Understanding who holds power and who is powerless helps to reveal the cultural context in texts - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2016

In analyzing the distribution of power in the three chosen texts—Text A, Text B, and Text C—we observe distinct cultural contexts that are revealed through different power dynamics.

Text A illustrates a hierarchical power structure where authority figures dominate social interactions. This distribution manifests in the way decisions are made, reflecting the cultural norms of the time and society depicted in the text. Characters who are empowered often influence others' fates, emphasizing the inequality prevalent within their cultural setting.

Text B, on the other hand, presents a more fluid distribution of power. Here, the tension between different social classes and groups highlights issues of social justice and inequality. The interactions between powerful and powerless characters serve to illuminate the underlying cultural conflicts and the struggle for agency among marginalized groups.

Lastly, Text C reveals power through implicit social contracts and beliefs that govern behavior within the community. Characters navigate these invisible boundaries, showcasing how power is often not overtly stated but felt through societal expectations. This reflects the cultural context’s intricacies, affecting personal choices and relationships throughout the narrative.

Through these analyses, it is evident that the distribution of power in each text is intricately connected to the cultural contexts they portray, shaping characters' actions and societal norms.