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From your reading of this extract, do you like or dislike Pupil One? Give reasons for your answer - Junior Cycle English - Question A - 2014
Question A
From your reading of this extract, do you like or dislike Pupil One? Give reasons for your answer. Pupil One is quite an intriguing character. On the one hand, he... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:From your reading of this extract, do you like or dislike Pupil One? Give reasons for your answer - Junior Cycle English - Question A - 2014
Step 1
From your reading of this extract, do you like or dislike Pupil One? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer
Pupil One is quite an intriguing character. On the one hand, he appears confident and somewhat sly, which may lead to a sense of distrust. This is particularly evident when he acts as if everything is fine, despite the underlying issues presented in the scene. His behavior can be viewed as sneaky, especially as he seems to handle the situation with a level of manipulation, such as when he tells the Inspector that he will ensure the boat is safe.
However, there are positive traits to consider as well. For instance, he shows hospitality towards the Inspector and the Assistant by offering to help with the coats and belongings. This hospitality can reflect a caring side of Pupil One, suggesting he is not entirely distrustful.
Ultimately, the mixed signals make it hard to form a definitive opinion. While I am inclined to view him with some suspicion due to his sneaky demeanor, I also appreciate his willingness to help. Therefore, I can say I am ambivalent towards him, with both positive and negative reasons influencing my view.
Step 2
Do you think the Inspector and the Assistant suspect that there is anything wrong on the island? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer
Yes, there is a clear indication that the Inspector and the Assistant suspect something is amiss on the island. First, they come over to check the island, which suggests a proactive approach to understanding the situation. The Inspector explicitly mentions that it is 'very unusual for everything to go down,' indicating his concern about the lack of communication.
Moreover, their questioning of the pupils enhances this suspicion. The Inspector asks leading questions and shows a level of apprehension towards the circumstances, indicating that their instincts are alert to possible issues.
Step 3
Imagine this scene is going to be performed on stage. Describe the clothes you think Pupil One should wear. Give a reason for your answer.
Answer
Pupil One should wear casual attire that reflects a laid-back yet slightly mischievous persona. A simple t-shirt paired with jeans would suggest comfort and youthfulness, aligning with the character’s age. However, incorporating an unexpected accessory, such as a jacket with a hood, could symbolize his secretive behavior and add an element of mystery to his character.
This choice of clothing would help the audience relate to him as a typical teenager while subtly hinting at his complications.
Step 4
Suggest one prop that you think would be useful in this scene. Give a reason for your answer.
Answer
A prop such as a boat oar would be beneficial in this scene. It not only symbolizes the connectivity issues mentioned in the dialogue but also serves to accentuate Pupil One's role in ensuring the safety of the boat. Additionally, the prop can be used interactively during the performance, allowing for dynamic staging that emphasizes the communication problems faced by the characters.
Step 5
Imagine that you are directing this scene. What do you think the actor playing the part of the Inspector should do when he says each of the following lines? 'Well we thought we'd make sure everything was all right' AND 'Should we follow you then?' Give reasons for your answers.
Answer
For the line 'Well we thought we'd make sure everything was all right,' the actor should portray a sense of authority, perhaps with a firm hand gesture, to convey the Inspector's determination. This body language would emphasize his role and the seriousness of the situation, indicating that he means to get to the bottom of things.
When he says, 'Should we follow you then?' the actor should adopt a slightly more relaxed posture, expressing curiosity but also a hint of skepticism. This shift would highlight the Inspector's cautious approach and show his awareness that the pupils may not be entirely truthful.