This essay will analyse an extract from the book Help by Penelope Lively.

by cherryblossom_01 (student)

Reading comprehension

This essay will analyse an extract from the book “Help” by Penelope Lively. The novel is about a lady called Jenny who hires someone to help her around her home, her name is Mrs Porch. At first Jenny enjoys Mrs Porch’s company. However, soon Jenny realises that Mrs Porch has been stealing from Jenny. When Jenny confronts Mrs Porch, she subtly blackmailed Jenny giving her no option but to take the seemingly better one. Jenny was to leave the purse where it was as usual so that Mrs Porch can take her money whenever she chooses, if not, Mrs Porch will simply leave, while Jenny has then got to clean the house by herself, without success.

In lines 1-18 we see that Henry is in control of Jenny, by deciding what decisions she should obtain and how she should seize them; we know this attitude when we are told that “He said it in a tone that meant there was no discussion.” The declarative sentence here highlights the absolute certainty that that no one can change his mind and not to question Henry’s judgment.

Henry addresses Jenny as though he is speaking to a child, we see this in “He put the paper down and said in a slow and careful voice that meant: listen because I am not going to repeat this.” This quote reflects the idea that Henry believes that Jenny is inadequate and isn’t capable of carrying out a simple task and believes that he must address her as if she is a child, in order for her to understand.

We further see Henry’s negative persona towards Jenny when “he brushed that objection aside with a snort.” The use of the verb “brushed” and “snort” suggests that Henry does not value Jenny’s opinion and feels that he is superior.

When Jenny first meets Mrs Porch Jenny feels ashamed. “Hastily picking things up, trying to put clothes in piles.” The use of the adverb “hastily” imply that Jenny doesn’t want Mrs Porch to see her domestic failures and for her to think little of her. Likewise Jenny seems self-conscious and uncomfortable and finds herself “blushing and talking too much.” The use of the present participle ending verb “blushing” indicates that jenny is continuously growing uncomfortable and trying to dismiss the tense atmosphere.

Jenny seems to feel as if she’s struck gold with Mrs Porch. The use of the ...

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Jenny seems to feel as if she’s struck gold with Mrs Porch. The use of the simple sentence “she thought of everything” highlights Jenny feels that a huge weight has been lifted off her shoulders as Mrs Porch is covering everything.

Although at first Jenny felt anxious around Mrs Porch, Jenny soon warms to her. In lines 19-44 Jenny seems to believe that Mrs Porch is a godsend. “Oh you are an angel.” The use of abstract noun “angel” shows how much Jenny appreciates Mrs Porch’s help and believes that Mrs Porch is undeniably a miracle. This seems ironic because she soon turns out to be like the devil, confounding all the characteristics of an angel.

Despite the fact that Jenny was getting along with Mrs Porch, Jenny soon starts doubt her relationship with Mrs Porch. In lines 45-63 the author highlights that Jenny is feeling panicked in “NO! ...) please, LEAVE IT, Mrs Porch...) I’ll pay him myself.” The author uses disjointed syntax to highlight the total dread that Jenny is experiencing. The use of the verb “strangled” helps the reader visualise Jenny’s struggle and panic as she tries to prevent Mrs Porch from paying.

“NO! ...) please, LEAVE IT, Mrs Porch...) I’ll pay him myself.” Penelope Lively uses short snappy sentences to speed up the pace and create an image that Jenny is running without much co-ordination. In addition to all this the short sentences create a feeling that Jenny has to breath in between sentences because of her panic and distress which catches both the reader’s and Mrs Porch’s attention. The use of capital letters and exclamation mark indicate shouting, this heightens the effect of what Jenny is saying.

Diary Entry

June 29th

Dear Diary,

(Sigh) oh if only life was as simple as turning lemons into lemonade. Just 3 days ago i felt scared and sick thinking about when she’ll strike next. I’ve told myself a million times: “Oh Jenny, everything will be alright. Just tell her, tell her you KNOW that she’s been stealing your money.” But i couldn’t, that’s what i thought, i knew this day was coming soon... just not this soon.

Mrs Porch was hired by me, to help me around the house. At first i loved her. I loved her company her chitchat and how she did everything for me around the house, but now, now i don’t know anything anymore. Every week the milkman or bread man would come to sell, Mrs Porch would pay from the money of my purse, she did it with my acknowledgement of course, but she just didn’t ask my permission when she wanted to take or rather steal money for her own greed.

Today the bread man came, i had hidden my purse hadn’t left it in my usual place. Usually my purse was left on the table by the door out of the children’s’ reach, yet not out of thieves. I was feeding the baby when the doorbell rang. It was the bread man coming for his weekly rounds. It was when Mrs Porch offered to pay as usual, when i panicked. “NO!” i shouted jumping up at the same time, with the baby in my arms. Although Mrs Porch insisted in paying herself, i didn’t care i was determined to pay the bread man my self, but i could hardly talk, my throat was dry, my lungs needed air and i was stumbling all over the place. I felt half dazed and half insane. After dropping all the surrounding furniture i grabbed the purse off Mrs Porch as she took the baby off me. The bread man seemed as confused as i was. “Is everything alright madam? It’s just i heard a lot of commotion back there.” I told him everything was fine. Not that it looked as if he believed me, but i didn’t care. After i closed the door i cautiously walked back to the room where Mrs Porch and the baby were. As i entered the room i felt nauseous.

When i entered the room i saw Mrs Porch soothing the baby, she looked innocent, oh what was i thinking, Mrs Porch would never steal from me, never...would she?

I then saw her staring at me, her beady eyes staring into the pits of the soul, it was as if she knew what i was thinking.

She asked if there was something wrong, i didn’t answer i just looked away, too ashamed to face her. When she did catch me eye she held it there, as if subtly daring me to tell her, tell that i know, only i didn’t know what i knew. For a second she saw my hand tightly clasped around the purse, she asked if there was something wrong with the purse. I was tempted to say: “there’s nothing wrong with the purse silly, although some money does disappear every so often, you don’t think the thieving leprechauns are back do you?” but when i opened my mouth to say something, my mind became blank. I just stuttered, her dark eyes dangerous and intent. And then i saw it, her eyes dimming with sadness as the light in her eyes fizzed out. She had understood what i was trying to say (maybe she can read peoples minds after all).

She then stood up and told me how “fond” she was of me, while she delicately blackmailed me. If it had been anyone else, they would have thought she was simply asking for the matter to be forgotten and have the purse placed back where it was, when really it was to continue as usual as she helps herself to my money.

And that’s when i realised how my life had been transformed since Mrs. Porch had arrived, I had everything I ever needed, everything was done and dusted, everybody was delighted by the changes, the kids stopped crying and played more, they loved Mrs Porch and Henry had never seemed so happy in his life, i can now live in my dream home, but it all had its own price. Mrs Porch was to be allowed to help herself to my money. My money isn’t just for me but for the little things the children need, i can’t afford to have Mrs Porch stealing from me. But if i stop her, she’ll leave for good and everything will become a disaster, again. I don’t think ill be able to cope with it. I wish and i pray that one day, real help will arrive. Until then.

Jenny.P