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Identify a theme or issue you studied on your comparative course - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2021
Question 1
Identify a theme or issue you studied on your comparative course. Discuss the various reasons why you did or did not find the exploration of this theme or issue emot... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Identify a theme or issue you studied on your comparative course - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2021
Step 1
Identify a theme or issue you studied on your comparative course. Discuss the various reasons why you did or did not find the exploration of this theme or issue emotionally engaging in one text on your comparative course. Support your response with reference to the text.
Answer
In this section, I will explore the theme of identity in the novel The Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce. This theme was incredibly thought-provoking and engaging for me because it touches on the struggles of self-discovery and the impact of societal expectations on personal identity.
One reason I found the exploration emotionally engaging is the characterization of Stephen Dedalus. His journey is filled with feelings of alienation and confusion, which I could personally relate to. For example, his internal conflicts about his artistic aspirations and his family's expectations evoke a sense of empathy. Joyce's use of stream-of-consciousness technique allows readers to experience Stephen’s emotional turmoil firsthand, making the theme of identity resonate on a deeper level.
Conversely, I also found some elements less emotionally engaging, particularly in the pacing of the narrative. There are sections where the philosophical discussions overshadow the character's emotional development, causing moments to feel detached. This contrast highlighted the complexity of the theme but also led to a diluted emotional impact in certain parts. Overall, while Joyce's exploration of identity is profound, the interplay between narrative style and character development shaped my overall emotional response.
Step 2
Compare the reasons why you found the exploration of the same theme or issue discussed above, more, less or equally emotionally engaging in each of two other texts you studied on your comparative course. Develop your response with reference to your chosen texts.
Answer
In comparing The Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man to The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, I noticed contrasting emotional engagements with the theme of identity.
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In The Joy Luck Club, the exploration of identity is enriched through the intergenerational perspectives of mothers and daughters. The dichotomy between Chinese heritage and American culture leads to an emotional depth that I found captivating. Stories such as Waverly Jong's struggle with her identity highlight conflicts that many readers face in multicultural contexts. The emotional resonance comes from the characters' shared experiences, emphasizing how personal narratives and cultural backgrounds impact identity development.
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Conversely, in The Catcher in the Rye, while the theme of identity is certainly present through Holden Caulfield's character, I found it less emotionally engaging. Holden’s alienation and cynicism can be off-putting, making it challenging to empathize with him fully. Although his quest for authenticity is recognizable, the tone of the novel tends to distance itself from the reader, resulting in a mixed emotional response when compared to the other texts.
In summary, while all three texts explore the theme of identity, The Joy Luck Club resonates more deeply with emotional engagement due to its multifaceted portrayals, whereas The Catcher in the Rye presents a more isolated exploration that may leave some readers feeling disconnected.