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1. (a) (i) Name one of the three comparative texts you have studied and identify a key moment in it which reveals something about the role played by men or women in the social setting of that text - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2018
Question 1
1. (a) (i) Name one of the three comparative texts you have studied and identify a key moment in it which reveals something about the role played by men or women in ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1. (a) (i) Name one of the three comparative texts you have studied and identify a key moment in it which reveals something about the role played by men or women in the social setting of that text - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2018
Step 1
Identify a key moment in the first comparative text
Answer
In the text Pride and Prejudice, one key moment occurs during the ball at Netherfield. Here, Elizabeth Bennet's interaction with Mr. Darcy reveals the constraints placed on women in terms of marriage and social standing. Despite her wit and intelligence, Elizabeth is initially judged based on her family's wealth and social position, demonstrating how societal norms restrict women's agency.
Step 2
Explain the significance of the key moment
Answer
This moment underscores the limitations imposed on women by societal expectations. Elizabeth's worth is evaluated not on her merits but rather on her family's economic status. This highlights the gender bias prevalent in the text, where women are often undervalued, revealing the entrenched inequities of the social setting.
Step 3
Identify a key moment in another comparative text
Answer
In The Handmaid's Tale, a significant moment arises when Offred recalls her life before Gilead. This revelation contrasts her current subjugation with her previous freedoms, emphasizing the drastic reduction in women's rights under the regime.
Step 4
Explain the significance of the key moment in the second text
Answer
Offred's memories illustrate the critical role that societal power dynamics play in shaping women's lives. In this context, her past highlights the fragility of women's rights and autonomy, exposing the themes of oppression and the struggle for identity in a patriarchal society.
Step 5
Step 6
Compare the advantages or disadvantages of the characters' social classes
Answer
Elizabeth Bennet's social class offers her certain privileges, yet it simultaneously confines her to traditional roles and expectations, creating a tension between her desires and societal norms. In contrast, Offred is entirely stripped of social privilege, illustrating the extreme disparities that result from oppressive regimes. Their experiences underscore how social class and gender interplay, affecting their identities and potential agency.