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My Mother Said I Never Should by Charlotte Keatley and I Read the News Today by Willy Russell Read the two extracts below and then answer both part a) and part b) - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 5 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 5
My Mother Said I Never Should by Charlotte Keatley and I Read the News Today by Willy Russell Read the two extracts below and then answer both part a) and part b). ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:My Mother Said I Never Should by Charlotte Keatley and I Read the News Today by Willy Russell Read the two extracts below and then answer both part a) and part b) - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 5 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Compare how characters expressing anger are presented in these two extracts.
Answer
In the extracts from both plays, characters express anger through their situation and experiences. Rosie’s frustration is manifested in her desire for a birthday celebration that aligns with her maturity. She feels that being gifted a doll at her age is demeaning, emphasizing the conflict between her childhood and the expectations placed upon her. Her use of language, such as ‘stupid name’ and ‘Mummers! It’s painful to have to live in the world,’ highlights her emotional turmoil and frustration.
Contrasting this, in the second extract, Jackie’s entrance with the cake represents an attempt to bring joy amidst Rosie’s anger. Jackie’s character utilizes maternal language, trying to reassure Rosie by celebrating her birthday. This attempt highlights the complexity of how characters react to anger—Jackie seeks to mitigate it while Rosie resists the sentimentality.
Both extracts employ dramatic features such as pauses and vivid imagery. Rosie’s reflection on the past with 'people were an awful lot nicer' shows her longing for a lost innocence while making her current anger more profound.
Through language and actions, the dramatic tension between these characters underlines how anger influences their interaction and emotional responses.
Step 2
Explore another moment in My Mother Said I Never Should where characters are upset.
Answer
In another significant moment of 'My Mother Said I Never Should', Rosie becomes visibly upset when she feels neglected during an important family gathering. Her sense of abandonment surfaces as she notices her mother’s attention diverted to guests rather than her.
The language used here is simple yet effective, conveying profound emotions. Rosie states, 'Why are we so alone?' This question underlines her feelings of isolation within the family unit. The audience witnesses a deep shift in her demeanor, showcasing how feelings of upset can manifest into a desire for connection and recognition.
The dramatic features come into play when Rosie’s tones shift from despair to a sudden burst of anger towards her mother, illustrating the complexity of familial relationships. This poignant moment accentuates the play's exploration of how internal emotions can lead to visible actions, impacting both the characters involved and the overall narrative.