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“Our personal beliefs – our views and values – can influence our sense of the general vision and viewpoint of a text.” (a) With reference to one text on your comparative course, explain how your sense of the general vision and viewpoint was influenced by at least one of your personal beliefs - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2019
Question 1
“Our personal beliefs – our views and values – can influence our sense of the general vision and viewpoint of a text.” (a) With reference to one text on your compar... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:“Our personal beliefs – our views and values – can influence our sense of the general vision and viewpoint of a text.” (a) With reference to one text on your comparative course, explain how your sense of the general vision and viewpoint was influenced by at least one of your personal beliefs - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2019
Step 1
With reference to one text on your comparative course, explain how your sense of the general vision and viewpoint was influenced by at least one of your personal beliefs.
Answer
To address this part of the question, I will focus on the text 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini. In this narrative, the protagonist Amir's journey is significantly influenced by his personal belief in redemption, which shapes the overall vision of the text.
Amir grapples with feelings of guilt due to his betrayal of Hassan and the societal norms concerning ethnic identity and loyalty. My own belief in the importance of loyalty to friends and family resonates with Amir’s struggles, allowing me to perceive the narrative not merely as a tale of personal redemption but as a broader commentary on interpersonal relationships.
Hosseini's portrayal of Afghanistan's socio-political landscape emphasizes how personal values can affect one’s perceptions of duty and guilt. My sense of the general vision was influenced by my belief that one must confront past mistakes to move forward. This belief helped me understand Amir's internal conflict as a reflection of universal human struggles, enhancing my empathy for his character.
Step 2
Compare how your sense of the general vision and viewpoint in each of two other comparative texts was influenced by at least one of your personal beliefs.
Answer
In this section, I will compare 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen and 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy, focusing on how my belief in the value of perseverance influences my understanding of their general visions.
In 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth Bennet embodies perseverance through her refusal to conform to societal expectations regarding marriage. My belief in standing firm against pressures resonates with Elizabeth’s journey, allowing me to see her character as a representation of resilience against a backdrop of rigid societal norms. Austen’s critique on class and gender roles is amplified by this personal belief, enhancing my appreciation for Elizabeth's ultimate success.
Conversely, in 'The Road', McCarthy presents a bleak post-apocalyptic world where perseverance is not just a personal belief but an essential survival instinct. The interactions between the father and son highlight a desperate hope that drives them forward in a world that has largely lost its humanity. My own understanding of perseverance in the face of adversity shapes my view of this text as a poignant exploration of hope amid despair.
Comparing these texts reveals a common thread: the necessity of perseverance. My personal belief in this quality deepens my understanding of how each protagonist navigates their unique circumstances, ultimately influencing the general vision conveyed by both authors.