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My Mother Said I Never Should by Charlotte Keatley and Yardsale by Arnold Wesker Read the two extracts below and then answer both part a) and part b) - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 5
My Mother Said I Never Should by Charlotte Keatley and Yardsale by Arnold Wesker Read the two extracts below and then answer both part a) and part b). You are advi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:My Mother Said I Never Should by Charlotte Keatley and Yardsale by Arnold Wesker Read the two extracts below and then answer both part a) and part b) - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Compare how these two extracts present characters dealing with time and change
Answer
In both extracts, the characters reveal their emotional responses to the passage of time and the inevitability of change. In Keatley's extract, the tender interaction between Doris and Rosie illustrates a grandmother's reminiscence while navigating the present moment. Doris's acknowledgment of her old age through references to her 'old grey hairs' demonstrates her awareness of life’s fleeting nature.
Rosie’s eagerness to engage with Doris and learn about her past reflects a connection across generations, emphasizing themes of memory and legacy. This emotional depth is contrasted with the starkness of the physical task they are undertaking—clearing out a house—an act that itself signifies change.
Furthermore, the language used in the extract draws on dramatic features such as dialogue and tone. Doris’s gentle rebuke to Rosie, ‘Don’t kiss’, followed by the affectionate kiss, showcases the complexity of their relationship. Moreover, the repetition of actions, such as Rosie bringing items from the house, signifies a transition not only of physical space but also of emotional ties.
In contrast, Wesker’s exploration of change may delve into characters facing more abrupt or systemic shifts in their lives, creating juxtaposition with themes of personal change evident in Keatley's writing. This comparative analysis underlines how characters' responses to time and change are shaped by their personal histories and relational dynamics.
Step 2
Explore another moment in My Mother Said I Never Should where characters are dealing with changes in their lives
Answer
One significant moment that illustrates characters handling change occurs when Doris reflects on her past experiences with her mother while discussing family heirlooms. This scene encapsulates the theme of generational transitions, particularly through the lens of nostalgia and loss.
The dialogue captures Doris’s feelings as she recalls the importance of the softstone, which was passed down from her mother, symbolizing not only heritage but the emotional weight of expectations that come with familial connections.
Moreover, Doris’s struggle with her identity and societal roles through the years becomes pronounced when she muses over her responsibilities as a mother and grandmother. These revelations prompt an intense but gentle discussion with Rosie, where they navigate the emotional landscape of shared memories contrasted by the current realities they confront.
Thus, this moment effectively highlights the characters’ confrontation with both personal and familial changes, amplifying the thematic resonance of transition across generations.