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Explore the ways in which Dickens presents the need for revenge in this extract and elsewhere in the novel - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 7 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 7
Explore the ways in which Dickens presents the need for revenge in this extract and elsewhere in the novel. In this extract Orlick accuses Pip of turning Biddy agai... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explore the ways in which Dickens presents the need for revenge in this extract and elsewhere in the novel - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 7 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
In this extract Orlick accuses Pip of turning Biddy against him and tells Pip he plans to murder him.
Answer
In this extract, Dickens illustrates Orlick's vengeful nature through his aggressive confrontation with Pip. The tone is hostile as Orlick accuses Pip of betraying him, showing how deeply personal grievances ignite his desire for revenge. By claiming he could have done Pip no harm had Pip not harmed him first, Orlick justifies his feelings of animosity, portraying a cyclical nature of vengeance.
Moreover, the metaphor of Orlick's mouth 'snarling like a tiger's' emphasizes his ferocity and primal instincts, suggesting that his need for revenge is rooted in a more animalistic desire for dominance and control. This motif of predatory behavior recurs in the novel, reflecting the broader themes of revenge and retribution present in Pip's own journey.
This extract serves as a microcosm of the novel's exploration of how personal vendettas can stem from betrayal and perceived injustice, ultimately showcasing how vengeance can lead to a destructive cycle.
Step 2
What are you going to do to me?
Answer
When Orlick raises the threat of violence, declaring 'I am going to have your life!', it starkly highlights the extremity of his revenge. The escalating tension reveals how revenge can transform a character, pushing them towards acts of brutality. Orlick's willingness to inflict harm illustrates how the need for vengeance can overpower rational thought, turning individuals into fervent adversaries.
Furthermore, the imagery of Orlick's actions, such as 'leaned forward staring at me' and striking the table, manifests his intent to intimidate Pip, positioning the reader to sense the imminent danger. Dickens effectively captures the raw emotion behind revenge, revealing the impact of hostility on both the avenger and the victim.
Step 3
More than that, said he, folding his arms on the table again, I won't have a rag of you, I won't have a bone of you, let on earth.
Answer
This declaration from Orlick represents an ultimate rejection of Pip, underscoring how revenge often breeds a desire not just for retribution but for complete annihilation of the foe. By emphasizing what he won't take from Pip—his very essence—Orlick's sentiments reflect an obsession with total eradication, showcasing the depths to which revenge can drive a person.
Moreover, Orlick's reflections on carrying Pip's 'body in the kin' portray a grotesque fixation on asserting dominance even in death, revealing the destructive path revenge carves through relationships. This encapsulates the overarching narrative of the novel where characters' quests for personal revenge often have far-reaching and tragic consequences.