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Based on your reading of TEXT 1, explain three points Jeanette Winterson makes about the value and importance of the arts - Leaving Cert English - Question QUESTION A - 2019
Question QUESTION A
Based on your reading of TEXT 1, explain three points Jeanette Winterson makes about the value and importance of the arts. Support your response with reference to th... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Based on your reading of TEXT 1, explain three points Jeanette Winterson makes about the value and importance of the arts - Leaving Cert English - Question QUESTION A - 2019
Step 1
Explain three points Jeanette Winterson makes about the value and importance of the arts.
Answer
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Art as a Counter-Culture: Winterson highlights that art operates as a 'different value system,' providing alternatives to a materialistic society. It encourages deep connection to the human spirit rather than a mere monetary trade-off.
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Nurturing Self-Reflection: Engaging with art allows individuals to dive into self-examination, fostering a deeper understanding of personal identities. This self-awareness is essential for authentic living, contrasting with societal superficiality.
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Beacon of Hope: Winterson indicates that art helps individuals navigate existential dilemmas, offering hope and reinforcing shared human experiences. It cultivates community and belonging, vital in chaotic times.
Step 2
In TEXT 1, Jeanette Winterson claims that, “We go to Shakespeare to find out about ourselves now.” With reference to a Shakespearean play you have studied for your 2019 Leaving Certificate course, identify an image, moment or episode that revealed something to you about “ourselves now.” Explain the insight(s) you gained about “ourselves now” from engaging with this image, moment or episode.
Answer
In studying Macbeth, the moment when Macbeth grapples with his ambition and the horrific consequences of his actions resonates with contemporary issues around power and morality. This insight highlights how unchecked ambition can lead to one’s downfall, prompting reflection on our own life choices in the context of ambition and ethical boundaries.
Through this engagement, I understood how personal ambition, when divorced from moral considerations, could mirror Macbeth’s tragic trajectory, making me rethink the implications of my own aspirations and the values guiding them.
Step 3
Identify four elements of argumentative or persuasive language, evident in TEXT 1, and explain why their use might encourage readers to agree with the views expressed by the writer in the article.
Answer
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Passionate Tone: The emotional intensity in Winterson's writing draws readers in, making her arguments compelling.
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Contrasting Views: By juxtaposing art with materialism, she sharpens her argument, making the case for the intrinsic value of the arts clearer.
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Rhetorical Questions: These engage the reader, prompting them to reflect on their own views about art and society, enhancing the connection to her message.
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Personal Anecdotes: Using relatable experiences enriches her narrative, evoking empathy and understanding in readers, thus persuading them to align with her perspective.