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What impression of Dervla Murphy do you form from reading this text? Support your answer with reference to the text - Leaving Cert English - Question Question A - 2011
Question Question A
What impression of Dervla Murphy do you form from reading this text? Support your answer with reference to the text. Based on the extract, Dervla Murphy can be per... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What impression of Dervla Murphy do you form from reading this text? Support your answer with reference to the text - Leaving Cert English - Question Question A - 2011
Step 1
(i) What impression of Dervla Murphy do you form from reading this text? Support your answer with reference to the text.
Answer
Dervla Murphy presents as a bold and determined adventurer, unflinchingly facing the difficulties of her journey. Her relationship with the bicycle, especially when detailing the mishaps and the daunting landscape, indicates her resilience. Her vivid recounting of events, such as the darkness enveloping her at night and the challenges faced on the road, reflects a deep sense of persistence and a remarkable spirit of exploration.
Murphy’s willingness to navigate perilous situations, coupled with her engaging storytelling style, illustrates her connection to the land and its people. For instance, her interactions with the local Afghan men signify both trust and camaraderie. Through her trials and the scenic harshness of the environment, the reader gathers that she thrives in overcoming obstacles and immersing herself in adventure.
Step 2
(iii) Describe an image (photo, painting, drawing, etc.) that could be used to illustrate this extract, which would capture the atmosphere you described in (a) above.
Answer
An ideal image to convey the atmosphere of Dervla Murphy’s journey would be a vibrant painting of a winding road in a rugged Afghan landscape, set under a vast, dramatic sky. The portrayal might include a lone cyclist, symbolizing Murphy, pedaling through a challenging terrain, with mountains towering in the background.
In this scene, the cyclist would be shown in dynamic motion, embodying the spirit of adventure and determination. The surrounding environment can include patches of wildflowers or scraggly bushes, showing resilience in the face of adversity. The contrasting elements of the darkening sky and the cyclist’s vibrant attire would further emphasize the themes of struggle and beauty present in Murphy's narrative.