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Identify a theme you explored in one of the three comparative texts you have studied, and select a character who reveals something important to you about your chosen theme - Leaving Cert English - Question 2 - 2019
Question 2
Identify a theme you explored in one of the three comparative texts you have studied, and select a character who reveals something important to you about your chosen... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Identify a theme you explored in one of the three comparative texts you have studied, and select a character who reveals something important to you about your chosen theme - Leaving Cert English - Question 2 - 2019
Step 1
Identify a theme you explored in one of the three comparative texts you have studied, and select a character who reveals something important to you about your chosen theme.
Answer
In the study of the texts 'The Great Gatsby', 'A Streetcar Named Desire', and 'Pride and Prejudice', a prominent theme is the pursuit of the American Dream and its inherent illusions. In 'The Great Gatsby', the character of Jay Gatsby epitomizes this theme through his relentless pursuit of wealth and status to win back Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby's lavish parties and ostentatious lifestyle serve to mask the emptiness of his success, revealing how the American Dream can become a facade that ultimately leads to disillusionment. This resonates with me as it highlights the dangers of defining oneself through material success.
Step 2
Choose a character from another comparative text you have studied and, with reference to the same theme discussed in part (i), explain the way(s) in which your chosen character reveals something important about your chosen theme to you.
Answer
From 'A Streetcar Named Desire', the character of Blanche DuBois also reflects the theme of illusion versus reality. Blanche's desire for a genteel lifestyle and her attempts to project an image of sophistication starkly contrast with her actual circumstances. Her tragic downfall illustrates how clinging to illusions can lead to self-destruction, thus reinforcing the idea that the American Dream is not always achievable, and that the reality behind appearances can be painful.
Step 3
In relation to the theme you discussed in part (a) above, compare how realistic and true-to-life you found this theme to be in at least two texts on your comparative course.
Answer
The theme of the American Dream's complexity is portrayed with varying degrees of realism in 'The Great Gatsby' and 'Pride and Prejudice'. Gatsby’s story represents a cautionary tale, illustrating the pitfalls of idealism and the often harsh realities of societal constraints. Conversely, 'Pride and Prejudice', while addressing themes of marriage and class, approaches the ideal of love and social mobility with a more hopeful tone. Austen's characters navigate their circumstances through wit and intelligence, suggesting that personal merit can lead to success in society. This contrast in portrayal demonstrates the multifaceted nature of the theme, underscoring that the American Dream can be perceived both as achievable and as an elusive illusion depending on the context.