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Read the two extracts below and answer both part a and part b - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 5
Read the two extracts below and answer both part a and part b. You are advised to spend about 45 minutes on part a) and 30 minutes on part b). For part a), you sho... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the two extracts below and answer both part a and part b - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Compare how women talking to their mothers about romantic relationships are presented in these two extracts.
Answer
The extracts reveal differing dynamics in how women discuss romantic relationships with their mothers. In Extract 1, Margaret expresses excitement about her relationship with Ken, contrasting with Doris's dismissive tone towards Americans. This juxtaposes the youthful eagerness of Margaret against the cynical outlook of Doris, showcasing intergenerational differences in perspective.
Margaret's dialogue hints at optimism and a longing for independence, as seen when she states her intention to live in London. This reflects her desire for growth and new experiences, which is met with Doris's practicality and concern.
Furthermore, the dramatic use of stage directions, such as "staring at the sky" and "they hold the sheet by the corners and tug", emphasizes the tension between them and the contrasting ways they perceive relationships. Language plays a crucial role here; Doris's disdainful remarks highlight her protective instincts, while Margaret's aspirations reveal a more adventurous spirit, showcasing the varying experiences and expectations women face in romantic contexts.
Overall, these extracts serve to illustrate not only the personal dynamics within the mother-daughter relationship but also broader societal attitudes towards romance across generations.
Step 2
Explore another moment in My Mother Said I Never Should where the situation of women is presented dramatically.
Answer
In another pivotal moment of My Mother Said I Never Should, the character of Doris is faced with the complexities of motherhood and societal expectations as she navigates her relationship with her daughter, Margaret. This scenario highlights the weight of generational pressure on women's decisions.
The dialogue is laden with dramatic tension; for instance, Doris's admonitions reflect her fears for her daughter's future and societal norms pressing down on both characters. This moment encapsulates the emotional stakes involved, as Margaret aspires to forge her own path while feeling the pull of her mother’s expectations.
Through dramatic elements like pauses and emphatic dialogue, the moment captures the internal struggle of women as they confront both their aspirations and their roles as dutiful daughters. The language used is poignant, layered with the weight of unspoken fears and hopes, illustrating the complexity of women's situations in the context of familial relationships.
Thus, this scene serves to deepen our understanding of the pressing dilemmas faced by women, accentuating the dramatic portrayal of their emotional landscapes and the negotiations of identity within familial structures.