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 extract uses a variety of techniques to illustrate the narrator's fluctuating emotions effectively.

Initial Thoughts: The narrator's initial thoughts, encapsulated in the phrase "What will be, will be!", set a tone of determinism or fatalism. This reflects a sense of resignation, suggesting that the narrator is grappling with the inevitability of events, which establishes a foundation for understanding their emotional journey.

Exclamation Marks: The use of exclamation marks throughout the text emphasizes the intensity of the narrator's feelings. They act as a window into the narrator's psyche, revealing a tumultuous inner life. This strong emotional expression not only engages the reader but also serves to create a sense of urgency that matches the narrator’s mental state.

Moral Confusion: The writer skillfully presents the narrator’s moral dilemmas, suggesting a critical moment of self-reflection. Readers may sympathize with the narrator, appreciating their confusion and conflict as they struggle to reconcile their feelings. This deeper engagement aids in understanding the shifting nature of the narrator's thoughts.

Relief and Escape: The narrator expresses a moment of relief when escaping from a situation described as potentially overwhelming—"No one on the stairs! Or at the gates!" This highlights a moment of clarity amidst chaos and illustrates the emotional highs and lows the narrator experiences. The near-certainty of isolation leads to an ambiguity that reflects the narrator's psyche.

Physical State: The physical state of the narrator reinforces the mental turmoil experienced. Phrases such as "at last, the lane" bring a sense of physicality, grounding the abstract emotional journey in tangible experiences. This melding of physical and emotional responses fosters a more profound connection with the reader, allowing them to witness the narrator's distress viscerally.

Final Reflections: Furthermore, the extract encapsulates the narrator's metaphorical state of being in "a state of near-oblivion". This comment translates the psychological distress into a palpable feeling, illustrating the desperation and turmoil the narrator faces. The concluding thoughts emphasize that despite attempting to find escape, the thoughts remain unresolved, reflecting the narrator's complex internal struggles.