. This language illustrates the internal conflict and underscores the surreal reality that the Count represents.
Step 3
Language: Use of Connectives
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Answer
The use of connectives, especially 'But', signals immediate shifts in the narrator's feelings. This adds a layer of urgency to his thought process, emphasizing how quickly his emotions can change in relation to the Count.
Step 4
Structure: Sentence Variety
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Answer
The text employs a mix of sentence structures to create impact. For instance, the earlier complex sentences draw the reader in, while shorter sentences, like 'At first I could not believe my eyes', serve to heighten the sense of disbelief and surprise.
Step 5
Structure: Quotation and Questioning
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Answer
The narrator utters rhetorical questions such as, 'What manner of man...?' This structure emphasizes bewilderment, inviting the reader to consider the strange nature of the Count alongside the narrator's disbelief.
Step 6
Structure: Reflective Questions
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Answer
Reflective questions in the passage prompt readers to contemplate the Count's nature, reinforcing the narrator's struggle to comprehend him. This device effectively showcases the narrator's fractured thoughts and chaotic emotional state.
