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Explore how Wells presents helplessness in this extract and elsewhere in the novel - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 11 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 11
Explore how Wells presents helplessness in this extract and elsewhere in the novel. In this extract the narrator describes the chaos caused by the Martian invasion.... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explore how Wells presents helplessness in this extract and elsewhere in the novel - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 11 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explore how Wells presents helplessness in this extract.
Answer
In this extract, Wells emphasizes the feeling of helplessness through vivid imagery that captures the chaos and panic ensuing after the Martian invasion. The description of a mass of humanity, referred to as a 'stampede,' evokes a sense of disorder and despair. The use of phrases like 'black with the streaming fugitives' highlights the overwhelming nature of the situation, suggesting that individuals are reduced to mere numbers amid the turmoil.
Additionally, with the mention of ‘human agony of terror,’ Wells emphasizes the psychological impact on the populace, illustrating how the Martian threat strips away both social order and personal agency. The metaphor of a balloon carrying human terror indicates a dehumanizing experience where individuals are unable to assert control over their circumstances.
Wells further conveys helplessness by contrasting the survival instincts of individuals against the sheer magnitude of the Martian threat, describing how they are 'unarmed and unorganised.' This lack of preparation exposes their vulnerability, enhancing the overall theme of powerlessness against an incomprehensible force.
In considering the broader context of the novel, helplessness recurs as a central theme. Characters continue to face insurmountable challenges throughout the narrative, often reflecting existential fears of humanity’s fragility in the face of technological or alien threats. Thus, through varied narrative techniques, Wells both portrays individual and collective helplessness in this compelling extract.
Step 2
Explore how Wells presents helplessness elsewhere in the novel.
Answer
Throughout the novel, Wells explores the theme of helplessness by depicting characters who grapple with threats beyond their understanding. The early encounters with the Martians highlight the fragility of human civilization, as people initially react to the invasion with disbelief and denial, illustrating how quickly societal norms can collapse.
Additionally, Wells contrasts modern technological advancements with the primal nature of survival, as individuals are faced with an enemy that renders their innovations obsolete. Scenes of destruction show characters abandoning their possessions and fleeing, epitomizing their loss of control.
The feelings of isolation and abandonment also permeate the narrative. Characters find themselves separated from loved ones during the chaos, emphasizing emotional helplessness alongside the physical danger. The recurring motif of chaos ensures that helplessness remains a poignant and ever-present theme in the novel, reminding readers of humanity's vulnerability in an unpredictable world.