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From your reading of the extract, what kind of relationship do you think exists between Virginia and her mother-in-law, Volumnia? Support your answer with reference to the extract - Junior Cycle English - Question 1 - 2010
Question 1
From your reading of the extract, what kind of relationship do you think exists between Virginia and her mother-in-law, Volumnia? Support your answer with reference ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:From your reading of the extract, what kind of relationship do you think exists between Virginia and her mother-in-law, Volumnia? Support your answer with reference to the extract - Junior Cycle English - Question 1 - 2010
Step 1
What kind of relationship do you think exists between Virginia and her mother-in-law, Volumnia?
Answer
The relationship between Virginia and Volumnia is complex, marked by both tenderness and tension. Virginia expresses a desire to protect her husband, which highlights her loyalty and love for Marcius. She seeks to support him while dealing with her mother-in-law's strong personality.
Volumnia’s character is authoritative and somewhat domineering, as evident when she instructs Virginia to express herself more cheerfully, showcasing her maternal influence. Virginia's reply indicates her struggle under Volumnia's expectations while trying to assert her own identity.
Furthermore, Volumnia's comments reveal her inclination to see herself and her daughter-in-law in relation to Marcius's reputation and honor, establishing a dynamic in which Virginia feels the burden of living up to both her husband and her mother-in-law's expectations.
This interplay of emotions, where Virginia feels affectionate yet constrained, emphasizes a relationship that oscillates between closeness and conflict.