Photo AI
From your reading of this extract, what impression of the old woman do you form? Refer to the text in support of your answer - Leaving Cert English - Question A - 2001
Question A
From your reading of this extract, what impression of the old woman do you form? Refer to the text in support of your answer. In your opinion, how does Sarah's beha... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:From your reading of this extract, what impression of the old woman do you form? Refer to the text in support of your answer - Leaving Cert English - Question A - 2001
Step 1
What impression of the old woman do you form?
Answer
The old woman in the extract gives a complex impression of a character who is both eccentric and intriguing. Her distinctive appearance, combined with a somewhat slippery demeanor, suggests a life marked by untold stories and observations. For instance, the text hints at her observant nature when she inquires about Sarah's life, reflecting a sense of interest, albeit with a critical edge. Additionally, her encounter with Sarah shows her loneliness, as seen in her desperate attempts to connect amidst her disintegrating physical presence.
Step 2
How does Sarah's behaviour on the train reveal her attitude towards the old woman?
Answer
Sarah's behavior indicates a mixture of curiosity and defensiveness. Initially, she is engaged in the conversation, but as the old woman shares her thoughts, Sarah's discomfort surfaces—her desire not to be rude reflects a tension between wanting to engage and withdrawing. When she abruptly ends the conversation, it suggests an awareness of her own boundaries and a need to assert them, hinting at her growing resentment for the old woman’s probing nature.
Step 3
How does Kevin Barry succeed in creating the experience of the train journey in the above extract?
Answer
Kevin Barry effectively conveys the atmosphere of the train journey through vivid descriptions and sensory details. The actual place-names enhance our connection to the story while accentuating the changing landscape outside. The clamor of the train coupled with descriptions of fellow passengers adds authenticity to the setting. Additionally, the 'clammy' atmosphere suggests a feeling of confinement, mirroring Sarah's internal apprehension and unease, thus immersing the reader in the experience.