What responses did the tight-rope walker provoke on the morning described in the extract? Refer to the text in support of your answer. - Leaving Cert English - Question A(i) - 2011

The tight-rope walker evoked a range of responses among the onlookers that morning. Initially, there was a profound silence, a collective 'hushed' reaction as people stopped in their tracks, captivated by the spectacle. This silence was not mere absence of sound, but a deep sense of awe and trepidation. Many witnesses felt a mix of emotions: some were mystified by the audacity of the act, while others were horrified at the potential danger involved.

As individuals watched, there was a sense of shared experience, standing together in groups, which intensified the atmosphere of the moment. The extract highlights the varied reactions: there were those enthralled by the sight, and others who merely 'ignored the fuss', absorbed in the mundane rhythm of everyday life.

Additionally, the emergency response from the security guards introduced an element of urgency to the scene, emphasizing the precariousness of the situation and adding to the overall tension. This blend of fascination, fear, and the stark reality of emergency presence paints a vivid picture of the crowd's emotional landscape.