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"A person is often greatly influenced by his or her social setting." Show how the social setting greatly influences a character in one of the texts on your comparative study - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2008
Question 1
"A person is often greatly influenced by his or her social setting." Show how the social setting greatly influences a character in one of the texts on your compara... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:"A person is often greatly influenced by his or her social setting." Show how the social setting greatly influences a character in one of the texts on your comparative study - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2008
Step 1
Show how the social setting greatly influences a character in one of the texts on your comparative study.
Answer
In the text, the character of John is heavily influenced by his social setting, particularly the constraints and expectations of his working-class environment.
Influence of Social Setting
John's decisions and thoughts are often shaped by the values and norms prevalent in his community. For instance, the expectations to abide by certain moral codes impact his interactions with others and his perception of success.
Evidence can be found in John's relationship with his peers, where he feels pressured to conform to their expectations, which ultimately leads to his conflict with his personal desires. The narrative illustrates how social settings dictate a character's identity and choices, showcasing the theme that an individual's environment can mold their character profoundly.
Conclusion
Overall, the social setting in this narrative creates a backdrop that significantly challenges and influences John's character development.
Step 2
From one of the other texts studied on your comparative course, choose a character and show how, in your opinion, this character is influenced to a greater or lesser degree by his/her social setting than the one dealt with in (a) above.
Answer
In contrast, the character of Emily from 'Text B' exhibits a different relationship with her social setting. While her environment does influence her choices, Emily has more agency and challenges the social norms that confine her.
Influence of Social Setting on Emily
Unlike John, Emily actively questions and resists societal expectations, showcasing a greater degree of independence. Her decisions to pursue education despite familial pressure illustrate her defiance against restrictive social settings.
Comparative Analysis
While John is swayed by the weight of his social environment, Emily's experience shows a lesser degree of influence, as she manages to carve out her own identity and purpose. This contrast highlights how different characters can respond uniquely to their social settings, ultimately shaping their narratives and developments within each text.