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DNA by Dennis Kelly and Brixton Stories by Biyi Bandele Read the two extracts below and then answer both part a) and part b) - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 6
DNA by Dennis Kelly and Brixton Stories by Biyi Bandele Read the two extracts below and then answer both part a) and part b). You are advised to spend about 45 min... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:DNA by Dennis Kelly and Brixton Stories by Biyi Bandele Read the two extracts below and then answer both part a) and part b) - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Compare how getting involved in crime is presented in these two extracts.
Answer
In both extracts, the characters' involvement in crime is framed by their backgrounds and the environments they inhabit. The first extract illustrates a sense of desperation and entrapment, where the characters' choices seem limited and driven by necessity. This is conveyed through the use of vivid, alarming language that evokes a feeling of urgency and inevitability.
Conversely, the second extract presents crime as a means of empowerment, where characters navigate their circumstances with agency, albeit flawed. Their reactions to crime are layered; some embrace it as a form of control, while others grapple with guilt or fear.
Language plays a pivotal role in both extracts. The first uses stark, brutal imagery to portray the harsh realities of crime, effectively eliciting sympathy for the characters. In contrast, the second employs a more complex narrative style that reflects the internal conflicts faced by the characters, allowing the audience to unravel their motivations.
Dramatic features, such as dialogue and pacing, enhance the emotional stakes. In the first extract, rapid dialogue heightens tension, while pauses in the second create moments of reflection, emphasizing the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
Step 2
Explore another moment in DNA where characters are shocked.
Answer
One significant moment in DNA that evokes shock occurs during the revelation of the repercussions of the characters' decisions. This moment is marked by a sudden shift in tone, where the previously light-hearted banter gives way to a stark confrontation with the reality of their actions.
The characters' reactions are immediate and visceral—denial, panic, and ultimately, a grappling with their conscience. This juxtaposition between their initial bravado and the stark truth creates a profound impact on the audience.
Additionally, the use of dramatic pauses and intensified dialogue during this scene magnifies the shock, as characters process the gravity of their choices. Such moments illuminate the themes of morality and the consequences of one's actions, ultimately enriching the narrative.