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Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro and The Boy with No Shoes by William Horwood Read the two extracts below and then answer both part a) and part b) - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 2
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro and The Boy with No Shoes by William Horwood Read the two extracts below and then answer both part a) and part b). You are advised ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro and The Boy with No Shoes by William Horwood Read the two extracts below and then answer both part a) and part b) - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
a) Compare how the cruelty of young people towards each other is presented in these two extracts.
Answer
In the extracts from Kazuo Ishiguro's 'Never Let Me Go' and William Horwood's 'The Boy with No Shoes', the theme of cruelty among young people is depicted through the interactions and reactions of the characters.
Situations and Experiences Faced by the Characters
In Ishiguro's extract, the character Tommy is subjected to ridicule by his peers during a football selection process. This moment encapsulates the societal pressure placed on children to fit in and the harsh judgments they make of one another. The use of terms like "fat lad" emphasizes the physical attributes that invite cruelty. Conversely, in Horwood’s piece, the scenario may involve characters facing more direct or physical forms of bullying that stem from underlying insecurities and group dynamics.
Characters' Reactions to These Situations
Tommy’s reaction is one of naive hopefulness mixed with vulnerability; he believes he will be chosen, evidenced by his eagerness and the anticipation shown before the team selection. In contrast, the reactions of the other boys reflect a mixture of indifference and humor at Tommy's expense, showcasing a group mentality where mockery is commonplace. The silent or subtle reactions of those in the background can often be as harmful as verbal taunts, illustrating the complicity in cruelty.
Writers’ Use of Language and Techniques
Ishiguro employs a detached narrative style, highlighting Tommy’s optimistic viewpoint while contrasting it with the mocking voice from behind, which serves to intensify the sense of alienation he feels. The dialogues and inner thoughts capture the bitter irony of hopes dashed by the cruel nature of childhood social hierarchies. Horwood may similarly use irony and a descriptive focus to illustrate the emotional fallout of such moments, potentially using vivid imagery to evoke sympathy for the victim while critiquing the aggressors. The language choices by both authors effectively create a palpable tension, reflecting the complex nature of youth relationships and the resulting cruelty.
Thus, both extracts reveal different dimensions of soundly crafted cruelty among youth, shedding light on the emotional and psychological implications of their actions.
Step 2
b) Explore another moment in Never Let Me Go where the donors demonstrate cruelty or unkindness to each other.
Answer
In Kazuo Ishiguro's 'Never Let Me Go', another moment portraying cruelty among donors occurs during the interactions in Hailsham, particularly during the students' discussions about their futures.
Exploration of Cruelty Among Donors
During one scene, a group of students gathers to discuss their purpose and fate as organ donors. The discussions become increasingly dark, as characters reveal their resignation to their roles. The emotional cruelty is highlighted when students reveal their understanding of what lies ahead, turning these discussions into a platform for stigma and hierarchy.
Example of Unkindness
A poignant moment arises when one character, Kathy, reflects on the way some students dismiss Tommy's artistic aspirations, belittling his creativity with snide remarks. This dismissal not only reveals their cruelty but also underscores a deeper fear of acknowledging their fates. Rather than supporting each other in the face of uncertainty, they resort to belittling one another, which exacerbates their suffering and feelings of isolation.
Conclusion
This moment emphasizes how the characters grapple with their identities while simultaneously inflicting emotional pain on each other, highlighting the pervasive cruelty ingrained in their societal roles as donors. The unkindness exhibited is a reflection of their own struggles and the inevitability of their fates, ultimately creating a cycle of emotional degradation among them.