Discuss how understanding the relationship between Brenda and Tony Last in a Handful of Dust is furthered by the reading of a Room with a View

Discuss how understanding the relationship between Brenda and Tony Last in a Handful of Dust is furthered by the reading of a Room with a View It is clear from the start that Tony and Brenda's relationship is doomed. Brenda, a former socialite, is completely and utterly bored with her monotonous relationship, and completely and utterly bored with her equally monotonous husband, and this is best conveyed in Waugh's depiction of the couple's breakfast routine. Waugh seems to have the ambition of emphasizing his skepticism for relationships, and does so by writing the sad tale of Tony and Brenda Last. Waugh creates a sense of monotony easily and skillfully. For example, "Only four of the six churches were visible that morning". This is a perfect example of how boring Tony's character really is. One of his daily highlights is to see church spires out of Brenda's window. Everyday. The author really wants to convey to the audience that here is a man who is very much stuck in his ways. He shows no desire for change and adventure, which is exactly what Brenda desires. When Tony responds to an invitation to a party with "Not on her life!" Brenda replies with, "No, I guessed not." She is resigned to putting up with her dull life, and seems, at first at the very least, quite self-sacrificial and to be a considerate wife. However, it is also evident that she shows little affection for

  • Word count: 1772
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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'The Great Gatsby' is an interesting novella about the intertwining lives of those who are striving for the artificial American Dream.

Emma Kent 'The Great Gatsby' is an interesting novella about the intertwining lives of those who are striving for the artificial American Dream. It is a story of contrasts: the rich and poor, the loved and unloved and the different aspects of society that are shown in this passage through dramatic symbolism and highly structured parallels. The parallels between the first and third chapters show rich and privileged lifestyles, first the life of Tom and Daisy then Gatsby's party. This passage is conveniently placed between the two to show the "real world" of the likes of Wilson and other "sickly", "ash-grey men". It helps us to understand Myrtle as a character. Her hopes and dreams to get away from this life that is a constant struggle. This also describes the way both Gasby and the author Fitzgerald lived as children, and therefore their reasons to follow their dreams and aspire to something better. These parallels are a typical example of how novella's are tightly structured. We are led to believe that Nick is the narrator of this passage, however Nick has never been to the area before so when it is described cinematically and we are told of how passengers on trains wait "for as long as half an hour" we realize Nick could not have previously known this and therefore it is told to us directly by Fitzgerald. This poses a problem because the reader knows and trusts Nick

  • Word count: 1005
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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How do the stylistic conventions of Pleasantville Help to anchor the ideas suggested by the plot and Reinforce the meaning of the text.

How do the stylistic conventions of Pleasantville Help to anchor the ideas suggested by the plot and Reinforce the meaning of the text Pleasantville is a film that uses stylistic conventions to help anchor the ideas suggested by the plot and reinforce the meaning of the text. There are many ways it does this. The narrative starts of from TV stations giving the idea of sci-fi as the basic genre. Pleasantville is introduced by the clips of the TV marathon; this is an old 50's TV show. There is a boy called David and his twin sister Jennifer. David is seen in the early stages of the narrative lacking confidence, no luck with girls, few friends, loves Pleasantville and is obsessed the perfect lifestyle. Pleasantville is viewed as nice, with no extremes, no changes. The first part of the movie is cutting between the twins to show the difference, this helps us see how they develop throughout the film, as we build to their prospective evenings. With the arrival of the TV repair man the audience get more sense of the genre, he arrives without being called; he has an old fashioned van and speech. Then when the lighting strikes at that time this causes suspicion to the audiences mind. The 2 pairs of siblings argue at the same time in real life and on screen. David and Jennifer then end up in the program. Pleasantville is all black and white to start. Examples of life are: big

  • Word count: 1250
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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Dubliners: Choose one story from the collection and discuss how Joyce depicts relationships between people of different generations.

Ruth Norris Dubliners: Choose one story from the collection and discuss how Joyce depicts relationships between people of different generations. In your answer you should: * Explain your own view of the treatment of the young by old people; * Look closely at the effects of Joyce's narrative methods and language; * Comment on how the story relates to the concerns and methods of the novel as a whole. In Eveline Joyce portrays two generations, namely Eveline and her parents. Unlike the narrators in the previous stories, Eveline is an adult but the entrapment of the narrators remains constant with her. The main treatment of the young is of Eveline by her father. Her father, an alcoholic, abuses his daughter, "Even now, though she was nineteen, she sometimes felt herself in danger of her father's violence. She knew it was that that had given her palpitations." He makes her work but takes away her wages to throw away on drink, saying that she would "squander" the money, having "no head". He is ungrateful for the hard work she does and ridicules her. Like Dublin, her father is stifling and oppressive and while she is with him she can never be happy or prosper. Also her work colleagues treat her unfairly, another example of the mistreatment of the young by their elders. On wondering what they will think to her moving away, she says they would "say she was a fool, perhaps; and

  • Word count: 1016
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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Write a detailed analysis of a section, highlighting the effects which F. Scott Fitzgerald achieves in your chosen passage (pp.88-90)

Write a detailed analysis of a section, highlighting the effects which F. Scott Fitzgerald achieves in your chosen passage (pp.88-90) F. Scott Fitzgerald is primarily concerned in this passage with introducing the reader to the unvisited interior of Gatsby's house and revealing the emotions that are provoked during the tour with Nick and Daisy. Indeed, the house is described as being 'breathlessly silent' and Nick comments, "It was strange to reach the marble steps and find no stir of bright dresses in and out of the door..." It is likely that following the descriptions of lavish celebrations early in the novel, Fitzgerald is aiming to provide a more realistic and intricate perception of Gatsby without the obstruction of the party guests. The imagery of wealth is continued to a large extent, and Daisy remains in awe of Gatsby's house and possessions. However, aside from the expensive shirts, Fitzgerald generally distances Gatsby from the wealth surrounding him and orientates the text around the importance to him of having Daisy in the house. Nick states, "Sometimes, too he stared around at his possessions in a dazed way..." and suggests that he is quite insecure in the circumstances by describing how he 'nearly toppled down a flight of stairs'. Whilst the house is lavishly furnished, at the heart of it lies Gatsby's bedroom, which is the simplest room of all and which could

  • Word count: 963
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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Was Lloyd George a better leader during times of war thantimes of peace?

Was Lloyd George a better leader during times of war than times of peace? Lloyd George's record tells a story of a remarkably better leader in times of war than in peace, but you have to look beyond the facts to see the real story. Although he did win a war, and do nothing notable after that, he is a victim of circumstance as he wasn't really able to do much else due to the split in his party, and having to join the Conservatives in a coalition. David Lloyd George took over as Prime Minister of Britain after Asquith had shown he was unable to lead the country during times of war - or that was the feeling of the country at the time at least. This caused a bitter split in the Liberal party to which Lloyd George belonged to, with most party members staying loyal to Asquith, and some following Lloyd George. At the next general election after the war, the so called 'Coupon Election', the divided Liberal party were easily defeated by the Tories. However, Bonar-Law realised the public support for Lloyd George was sky-high as he had just won the war, and so asked Lloyd George to form a coalition with him. This is a good move for the Tories as it meant they had the public support on their side and were still able to run the country. This move was the only move that a man in Lloyd George's position could make. He had no party and the only way of staying in power was to form the

  • Word count: 582
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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Chapter 7 As the dull evening sun started to fade the two men, Slim and George, started their way back along the dusty track, followed shortly by the slow footsteps of Curley and Carlson

Chapter 7 As the dull evening sun started to fade the two men, Slim and George, started their way back along the dusty track, followed shortly by the slow footsteps of Curley and Carlson. Slim broke the awkward silence between them both. "You o.k.?" Slim asked. "Yeah," replied George. "I didn't want to do that." "You did what you needed to." said Slim sympathetically. "Better that I did it, instead of them evil bastards. They only wanted to do it 'cause they were excited by violence," said George with watering eyes. "Lenny wasn't like that. He hated violence. He only did that thing to Curley 'cause I told him to, he didn't want to. He didn't deserve it." "It's o.k. now, its over." answered Slim. As they approached the bunk house, Candy came to meet them. Candy said, "What happened? They didn't get him first, did they?" "No, I found him first. He died painlessly," replied George. "Must've been difficult," reasoned Candy. "T'was," said George. "I nearly couldn't, but I had to, for him. Sorry - I don't want to talk anymore." "Yeah, o.k." said Candy. "Night," said George. George started to go in, and Slim left to go to the barn. "Wait George, we might still be able to set the thing up with the ranch, mightn't we?" called Candy. "We've got the money to do it." George turned slowly on his heel and thought for a moment, and then a gentle smile broadened across his

  • Word count: 562
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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A Reader's Response to McEwan's Characterisation of Joe Rose in Chapters 1 - 6 of 'Enduring Love'

A Reader's Response to McEwan's Characterisation of Joe Rose in Chapters 1 - 6 of 'Enduring Love' In Chapters 1-6 of 'Enduring Love' McEwan has forced the reader to become heavily involved in the storyline through the use of a dramatic event; the balloon accident that happened within the first chapter. In the first 6 Chapters it becomes clear that Jed has become infatuated with Joe Rose. The reader can then use this as an insight into the personality and the character of Joe through the events that unfold within these chapters. Personally, as the reader, I see Joe as a very educated person who has a very organised, analytical and rational mind; he processes information in a very logical way. This comes across when he talks about evolution and Darwin when he picks Clarissa up from the airport. He observes other peoples expressions when they see their loved ones when they come through the gate at the airport; "if one ever wanted proof of Darwin's contention that the many expressions of emotion in humans are universal, genetically inscribed, then a few minutes...." This shows the reader how Joe is very educated and interested in science. However he also shows a very opposite side of himself from science which is very factual and organised, this is love. His love for Clarissa shows through how McEwan has written this character; "a beautiful woman loved and wanted to be

  • Word count: 1121
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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Wealth Changes People

Aliyah Gaskins November 8th, 2004 Wealth Changes People In the novel 'The Pearl' the author, John Steinbeck has clearly stated a message. He taught us the life lesson, that being wealthy isn't everything through a character he created named Kino. Steinbeck had placed the setting in a poor village in La Paz and described Kino's relationship of their close-knit family. When the pearl was found, the plan was to sell it and use the money to pay for Coyotito's medical bills also to send him to school for an education. This extraordinary idea was demolished by the actions of Kino's greediness for money. As the novel progressed the events only became more serious. He did not only hurt the people around him that love him, but himself. "In Kino's ears the Song of the Family was as fierce as a cry. He was immune and terrible and his song had become a battle cry." Kino turned down pearl buyers, hit his wife, murdered a man, ran away from home and shot his baby. Kino became avaricious. When the pearl buyers had not offered Kino the amount of money he expected, "Kino's face grew dark and dangerous." Maybe he thought they were trying to cheat him. Perhaps, Kino was just being a 'pigheaded fool.' Logically, anyone as poor as Kino would have taken such a great deal of money but he wanted more. "All of the time Juana had been trying to rescue something of the old

  • Word count: 657
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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Examine the theme of loneliness and isolation in M.R James stories

Examine the theme of loneliness and isolation in M.R James' stories In the early 20th Century, the Edwardian era was coming to an end, but the wealth and affluence of the upper classes still remained. With very little contact with the outside world, the rich became complacent and arrogant. Political tension was increasing in Europe, but the well-off took little notice, concerned exclusively in their own affairs. With plenty of time on their hands, people could indulge in the study of science, or spend long periods of time shut up in antiquarian libraries, devoted to furthering their intellectual prowess and pride and becoming self reliant. When not in the library, they had the time to go off on private walks, do independent field research, or any other solitary pursuit, as their pride meant that they did not need anyone for guidance. The affluent were slowly becoming less religious, as their new found passion for science led them to rationalise everything and deny spiritual existence, and their prosperity meant that there was little to look forward to in the afterlife. This also meant that certain people no longer had God to turn to, further isolating themselves. The effect of these changes in society was that scholarly men would spend long hours in loneliness and isolation, and this fact is what M.R. James utilizes to great effect in many of his stories, not only to make the

  • Word count: 1535
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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