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1. (a) Describe the relationship between Nora Clitheroe and Bessie Burgess - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2017
Question 1
1. (a) Describe the relationship between Nora Clitheroe and Bessie Burgess. Support your answer with reference to the text. (b) Explain why you do or do not admire ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1. (a) Describe the relationship between Nora Clitheroe and Bessie Burgess - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2017
Step 1
Describe the relationship between Nora Clitheroe and Bessie Burgess.
Answer
The relationship between Nora Clitheroe and Bessie Burgess is complex and characterized by underlying tensions. Initially, Bessie seems to harbor resentment towards Nora, as she feels that Nora's choices impact her relationship with Jack, Nora’s husband. Bessie fears that Nora will abandon their friendship, especially given Nora's history of returning home after marital disputes. However, there are moments of genuine connection as Bessie tries to look out for Nora, even as she grapples with her own feelings of loyalty and jealousy. Therefore, their relationship can be viewed as fraught with both loyalty and conflict.
Step 2
Explain why you do or do not admire Nora Clitheroe.
Answer
Admiring Nora Clitheroe requires a nuanced understanding of her character. On one side, she is portrayed as resourceful, taking on a significant amount of responsibility for her family. Nora's determination to support Jack, despite his shortcomings, reveals her strong will. However, one might argue against admiring her due to her possessive nature over Jack, which leads her to make questionable choices that impact her relationships with others. These contrasting traits complicate the admiration one might feel for her.
Step 3
Identify one episode or incident in the play, The Plough and the Stars, which you find shocking or surprising.
Answer
One particularly shocking episode in the play occurs when the character Jack Clitheroe is killed. The unexpectedness of his death acts as a pivotal moment that underscores the play's themes of loss and the futility of war. This incident is particularly impactful as it highlights the fragility of life and the chaos surrounding the characters, leaving both Nora and the audience reeling from the abruptness of the tragedy.
Step 4
Imagine your class has decided to stage a production of O’Casey’s play, The Plough and the Stars, and you are the set designer.
Answer
As the set designer, I would create a representation of the Clitheroes' home that reflects the socio-political climate of the era. The set would feature two primary rooms—one representing their living area with worn furniture, a fireplace painted to look like marble, and scattered daily items showing the family's struggle. The second room would depict a dining space, slightly more formal with a tablecloth and simple tableware, symbolizing attempts at civility amidst chaos. Overall, every detail from the flooring to the placement of items would be designed to immerse the audience in the life and struggles of the Clitheroe family.