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Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro and The Loney by Andrew Michael Hurley Read the two extracts below and then answer both part a) and part b) - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 2
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro and The Loney by Andrew Michael Hurley Read the two extracts below and then answer both part a) and part b). You are advised to s... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro and The Loney by Andrew Michael Hurley Read the two extracts below and then answer both part a) and part b) - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Compare how special places are presented in these two extracts. You should consider: the situations and experiences faced by the characters
Answer
In both extracts, special places play crucial roles in shaping the characters' identities and experiences. In 'Never Let Me Go', the characters often reflect on Hailsham, which is portrayed as both a nurturing and a confining space. The situations faced by Kathy and her friends underscore the emotional weight of their memories associated with Hailsham, clashing with their grim realities.
Conversely, in 'The Loney', the setting is imbued with a sense of mystery and isolation. The coastal landscape presents challenges that the characters must navigate, which reflects their internal struggles. The experiences faced by the characters in this environment highlight themes of alienation and belonging.
Step 2
how the characters react to these situations and experiences
Answer
The characters’ reactions to their environments reveal much about their inner lives. In 'Never Let Me Go', Kathy’s nostalgia for Hailsham indicates a longing for lost innocence, while Tommy’s frustration reveals how the place has shaped his vulnerabilities. Their reactions exemplify the tension between idealized memories and harsh realities.
In 'The Loney', the characters often respond with a mixture of fear and exploration, embodying their struggle against the haunting backdrop of the secluded landscape. This reaction adds layers to their personalities and emphasizes themes of faith and doubt.
Step 3
how the writers’ use of language and techniques creates effects.
Answer
Ishiguro employs poignant imagery and reflective tone in 'Never Let Me Go', effectively evoking the characters' emotional landscapes. The description of Hailsham as a 'place of childhood' coupled with the stark realities they face allows readers to connect deeply with their plight.
Conversely, Hurley’s use of evocative, atmospheric language in 'The Loney' immerses readers in the setting, emphasizing its otherworldly quality. The repetitive and cyclical nature of his descriptions mirrors the oppressive weight of the characters’ experiences, enhancing the thematic elements of isolation and hope.
Step 4
Explore another moment in Never Let Me Go where a place is important.
Answer
Another significant moment in 'Never Let Me Go' is the scene in which Kathy revisits the gallery in Hailsham. This moment underscores the importance of art and its connection to identity. The gallery serves as a physical manifestation of the characters' creativity and individuality. Kathy's reflection upon her experiences in this space highlights the contrasting themes of memory and loss, showcasing how places impact their sense of self.
Through the gallery, Ishiguro reveals the depth of the characters' emotional ties to their environment, amplifying the narrative's exploration of what it means to be human in a constrained existence.