25. Look at lines 1–13 - Scottish Highers English - Question 25 - 2019

In the opening lines, the phrase 'thirteen shillings a week' evokes a sense of historical time, suggesting a simpler, more challenging life of the past. The contrast between the mother’s past and her life now enhances nostalgia, as she recalls her youth filled with ‘fear of the field’. This phrase suggests the beauty and innocence of childhood, implying that the past held both joy and difficulty.

Additionally, words like 'ploughman' and 'Kildrummy' create vivid imagery of rural life, inviting readers to visualize the setting. The careful use of sensory details, like the 'crowds from the fields', further immerses us into a world that feels distant yet familiar, thus generating a nostalgic ambiance. The repetition in phrases describing her feelings towards the land emphasizes an emotional connection to her past, reinforcing the sense of longing for simpler times.