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Based on your reading of both Extracts 1 and 2 of TEXT 2, explain three insights you gain into the power of music - Leaving Cert English - Question QUESTION 1 - 2022
Question QUESTION 1
Based on your reading of both Extracts 1 and 2 of TEXT 2, explain three insights you gain into the power of music. Support your answer with reference to the text. I... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Based on your reading of both Extracts 1 and 2 of TEXT 2, explain three insights you gain into the power of music - Leaving Cert English - Question QUESTION 1 - 2022
Step 1
Explain three insights you gain into the power of music.
Answer
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Music affects us profoundly: Music has the ability to shape our emotions and perspectives, influencing how we perceive the world around us. Both extracts emphasize music's potential to evoke deep feelings and memories.
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Architecture of our minds: Gatti's reference to music as 'altering the architecture of our minds' suggests that music can reshape thoughts and feelings, much like a physical structure influences space. Music becomes a part of our identity and experiences.
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Connection and remembrance: The extracts illustrate how music creates connections with the past. Moments associated with specific songs can evoke vivid memories, illustrating the power of music to anchor us in time.
Step 2
In Extract 1, Tom Gatti observes that the music we listen to has a greater and a longer lasting impact on us than the books that we read and the films that we watch. Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with this observation.
Answer
I agree with Gatti's observation to a significant extent. Music tends to elicit emotional responses that are often more immediate and visceral than those elicited by literature or film. While books and films can provide rich narratives and visual experiences, music can encapsulate feelings in a more compact form, often resonating with listeners on a personal level. Furthermore, personal experiences associated with specific songs can create lasting impressions, perhaps even more so than visual or textual narratives.
Step 3
Identify four elements of Ben Okri's writing style, evident in Extract 2, and discuss how effectively these stylistic elements are employed to craft a lyrically beautiful and engaging piece of personal writing.
Answer
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Imagery: Okri's use of vivid, sensory descriptions creates a strong sense of place and feeling. For instance, descriptions of rain and music transport the reader into his contemplative world.
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Philosophical reflections: The text delves into deeper philosophical thoughts about existence and the soul's journey, inviting readers to ponder alongside the author.
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Anecdotes: Personal stories, such as his memories related to the music, make the narrative relatable and engaging, allowing readers to connect with his experiences.
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Rhythmic language: The lyrical quality of Okri's prose enhances the reading experience, mirroring the musical elements he describes. This style effectively draws the reader into a contemplative state, resonating with the themes of music's profound impact.