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Describe the relationship between Maggie Polpin and her daughter, Katie - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2017
Question 1
Describe the relationship between Maggie Polpin and her daughter, Katie. Support your answer with reference to the text. Explain why you do or do not admire Maggie ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe the relationship between Maggie Polpin and her daughter, Katie - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2017
Step 1
Describe the relationship between Maggie Polpin and her daughter, Katie.
Answer
The relationship between Maggie Polpin and her daughter, Katie, is fraught with conflict and tension. At various points in the play, Maggie expresses jealousy and control over Katie, particularly regarding her interactions and independence.
For instance, Maggie often pushes Katie towards the ideals that she believes are right, demonstrating a controlling nature. Additionally, there are moments where Maggie's fear for Katie's future leads her to act in a way that can be seen as emotionally abusive. Such manipulation is evident when Maggie feels threatened by Katie's desires and dreams, wanting her to conform to her own expectations. This complex dynamic reveals layers of both love and despair, leading to a strained mother-daughter bond.
Ultimately, while there is love, it is overshadowed by Maggie's overwhelming need for control and her inability to trust Katie's decisions, suggesting a relationship riddled with both consequence and consequence.
Step 2
Explain why you do or do not admire Maggie Polpin.
Answer
I do not admire Maggie Polpin because, despite her strength and determination as a character, her actions often reflect selfishness and a lack of empathy. While she fights for her independence and the well-being of her family, her methods undermine her intentions.
For instance, Maggie's inclination to prioritize her desires often leads her to manipulate and emotionally harm Katie, showcasing her selfishness. She maintains a façade of righteousness while neglecting the emotional needs of those around her. Additionally, her relationship with others in the community highlights her failure to sympathize with their struggles, particularly with characters like Mary Madden.
In conclusion, while Maggie possesses qualities of resilience, her failures overshadow these traits. Ultimately, her character reveals significant flaws that render her less admirable.
Step 3
Identify one episode or incident in the play, Big Maggie, which you find shocking or surprising. Explain why you find this episode or incident shocking or surprising.
Answer
One particularly shocking incident in the play occurs during the interrogation scene, where Maggie attempts to manipulate Katie emotionally. The extent of the psychological pressure Maggie exerts is surprising, as it illustrates the depths of her control.
This moment is shocking because it fundamentally alters the perception of Maggie as a protective mother to one who seeks domination over her daughter. The emotional torture is evident, as Maggie's actions reveal a harsh reality for Katie, bringing to light the themes of power imbalance within familial relationships. Such scenes compel the audience to re-evaluate the nature of maternal love, as it can sometimes reveal itself in destructive and controlling ways.