1. What does this extract reveal to you about Blanch’s character? Explain your answer with reference to the extract - Junior Cycle English - Question 1 - 2014

Blanch's character is multi-faceted and demonstrates a confident yet tumultuous persona.

Firstly, she exhibits courage, particularly when faced with the bloody implications of the marriage alliance between her and Lewis. Her declaration, "Upon thy wedding day? Against the blood that thou hast married?" signifies her awareness of the violent consequences that her union brings. This indicates a deep moral conflict as she grapples with her loyalties, showing intelligence and perceptiveness in understanding the gravity of the situation.

Moreover, Blanch's use of vivid imagery, as seen in her phrase "The sun’s o'ershadowed with blood: fair day adieu!" emphasizes her despair at the situation and her inability to find peace. It reflects her struggle against the chaotic forces that seem to surround her, thus revealing a philosophical aspect of her character—a fatalistic acceptance of her circumstances.

In conclusion, Blanch is not just a passive figure but an active participant in the unfolding drama, revealing both her bravery and her deep sense of despair in a corrupt and violent world.