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Based on your reading of TEXT 1, explain three insights you gained into the impact of time on memories - Leaving Cert English - Question QUESTION A - 2021
Question QUESTION A
Based on your reading of TEXT 1, explain three insights you gained into the impact of time on memories. Support your answer with reference to the text. In paragraph... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Based on your reading of TEXT 1, explain three insights you gained into the impact of time on memories - Leaving Cert English - Question QUESTION A - 2021
Step 1
Based on your reading of TEXT 1, explain three insights you gained into the impact of time on memories.
Answer
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Memories are Fragile: The text emphasizes how memories can fade over time, reflecting the idea that what we remember may not be accurate. Banville notes that certain memories can seem improbable yet vivid, suggesting a disconnect between the reality of events and our recollections.
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Nostalgia Influences Perception: Memories tend to become idealized as time passes. The passage implies that the act of reminiscing can create a longing for the past, often embellishing our experiences. This reveals how nostalgia can alter our perspective of past events, enhancing their significance.
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Present Influences Memory Recall: Banville discusses how the present shapes the way we think about the past. The idea that the present is ever-expanding suggests that current emotions and experiences can color our memories, impacting how we perceive moments we once lived.
Step 2
In paragraph 5, John Banville observes, "the present is where we live, while the past is where we dream." Give your personal response to this observation by the writer.
Answer
Banville's observation resonates deeply as it highlights the transient nature of time. The present, filled with immediate experiences and sensations, often feels more tangible than the past. However, the past serves as a dreamlike realm where idealized versions of events reside. This dichotomy suggests that while we may interact with the present, it is our memories and reflections that often shape our identity. I find this enlightening, as it invites one to appreciate the significance of the present while recognizing how memories inform our understanding of self.
Step 3
Identify four features of the language of narration, evident in the above text, and discuss how effectively these features are employed by John Banville to tell the story of his childhood trips to Dublin.
Answer
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Vivid Imagery: Banville uses descriptive language to paint a picture of Dublin, making the scenes come alive for the reader. For instance, the mention of 'glinting' fields and 'sharp' reflections creates a strong visual impact.
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Reflective Tone: The narrative is marked by a sense of contemplation, drawing the reader into Banville’s introspective world. This reflective quality invites readers to consider their own connections to memories.
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Emotional Resonance: Banville evokes feelings of nostalgia and longing, effectively engaging readers' emotions. His choice of words conveys the bittersweet nature of reminiscence, enriching the narrative.
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Structure and Flow: The use of varied sentence structures adds dynamism to the text. This technique keeps readers engaged and allows the narrative to flow smoothly, enhancing readability and comprehension. Through these features, Banville's storytelling becomes a poignant exploration of memory and its complexities.