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1. (a) (i) Name one comparative text you have studied - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2022
Question 1
1. (a) (i) Name one comparative text you have studied. Identify an aspect of the social setting of this text you would like to change if you had the power to do so. ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1. (a) (i) Name one comparative text you have studied - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2022
Step 1
Name one comparative text you have studied. Identify an aspect of the social setting of this text you would like to change if you had the power to do so. Explain why you would choose to make this particular change. Support your answer with reference to the text.
Answer
One comparative text I have studied is 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood. An aspect of the social setting I would like to change is the oppressive class structure enforced by the totalitarian regime. If I had the power to change this, I would abolish the hierarchy that limits individual freedoms and promotes discrimination based on gender and class. This change is vital for fostering equality and ensuring that all individuals can live authentically without fear of repression. The narrative illustrates how the characters suffer under this regime, particularly Offred, who yearns for freedom and agency, making a compelling argument for the necessity of this change.
Step 2
Name another comparative text you have studied. Identify an aspect of the social setting of this text you would like to change if you had the power to do so. Explain why you would choose to make this particular change. Support your answer with reference to the text.
Answer
Another comparative text is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. An aspect of the social setting I would change is the pervasive class prejudice that restricts social mobility and defines personal relationships. I would encourage a society where social status is less important than individual character and merit. This is particularly relevant in the interactions between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, where his initial pride and her biases create tension. A societal shift towards valuing personal virtues over wealth or lineage would lead to more genuine relationships and allow for a more inclusive social environment.
Step 3
Compare the reasons why you would or would not like to live in the world you encountered in each of at least two texts on your comparative course. Support your answer with reference to the social settings evident in your chosen texts.
Answer
In comparing the worlds of 'The Handmaid's Tale' and 'Pride and Prejudice', my reasons for not wanting to live in the former outweigh my concerns regarding the latter. The dystopian reality of Atwood’s text is characterized by its oppressive societal norms and lack of personal freedom. Women are stripped of their rights, which creates a terrifying and limiting lived experience. Conversely, while 'Pride and Prejudice' highlights societal pressures and class distinctions, it presents a world where individuals can at least express their desires and pursue personal growth within societal constraints. Hence, while both texts reveal troubling aspects of their respective societies, the extreme conditions of 'The Handmaid's Tale' make it an undesirable world to inhabit.