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What is your impression of either Anju or Gopal in this extract? Base your answer on evidence from the text - Junior Cycle English - Question Q1 - 2008
Question Q1
What is your impression of either Anju or Gopal in this extract? Base your answer on evidence from the text. Anju: You look well. Gopal: You don’t. Anju: Than... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What is your impression of either Anju or Gopal in this extract? Base your answer on evidence from the text - Junior Cycle English - Question Q1 - 2008
Step 1
What is your impression of Anju in this extract? Base your answer on evidence from the text.
Answer
Anju's character can be described as assertive and emotional. Throughout the extract, she expresses her frustrations about Gopal's indecision regarding their relationship. Her line, "You don’t" and "you’ve wasted my time," illustrates her straightforwardness and her desire for clarity in their relationship. Anju appeals for a more immediate commitment, indicating her need for stability and certainty; this is evident when she states, "I need to finish my studies...if we marry now, we won’t have anything to live on."
Moreover, her emotional vulnerability surfaces when she reacts to Gopal's advances with anger and confusion. The moment when Anju pushes Gopal away after he kisses her, reflects not just rejection but a struggle with her feelings. This suggests that she is torn between her feelings for Gopal and her desire for independence. Her sarcastic laughter, especially when she says, "I didn’t want to hurt you," amplifies a sense of abandonment and hurt, highlighting her complexities as a character caught between love and practicality.
Step 2
From what you have seen of the interaction between Anju and Gopal, do you think that their relationship will work out successfully? Explain your answer with reference to the extract.
Answer
Based on the interaction between Anju and Gopal, it appears their relationship faces significant challenges that may prevent it from being successful. Firstly, Gopal's indecisiveness, shown when he repeatedly retreats from commitment, leads to Anju feeling frustrated and angry. Phrases like, "Things have changed" and "you just looked so beautiful" from Gopal reveal a lack of serious intent, suggesting that his priorities lie elsewhere, likely in his studies.
Anju, on the other hand, seems ready for a commitment but feels rejected and wasted. Her assertion, "You’ve wasted my time" indicates frustration and a possible sense of betrayal. It highlights how their differing priorities—Anju's need for a relationship and Gopal's pursuit of studies—create a disconnect between them.
Ultimately, the interaction suggests that without mutual understanding and commitment, the future of their relationship is bleak. Their inability to communicate effectively and reconcile their expectations reflects a likely dissolution of their connection.
Step 3
This play is set in a village in India. If you were to stage this drama in a contemporary Irish setting what changes to the script might you recommend?
Answer
Staging this drama in a contemporary Irish setting could involve several changes to make the context more relatable. Firstly, the cultural references could be adapted; for example, instead of wedding saris, Anju might talk about a traditional Irish wedding dress, which could reflect Irish wedding customs.
The themes of independence and personal growth would resonate well in an Irish setting, especially considering the current social climate regarding relationships, gender equality, and education. Dialogue could be updated to include modern slang or regional accents, ensuring that the characters sound authentic to the audience.
Furthermore, the backdrop could reflect urban Ireland to highlight the contrast between traditional village values and contemporary lifestyles. This could be emphasized through stage design, using modern architecture contrasted with rural elements to showcase the tension between past and present. Additionally, incorporating local societal issues, such as the effects of emigration or educational pressures, could give the drama a more localized relevance while maintaining the original script's core conflicts.