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EXTRACT E A pause; it endured horribly - Languages - NSC English HL - Question 11 - 2017 - Paper 2
Question 11
EXTRACT E A pause; it endured horribly. I had nothing to do in the hall, so I went into the room. Gatsby, his hands still in his pockets, was reclining against the ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:EXTRACT E A pause; it endured horribly - Languages - NSC English HL - Question 11 - 2017 - Paper 2
Step 1
Account for Gatsby's behaviour in this extract.
Answer
In this extract, Gatsby's behaviour is characterized by nervousness and ill-at-ease. He attempts to project a nonchalant demeanor by leaning against the mantelpiece, but this is a strained appearance that reveals his internal conflict. Gatsby is evidently anxious about reconnecting with Daisy after years apart. His physical actions, like resting against the clock, and his distracted eyes emphasize his uncertainty and the pressure of the moment. The clock itself becomes a symbol of their lost time together, adding layers to Gatsby's emotional struggle.
Step 2
Explain how Nick's reunion with Gatsby and Daisy is consistent with his behaviour since coming to New York.
Answer
Since arriving in New York, Nick has maintained a somewhat passive role, often observing rather than intervening. His reunion with Gatsby and Daisy reflects this as he facilitates their meeting while remaining mostly on the periphery. Nick is aware of the moral ambiguities surrounding both characters but chooses to overlook them, displaying a level of complicity in their relationship. This behavior underscores his internal conflict as he grapples with the social dynamics of wealth and deception that dominate his experiences.
Step 3
Refer to lines 3-4: 'His head leaned ... defunct mantelpiece clock'.
Answer
The mantelpiece clock in this extract symbolizes Gatsby's relationship with time and the past. By leaning against the clock, Gatsby physically embodies his desire to halt time and reclaim the years lost with Daisy. The 'defunct' nature of the clock suggests that their past is irretrievably broken, highlighting the illusion of his dream to rekindle their romance. This moment foreshadows the subsequent unraveling of his aspirations as the reality of their situation begins to dawn on him.
Step 4
Discuss the symbolism of the clock in the context of the novel as a whole.
Answer
In the broader context of 'The Great Gatsby', the clock represents the elusive nature of time and the inevitability of change. Gatsby's fixation on the clock mirrors his obsession with recapturing an idealised past with Daisy, reflecting his inability to accept the present. This obsession ultimately leads to his downfall, as it becomes clear that the past cannot be recreated. Fitzgerald uses the clock as an important motif, illustrating how the characters' desires are always at odds with the relentless forward march of time, ultimately leading to disillusionment.
Step 5
Refer to line 19: 'Five years next November.'
Answer
This line represents the significant passage of time between Gatsby and Daisy's last meeting, emphasizing the longing and the memories that have built up during their separation. It also serves as a reminder of Gatsby's idealisation of their relationship, as these five years are filled with hope and unfulfilled dreams. The reference to 'next November' indicates a future point of reckoning for both characters, suggesting that their hopes may culminate in an inevitable confrontation with reality.
Step 6
Critically comment on Gatsby's response to Daisy at this point in the novel.
Answer
At this juncture in the novel, Gatsby's response to Daisy reveals both his desperation and the fragility of his dreams. He implores her to declare that she never loved Tom, portraying his need for affirmation of their love as a means to validate his years of wooing. However, this insistence also exposes his naiveté in understanding Daisy's complexities and emotions. Gatsby's response is a critical moment, illustrating the tension between illusion and reality, as he clings to his idealized version of love while Daisy grapples with her entangled past.