Anita and Me by Meera Syal and Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons Read the two extracts below and then answer both part a) and part b) - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 1

In both extracts, significant tensions arise from the characters' experiences, shaped by cultural and social expectations. In 'Anita and Me', the protagonist faces pressures related to cultural identity while navigating her friendship with Anita. The situation reflects a clash between her upbringing and the modern influences represented by Anita.

Similarly, in 'Cold Comfort Farm', the characters deal with social norms and familial expectations that create friction in their interactions. The protagonist's arrival disrupts the existing dynamics, leading to a re-evaluation of relationships.

Character Reactions:

• In 'Anita and Me', the protagonist feels torn, often shifting between admiration for Anita and discomfort over her different values. This internal conflict leads to a sense of tension, as she struggles to balance her identity.
• In contrast, the characters in 'Cold Comfort Farm' often react with resistance or adaptation to the protagonist's influence. Their responses highlight the generational gaps and the impact of external change.

Use of Language and Techniques:

• Meera Syal employs colloquial language and vivid imagery to demonstrate the stark contrasts between the characters' backgrounds and their aspirations, enhancing the tension.
• Stella Gibbons, on the other hand, utilizes irony and humor to underscore the absurdities in the social dynamics, creating a different kind of tension that reflects a comedic perspective on serious issues.

In summary, both extracts effectively depict tensions through the characters' experiences, their reactions, and the authors' stylistic choices, inviting readers to consider the complexities of interpersonal relationships shaped by external influences.