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Outline, in your own words, three of the reasons given in the above text to support the view that objects from the past are important - Leaving Cert English - Question QUESTION A - 2014
Question QUESTION A
Outline, in your own words, three of the reasons given in the above text to support the view that objects from the past are important. Identify and give your person... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Outline, in your own words, three of the reasons given in the above text to support the view that objects from the past are important - Leaving Cert English - Question QUESTION A - 2014
Step 1
Outline, in your own words, three of the reasons given in the above text to support the view that objects from the past are important.
Answer
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Connection to Life: Objects from the past allow individuals to feel 'more richly and connectedly' in their lives, reinforcing emotional ties and grounding one’s identity in personal history.
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Community and Memory: They serve as a bridge to a shared emotional experience, fostering a sense of community across generations and preserving memories that might otherwise fade.
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Sense of History: These objects represent a 'sense of history' that nurtures and influences our behaviors, sustaining a connection to familial and cultural legacies.
Step 2
Identify and give your personal response to two observations from the above text that made an impact on you. Support your answer with reference to the text.
Answer
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Intimacy with Objects: The idea that objects can embody emotional connections resonates with me. For instance, I have a family heirloom that reminds me of my grandmother and our shared moments, which adds depth to my understanding of my family's history.
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The Role of Sensitivity: Heaney’s assertion that sensitivity to the past is a fundamental human gift stands out. It highlights how our experiences with objects not only reflect our personal stories but also our collective nature as human beings.
Step 3
'One of Heaney’s gifts as a writer was his ability to make complex and profound ideas accessible to the general reader.' To what extent do you think this statement can be applied to the above passage? Support your answer with reference to features of Heaney’s writing style evident in the text.
Answer
Heaney's writing indeed reflects this ability through several stylistic features:
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Engaging Anecdotes: He uses relatable anecdotes that invite readers to connect with the material personally, enhancing accessibility.
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Clear Illustrations: His wide-ranging illustrations help clarify complex ideas, presenting profound concepts in a digestible format.
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Accessible Language: The balance he strikes between scholarly and accessible language allows for a seamless reading experience, enabling readers from various backgrounds to engage with his thoughts.