What are your feelings towards Rani as you read through this extract? Explain your answer with reference to the extract - Junior Cycle English - Question 1 - 2014

As I read through the extract, I feel a mix of sympathy and admiration towards Rani. She is depicted as a young girl embarking on a significant adventure, leaving her familiar surroundings to navigate the complexities of her new life in England.

Sympathy for Rani

From the beginning, Rani shows a noticeable excitement about the journey, as reflected in her interactions with Dadabhai and Susan. However, this excitement soon gives way to confusion and despair when she realizes that her role and identity in this new environment are less certain than she initially imagined. Her pleas to care for the children highlight her nurturing nature and desire to belong. Rani’s feeling of being a "complete stranger" emphasizes her vulnerability in this unfamiliar setting.

Admiration for Rani

Rani's character is also admirable; she exhibits resilience and a can-do spirit, wanting to prove her worth even when faced with rejection. When she states, "I can do everything else. I can sew and clean and cook," it shows a willingness to adapt and contribute.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Rani's character evokes both sympathy for her plight and admiration for her determination to make a place for herself despite the challenges she faces.