In this extract, there is an attempt to show the narrator's changing thoughts and feelings - Edexcel - GCSE English Language - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1

The narrative opens with a striking tone in the narrator's initial thoughts: 'What will be, will be!' This phrase introduces a sense of determinism or fatalism, suggesting the narrator feels powerless over their circumstances. This opening sets the stage for the reader's understanding of the protagonist's mental state, thereby framing the exploration of their changing thoughts throughout the extract.

The expressiveness of the narrator's thoughts is emphasized by the frequent use of exclamation marks. This technique effectively communicates the intensity of the narrator's feelings, pulling the reader into the emotional turmoil experienced by the character. This amplification serves to evoke sympathy and a vested interest in the narrator's journey.

Moreover, the writer’s mixed narrative style creates moral confusion for the reader, as they oscillate between first and third-person perspectives. The duality ensures that the reader feels both connected to the narrator and distanced from them, complicating the portrayal of thoughts and feelings. This method aligns the reader's experience with the narrator's internal struggles, yet it leaves them questioning the reliability of the narrator’s self-reflections.

At one point, the narrator expresses relief in a moment of perceived escape from their plight: 'No one on the stairs! Or at the gates!' This phrase indicates both a moment of freedom and lingering dread—highlighting the complexity of the narrator's emotional state. The reader can feel the pull between despair and hope as the narrative fluctuates.

The physical description of the murder scene, described as 'At last, the lane,’ underscores the visceral impact of the events on the narrator. However, even in that moment of reprieve, the narrator's internal conflict remains evident as they reflect, 'I am in a state of near-oblivion.' This admission reveals the depth of psychological distress faced by the narrator as they grapple with the immensity of their actions.

Ultimately, the depiction of the narrator's thoughts and feelings appears successfully achieved through a combination of stylistic techniques and the use of strong, evocative language that invites the reader to navigate the complex emotional landscape.