M O V E M E N T   T H R O U G H   C E L L  M E M B R A N E 

2008

DRAW A LABELLED DIAGRAM OF A TRANSVERSE SECTION OF A YOUNG ROOT

WATER ENTERS THE OUTERMOST CELLS OF THE ROOT BY OSMOSIS.WHAT DOES THIS TELL YOU ABOUT THE CELL SAP OF THESE OUTERMOST CELLS?

• They have a lower water concentration

OSMOSIS HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS A SPECIAL CASE OF DIFFUSION. EXPLAIN WHY.

Osmosis is the movement of water from where the water is in high concentration to an area where the water is in low concentration across a semi-permeable membrane.

DESCRIBE AN INVESTIGATION THAT YOU CARRIED OUT TO DEMONSTRATE OSMOSIS.

• Put a concentrated sucrose solution into a visking tube. Find mass of the tube and note its turgidity.
• Place the visking tube in a beaker of distilled water and leave for 30mins.
• Remove the tube and dry and find the mass.
• The mass and the turgidity increased.
• As a control, put water into a visking tube.Find mass.
• Place in a beaker of distilled water.
• Weigh and find mass. Results: No change.

DESCRIBE HOW MINERALS SUCH AS NITRATES ENTER THE ROOT OF A PLANT FROM THE SOIL.

Diffusion.

Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration along a concentration gradient.

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2010

WHAT IS MEANT BY SELECTIVELY PERMEABLE

They allow some molecules and prevent the passage of others.

GIVE TWO LOCATIONS IN A CELL AT WHICH THEY IS A SELECTIVELY PERMEABLE MEMBRANE.

• Cell membrane 
• Nucleus

WHAT IS DIFFUSION?

Diffusion is the movement of particles in a liquid or gas from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration along a concentration gradient.diffusion will continue until equilibrium is reached. E.g Oxygen enters red blood cells from the lungs

IN THE CASE OF A NAME MOLECULE GIVE A PRECISE LOCATION AT WHICH IF DIFFUSES IN THE HUMAN BODY.

Oxygen enters the red blood cells from the lungs. Location = Alveoli

EXPLAIN THE BIOLOGICAL BASIS FOR THE USE OF HIGH SUGAR OR HIGH SALT CONCENTRATION IN THE PRESERVATION OF FOOD.

When you place food in a high salt or sugar concentration, water moves out of the cells and becomes dehydrated. As a result the bacteria cannot work or multiply. The cell becomes dehydrated as a result of osmosis.

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2011

STATE THE PRECISE LOCATION OF THE CELL MEMBRANE IN PLANT CELLS.

Immediately inside the cell wall.

WITH WHAT TYPE CELL DO YOU ASSOCIATE WITH MEMBRANE BOUND ORGANELLES.

• Eukaryotic

WHAT CORRESPONDING TERM IS USED TO DESCRIBE BACTERIAL CELLS.

• Prokaryotic

THE CELL MEMBRANE IS DESCRIBED AS BEING SELECTIVELY PERMEABLE. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

They allow the free passage of some molecules and prevent the passage of others.

WHY IS DIFFUSION ALTERNATIVELY DESCRIBED AS A PASSIVE TRANSPORT?

It does not require energy

OSMOSIS MAY BE DESCRIBED AS A “SPECIAL CASE OF DIFFUSION”. EXPLAIN WHY.

Osmosis is the movement of water from an area where water is in low concentration to an area where water is in high concentration across a semi-permeable membrane.

DESCRIBE WITH A LABELLED DIAGRAM HOW DEMONSTRATED OSMOSIS IN THE LABORATORY.

•  Put a concentrated sucrose solution into a visking tube. Find mass of the tube and note its turgidity.
• Place the visking tube in a beaker of distilled water and leave for 30mins.
• Remove the tube and dry and find the mass.
• The mass and the turgidity increased.
• As a control, put water into a visking tube.Find mass.
• Place in a beaker of distilled water.
• Weigh and find mass. Results: No change

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2012

DIFFUSION: diffusion is the movement of particles in a liquid or gas from an area of high concentration to area of low concentration along a concentration gradient.Diffusion will continue until equilibrium is reached.

OSMOSIS:is the movement of water where water is in an area of high concentration to an area where water is in low concentration across a semi-permeable membrane.

ACTIVE TRANSPORT: is the movement of a substance from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration along a concentration gradient. Energy is needed.

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2013

EXPLAIN THE TERM SELECTIVELY PERMEABLE

They allow the free passage of some molecules and prevent the passage of others.

SUGGEST AN ADVANTAGE TO THE CELL OF HAVING A SELECTIVELY PERMEABLE MEMEBRANE.

• Substances can be kept in

TWO SUBSTANCES THAT ENTER THE HUMAN MUSCLE CELL BY DIFFUSION

• Oxygen
• Glucose

EXPLAIN THE TERM TURGOR

This is the pressure of cell contents against the cell wall.

GIVE A FEATURE OF A PLANT CELL THAT ALLOWS IT TO BE TURGID FOR LONG PERIODS.

Cell wall

SUGGEST A WAY WHICH TURGOR IS OF VALUE TO PLANTS

Support. Turgor allows plants to stand upright so their leaves can get more light for photosynthesis.

WHEN DEMONSTRATING OSMOSIS: 

WHAT PURPOSE DID YOU USE VISKING TUBE,POTATO TISSUE OR SOMKE SIMILAR MATERIAL?

To act as a selectively permeable membrane

HOW DID YOU CONCLUDE THAT OSMOSIS HAD OCCURED?

Change in mass. The visking tube with sucrose solution place in distilled water increased in mass.

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2015

GRAPH QUESTIONS (A)-(C)

EXPLAIN HOW PLANT CELLS REMAIN TURGID

Water is enters vacuole, swells slightly  and pushes the cytoplasm out against the cell wall. The cell wall prevents the cell from bursting because it is relatively rigid.

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2016

WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY THE TERM TURGOR IN PLANT CELLS.

Pressure of the cell contents against cell wall.

HOW DO PLANT CELLS REMAIN TURGID FOR A CONSIDERABLE PERIOD OF TIME.

Water enter the vacuole, swells slightly and pushes the cytoplasm out against the cell wall. The wall wall is relatively rigid and prevents the cell from bursting.

WHAT HAPPENS TO A PLANT IF MANY OF ITS CELLS LOSE TURGIDITY

It will fail to stay upright and wilt.

IF AN ANIMAL CELL WERE SUBJECTED TO THE CONDITIONS THAT RESULT IN A PLANT CELL BECOMING TURGID SUGGEST WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN TO THE ANIMAL CELL. EXPLAIN.

Water would enter the vacuole, swell and push the cytoplasm out, however because animal cells don’t have cell walls the cell would burst.

2007 

FOR WHAT IS ATP AN ABBREVIATION FOR?

• Adenosine Triphosphate

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF ATP?

• Traps and Transfers energy in cell reaction

WHAT IS THE NAME GIVEN TO THE FIRST STAGE OF RESPIRATION?

• Glycolysis

WHERE IN THE CELL DOES THE FIRST STAGE TAKE PLACE?

• In the cytosol

TO WHAT SUBSTANCE IS GLUCOSE NORMALLY CONVERTED TO IN THE FIRST STAGE OF RESPIRATION?

• Pyruvic acid 

NAME A SUBSTANCE TO WHICH (PYRUVIC ACID) MAY BE CONVERTED IN THE ABSENCE OF OXYGEN.

• Lactic acid (or ethanol)

IN AEROBIC RESPIRATION THE PRODUCT OF THE FIRST STAGE MOVES TO THE MITOCHONDRION. OUTLINE SUBSEQUENT EVENTS IN THE TOTAL BREAKDOWN OF THIS PRODUCT.

• Pyruvic acid enters the lumen of the mitochondrion.
• Pruyvic acid is dismantled and broken down into 2 carbon acetyl co-enzyme a. There is a loss of CO2, it is taken into the bloodstream.
• The acetyl co-enzyme a enters kreb’s cycle of regeneration and is broken down.
• The products of krebs cycle are CO2, ATP, (2H) Hydrogen.
• NAD+ picks up 2E-  and H+ forming NADH.
• NADH releases electrons. Electrons are passed along the electron transport chain.
• Energy is gradually removed from Hydrogen electron.Energy released during electron transfer is used to make ATP.
• Electrons combine oxygen and H+ to form H2O.

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2008

WRITE A BALANCED EQUATION TO REPRESENT AEROBIC RESPIRATION.

• C6H12O6 + O6 ~ 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy 

WHAT IS THE CYTOSOL?

• Cytoplasm minus organelles.

DOES THE FIRST STAGE OF RESPIRATION RELEASE SMALL OR LARGE AMOUNT OF ENERGY.

• Small

WHAT IS FERMENTATION? 

• Fermentation is the production of ethanol in anaerobic conditions from glucose by yeast.

SUGGEST A SITUATION IN WHICH SOME CELLS IN THE HUMAN BODY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ENGAGE IN THE SECOND STAGE OF AEROBIC RESPIRATION

• During intense exercise to muscle cells.

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2009 

ATP & NAD/NADP+ PLAY IMPORTANT ROLES IN CELL ACTIVITIES.

NAME THE SUBSTANCE X, FORMED BY LOSS OF A PHOSPHATE GROUP.

• ADP 

ATP CYCLE IS KEPT GOING BY Y.WHAT IS Y ?

• Y is energy

SUGGEST A ROLE FOR NAD / NADP+ IN CELL ACTIVITIES?

• Transferring hydrogen ions.

WHAT IS THE NAME GIVEN TO THE FIRST STAGE OF RESPIRATION

• GLYCOLYSIS

THE FIRST STAGE ENDS WITH THE FORMATION OF PYRUVIC ACID. IN ANAEROBIC CONDITIONS, WHAT IS PRODUCED FROM THIS PYRUVATE.

1. IN MUSCLE CELLS? Lactic Acid
2. IN YEAST CELLS?  Ethanol and CO2

IN (MITOCHONDRIA) PYRUVATE IS BROKEN DOWN CO2 AND A TWO-CARBON COMPOUND. NAME THIS 2-CARBON COMPOUND?

• Acetyl Co-enzyme a

THIS 2-CARBON COMPOUND PASSES DIRECTLY INTO A SERIES OF REACTIONS IN THE SECOND STAGE OF RESPIRATION. NAME SERIES OF REACTIONS AND NAME ONE PRODUCT OTHER THAN ELECTRONS.

• SERIES OF REACTION. Krebs cycle 
• PRODUCT: ATP

THE ELECTRONS ARE RELEASED FROM THE ABOVE REACTIONS ALONG A TRANSPORT CHAIN AND IN THE PROCESS ENERGY IS RELEASED.

1. TO WHAT USE IS THE ENERGY PUT? Energy released during electron transfer is used to make ATP.
2. AT THE END OF THE TRANSPORT CHAIN WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ELECTRONS? Electrons combine oxygen and H+ to form H2O.

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2011 

CELLULAR RESPIRATION MAY OCCUR IN ONE OR TWO STAGES.

GIVE TWO DIFFERENCES OTHER THAN LOCATION BETWEEN STAGES 1 & 2

• No oxygen is required for stage 1, glycolysis, however, oxygen is required for stage 2.
• Small amounts of ATP is produced in stage 1 but in stage 2 lots of ATP is produced.

WHAT TERM IS USED TO DESCRIBE RESPIRATION IN WHICH ONLY STAGE 1 OCCURS?

• Anaerobic respiration

IN STAGE 2 OF RESPIRATION ELECTRONS PASS ALONG AN ELECTRON TRANSPORT CHAIN, RELEASING ENERGY. IN WHAT MOLECULE IS THIS ENERGY STORED IN A CELL.

• ATP

TO WHAT ARE THESE ELECTRONS TRANSFERRED TO AT THE END OF THE ELECTRON TRANSPORT CHAIN?

• The electrons bond with Oxygen and H+ to form Water, H2O.

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2012

WRITE A BRIEF NOTE ON EACH OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. GLYCOLYSIS: this is stage one of respiration. It does not require oxygen. Anaerobic respiration takes place in the cytosol. Releases very little ATP. 6 carbon glucose is split in 2 3carbon molecules which is then broken down to pyruvic acid.
2. ACETYL CO-ENZYME A: this is produced in stage 2, where oxygen is required. The formation of a two carbon acetyl co-enzyme a is from the breakdown of a 3carbon pyruvate. Anerobic respiration takes place in the mitochondria. Acetyl co-enzyme a enters krebs cycle.
3. ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE: ATP traps and transfers energy in cell reactions.Lots of ATP is produced in stage 2. Formed from ADP.
4. ELECTRON TRANSPORT CHAIN:Part of aerobic respiration, takes places in the mitochondrion.NADH releases electrons. Electrons are passed along the electron transport chain. Energy is gradually removed from Hydrogen electron.Energy released during electron transfer is used to make ATP. Electrons combine oxygen and H+ to form H2O.

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2013

METABOLISM: metabolism refers to the sum of all chemical reactions that occur in the cells of organisms. E.g respiration & Digestion. Catabolic reactions are taking large molecules and breaking them down into smaller molecules. E.g Digestion 

Anabolism…

KREBS CYCLE: Occurs in the mitochondria.Pyruvic acid enters the lumen of the mitochondrion.Pruyvic acid is dismantled and broken down into 2 carbon acetyl co-enzyme a. There is a loss of CO2, it is taken into the bloodstream. The acetyl co-enzyme a enters kreb’s cycle of regeneration and is broken down. The products of krebs cycle are CO2, ATP, (2H) Hydrogen.

ADP: ADP is an abbreviation for Adenosine Diphosphate. It is a low energy molecule. If another Phosphate is added to ADP, then ATP is formed.

EXPLAIN THE TERM FERMENTATION.

This the production of ethanol under anaerobic conditions from glucose by yeast.

NAME AN ORGANISM THAT IS USED IN THE INDUSTRIAL FERMENTATION.

• Yeast 

TO WHICH KINGDOM DOES THIS ORGANISM BELONG TO?

• Fungi

NAME A COMPOUND WHICH IS USED AS A CARBON SOURCE IN FERMENTATION REFERRED TO YEAST.

• Glucose 

EXPLAIN THE TERM BIOPROCESSING AND IMMOBILISED? 

• Bioprocessing is the use of micro-organisms or their enzymes to produce useful substances 
• Immobilised means fixed to inert material.

GIVE AN ADVANTAGE OF USING IMMOBILISED ENZYMES

• Immobilised enzymes can be reused, so it is economical.
• Can also be easily separated and purified.

NAME THE COMPOUND WHICH THE IMMOBILISING BEADS ARE FORMED IN THE LAB.

• Sodium Alginate

GIVE THE GENERAL NAME FOR THE VESSEL USED FOR SUCH REACTIONS.

• Bioreactor

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2014

SUGGEST AN ADVANTAGE OF USING ATP AS AN ENERGY STORE IN CELLS.

• It is a high energy molecule and can be reused.

BRIEFLY DESCRIBE THE FATE UNDER AEROBIC CONDITIONS OF THE TWO-CARBON COMPOUND REFERRED TO IN PART D.

• The acetyl co-enzyme a enters kreb’s cycle of regeneration and is broken down.
• The products of krebs cycle are CO2, ATP, (2H) Hydrogen.
• NAD+ picks up 2E-  and H+ forming NADH.
• NADH releases electrons. Electrons are passed along the electron transport chain.
• Energy is gradually removed from Hydrogen electron.Energy released during electron transfer is used to make ATP.
• Electrons combine oxygen and H+ to form H2O.

DRAW A LABELLED DIAGRAM OF THE APPARATUS YOU USED TO PREPARE ALCOHOL.

2 ADVANTAGES OF USING IMMOBILISED ENZYMES IN THE PRODUCTION OF ALCOHOL.

• Can be reused
• Easy to extract from the solution

HOW DID YOU TEST FOR THE PRESENCE OF ALCOHOL.

• Using an iodoform test 
• Initial colour was clear
• Final; colour was yellow (crystals)

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2015 

NAME STAGE 1 AND ITS LOCATION IN YEAST CELLS.

• Glycolysis
• Cytosol 

6 NUMBER OF CARBONS ATOMS = Glucose

3 NUMBER OF CARBON ATOMS= pyruvic acid

2 NUMBER OF CARBONS ATOMS= Acetyl co-enzyme a 

NAME GAS X AND Y?

GAS X: carbon dioxide

GAS Y: Oxygen

NAME COMPOUND D AND GIVE 2 FUNCTIONS OF THIS COMPOUND IN YEAST CELLS

• Water 
• It is a medium for chemical reaction
• Maintains constant temperature.

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2016

IN THE COPNTEXT OF CELL METABOLISM WHAT DOES NAD STAND FOR?

• Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide

NAME TWO TYPES OF PARTICLE TRANSFERRED BY NAD 

• Electrons 
• Hydrogen ions (protons)

NAME THE 3-CARBON MOLECULE BY THAT IS AN  INTERMEDIATE COMPOUND IN BOTH AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC 

• Pyruvic acid

WHAT IS THE NAME GIVEN TO THE BIOCHEMICAL PATHWAY BY WHICH THIS INTERMEDIATE COMPOUND IS PRODUCED?

• GLYCOLYSIS

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE INTERMEDIATE COMPOUND WHEN OXYGEN IS AVAILABLE AND USED IN THE BREAKDOWN OF GLUCOSE?

• Pyruvic acid enters the lumen of the mitochondrion.
• Pruyvic acid is dismantled and broken down into 2 carbon acetyl co-enzyme a. There is a loss of CO2, it is taken into the bloodstream.
• The acetyl co-enzyme a enters kreb’s cycle of regeneration and is broken down.
• The products of krebs cycle are CO2, ATP, (2H) Hydrogen.
• NAD+ picks up 2E-  and H+ forming NADH.
• NADH releases electrons. Electrons are passed along the electron transport chain.
• Energy is gradually removed from Hydrogen electron.Energy released during electron transfer is used to make ATP.
• Electrons combine oxygen and H+ to form H2O.

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2018

WHEN YOU USED YEAST TO PREPARE ALCOHOL WHAT WAS THE OTHER PRODUCT PRODUCED DURING FERMENTATION.

• Carbon Dioxide 

WHAT TEST DID YOU USE TO CONFIRM THE PRESENCE OF ALCOHOL

• Iodoform test 
• Initial colour = clear
• Final colour = yellow crystals

GIVE A BALANCED CHEMICAL EQUATION FOR AEROBIC RESPIRATION

C6H12O6 + O6 ~ 6H2O + 6CO2 + ENERGY 

NAME THE STORAGE POLYSACCHARIDE IN HUMANS FROM WHICH GLUCOSE IS PRODUCED 

• glycogen

GIVE ONE MAJOR STORE LOCATION OF THIS POLYSACCHARIDE IN THE BODY 

• Liver 

WHAT HAPPENS TO PYRUVATE MOLECULES THAT PREPARES THEM FOR KREBS CYCLE?

• They are broken down into a 2-carbon compound acetyl co-enzyme a 

3 PRODUCTS OF KREBS CYCLE

• ATP
• C02
• NADH

BRIEFLY DESCRIBE THE FATE OF ONE PRODUCT 

• NADH: releases electrons and these electrons are passed along the electron transport chain

WHAT IS THE FINAL ELECTRON ACCEPTOR IN AEROBIC RESPIRATION 

• Oxygen

What in your view is the importance of the characters Gertrude and Ophelia?

The women of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” appear to be frail, passive figures used as pawns and dying prematurely after the mistreatment of men. Women during the year 1600 had no role in society. They were expected to be completely obedient to their husbands, to do all the housework and raise the children. In Hamlet the characters Gertrude and Ophelia reflect this truth, both are disrespected, insulted and are manipulated by the leading male characters, and both die due to tragic circumstances. The role of Ophelia is presented as a gentle, loyal, obedient, and young woman who is meant to be the love of Hamlet’s life, even though he rarely thinks of her or considers her in his plans. She is also the example of a perfect daughter however this leads to her being easily exploited by her father. The character Ophelia clearly portrays the corruption of the world she lived in. Gertrude’s role in Hamlet is one that is a loving mother that does care for her son but also raises her selfish ambition above everyone else and tries to reconfigure her family around her new husband Claudius.

Ophelia is the epitome of innocence. She is living in a world dominated by men. Throughout the play, Ophelia is a victim of men. We see this when she is forced to endure a lecture from Laertes before he leaves to France. He lectures her about the ways of men and of the world. “For Hamlet and the trifling of his favour hold it a fashion and a toy in blood”. He explains political realities to her that even if Hamlet loves her he may not be able to marry her. “Perhaps he loves you...but you must fear his greatness weighed, his will is not his own”. He questions her ability to be Hamlet’s wife. Laertes does not hesitate to think about Ophelia’s feelings. He then continues on to warn her about preserving her virginity, “your chaste treasure”. This warning is condescending and a form of domination. Laertes gives her advice and Ophelia is expected to obey it. Her feelings are not taken into consideration.

She is also dominated by her father, Polonius. Polonius pries into her emotional life. We can see this when he vigorously questions her about her relationship with Hamlet. “What is between you? Give me the truth”. He also destroys her confidence in her own judgement. Polonius gives her orders to stay away from Hamlet and as a dutiful daughter, she listens. Both her father and Laertes do not take Ophelia’s feelings into consideration. She is a victim of male dominance. Polonius also exposes Ophelia’s private love letters from Hamlet in front of the whole Danish court. He not only reads out her letters but openly expresses his disgust. “To the celestial and my soul’s idol, the most beautified Ophelia- That’s an ill phrase; a vile phrase”. He does not seem too concerned about his daughter when he humiliates her in front of the King and Queen. Polonius’s main priority is to succeed in his position, however, Ophelia suffers the consequences of his actions.

Ophelia is victimised by Hamlet. Polonius exploits his own daughter as sexual bait. He orders her around as if she were no more than a mindless creature,  “walk you here- read on this book”. This leads to Hamlet brutalizing Ophelia with his cold harsh rejection in the nunnery scene. He taunts Ophelia first proclaiming, “ I did love thee once” then later stating, “ I loved you not”. Ophelia faces Hamlet’s harsh dismissal. Hamlet had relationship issues and tarred images of women due to his mother’s relationships. Hamlet’s mother got remarried to his own uncle. This caused Hamlet to not be able to show his love towards Ophelia properly. He was tainted towards women in general because he was disgusted by their actions and he viewed them as a whole, not individuals. All these contributing factors led to his poor treatment of Ophelia. Ophelia becomes the victim of Hamlet’s bitter attack towards women.

Ophelia is a symbol of weakness. She is conditioned to be a subordinate to her father and never defies him or challenges his authority. Ophelia is unconditionally obedient to her father, this leads to her being easily manipulated and exploited.

We see this when Polonius manipulates his own daughter to find out the truth about Hamlet’s behaviour. He takes advantage of her obedience for his own selfish reasons. “ I will leave him and suddenly contrive the means of meeting between him and my daughter”. He uses Ophelia as bait and she does not show the strength to object. 

Ophelia is also easily manipulated when Polonius forces his cynical outlook on to his daughter. He dismisses any possibility of Hamlet’s expression of love for Ophelia. “Do not believe his tenders”. When Ophelia tries to defend hamlet saying he has not touched her and has been completely respectful, he replies “Ay, springes to catch woodcocks”, claiming its a trap. Polonius orders Ophelia to dismiss Hamlet and she is unable to defy her father, “I shall obey my Lord”. Ophelia’s lack of strength is costing her possible happiness. 

Ophelia’s innocence leads to her inability to cope with the harshness of the world which she inhabits. Through no fault of her own, she finds herself drawn into a world of corruption and violence that is the Danish Court.

Her father’s death at the hands of the man she loves proves too much for her sensitive mind and she loses her sanity. After her father she is described as “Speaks things in doubt, That carry but half sense: her speech is nothing”. The servant informs Gertrude that she has lost her mind. Ophelia was unable to handle the loss of her father. 

The song Ophelia sings about unrequited love suggests that Hamlet’s treatment of her is partly responsible for her breakdown. She is a pitiable figure at this point, “She is importunate, indeed distract. Her mood will needs be pitied”. Ophelia is a classic example of a tragic victim. The corruption of her world became too much for Ophelia.

She is the victim of forces beyond her control and of events over which she has no influence. Ophelia is the guiltless victim that pervades the Danish court. At her graveside, Laertes hopes that violets will spring from her “fair and unpolluted flesh”. Laertes’ comment displays Ophelia’s innocence.

There is little dignity for Ophelia. Her burial becomes the subject of cheap comedy for gravediggers. They discuss Ophelia’s death with absolute indifference, “Is she to be buried in Christian burial, that willfully seeks her own salvation”. The gravedigger can’t understand how Ophelia can be given a Christian burial if she drowned herself. Her grave then becomes the scene of an undignified squabble between two males, each trying to assert his ego, “Dost thou come here to whine? To outface me with leaping in her grave?”.

Both Laertes and Hamlet are trying to prove they are more upset than each other. This disgraceful behaviour conveys the corruption of the world Ophelia was unable to handle.

Gertrude is a symbol of weakness. She lives in the shadow of two kings and is incapable of being independent.

According to Hamlet “she would hand on him as if increase of appetite had grown by what it fed on”. She is similarly dependent on Claudius whom she remarried within weeks following the death of King Hamlet. Though Claudius refers to her as “the imperial jointress” of the state, it is clear she has little influence and power.

Gertrude is seen as weak when she automatically accepts the advice from Polonius. Gertrude knows Polonius is a rambling fool, Gertrude’s poor character can be seen we she accepts advice on how to deal with her son. Her clipped instruction to Polonius to speak with “more matter with less art” identifies Polonius as a pretentious rambling old fool while at the same time asserting her authority and intelligence. So to take advice from Polonius, it contradicts this. Polonius says to her   “look you lay home to him...pray you to be rounded with him”. Gertrude does not hesitate to question him but instead replies with, “I’ll warrant you. Fear me not”. Her decision to listen to Polonius conveys her weakness.

 She also does not object to Polonius’s plan to spy on Hamlet. Gertrude is aware that Polonius is hiding behind the arras when Hamlet comes to confront. This has become the norm and the Queen sees no wrong in invading her son’s privacy. Hamlet is trying to convey his feelings but the Queen does not seem to care much about her son. We see this when Hamlet says, “Come, come, and sit you down. You shall not budge.You go not till I set you up a glass. Where you may see the inmost part of you”. She replies with, “What wilt thou do? Thou wilt not murder me?”. This is a childish comment to make especially when her son was trying to have a conversation with her. This shows her falseness and weakness.

Gertrude is a shallow woman. She is a false and an adulteress according to the ghost. Hamlet frequently mentions his mother’s sexuality, and obsesses about her physical relationship with Claudius, describing their marital bed as ‘incestuous sheets’ and ‘an enseamèd bed, / Stewed in corruption’. 

She has betrayed her husband. The ghost describes King Hamlet as a good husband to Gertrude, “From me, whose love was of that dignity/ That it went hand in hand even the vow I made to her in marriage”. She claims she loved him, “She would hang on him” and she followed his coffin “like Niobe, all tears” and yet two months later she has remarried. According to the ghost, she was unfaithful to him even when he was alive, we see this when he refers to Claudius as “that adulterate beast”. The ghost also says, “ Claudius won to his shameful lust my most seeming virtuous queen. Gertrude’s infidelity displays her shallow character.

We see a poor reflection of Gertrude when she is insensitive to Hamlet’s grief.

Gertrude’s hasty marriage is the cause of her son’s deepest anguish. She displays insensitivity by asking Hamlet to set aside his mourning, “ Good Hamlet cast thy nighted colour off”. She is only concerned about Hamlet getting along with his new step-father. Her insensitivity shows her lack of strength and morals. Her lack of good qualities shows weakness. 

Gertrude seems to possess some redeeming quality. Despite her failings, she remains loyal to Hamlet.

                              Gertrude is Hamlet’s shield. She protects him as a hawk would protect its babies. If Gertrude was not Hamlet’s mother or of royalty, than Hamlet would be dead. Laertes and Claudius are having a private discussion when Laertes asks why he has not murdered Hamlet yet, Claudius answers “The queen his mother lives almost by his looks; and for myself—my virtue or my plague, be it either which—she’s so conjunctive to my life and soul”. 

                      In act 3 scene 4, Hamlet confronts his mother. Gertrude is is brutally verbally assaulted, “What devil was’t that thus cozen’d you at hoodman-blind”. Gertrude pleads for her son to stop, she is unable to handle it all. “Oh Hamlet ! speak no more”. Hamlet tears apart his mother with extremely brutal words. However, at the end of the scene, Hamlet reveals to her the truth about his madness.” that I essentially am not in madness but mad in craft”. He asks her to not tell her husband, Claudius. Gertrude pledges loyalty to Hamlet. “Be thou assur’d, if words be made of breath and breath of life, I have no life to breathe what thou hast said to me”. Gertrude never reveals the secret of Hamlet’s

antic disposition. Here we see her loyalty to her son.

Another point in the play where we see Gertrude’s loyalty is when she tries to protect Hamlet from blame after he kills Polonius, even though Hamlet felt no remorse. “Thou wretched rash intruding fool, farewell”. Gertrude tries to protect Hamlet by attributing the killing to Hamlet’s madness. Her maternal instincts to protect her son displays her loyalty.

Gertrude’s loyalty can also be seen in the final scene of the play. She willfully disobeys Claudius by drinking the poisoned wine. She dies with cries of “the drink! the drink! I am poisoned”, and in so doing identifies Claudius as her killer. This, then, gives Hamlet the clarity of purpose, and the means and motive for revenge, which he has soliloquised over and struggled with throughout the play. In the final moments of her life, she performs an extraordinary act that gives Hamlet motive and cue for killing the King. Her willingness to defy Claudius in order to protect her son clearly shows her loyalty.

Both Ophelia and Gertrude play positions typical of women at the time: easily manipulated to the point where women become tools for men and tend to be weak in character. Both Ophelia and Gertrude were weak characters who were totally obedient to the males in the play, with Ophelia being totally controlled by her father and Gertrude being manipulated by her husband, Claudius. They show a lack of strength and are unable to be independent. Ophelia’s innocence help clearly portrays the dominant male society she lived in. Ophelia’s innocence and sensitivity clearly show the corruption of the world. She was manipulated and exploited by everyone in her life. Ophelia’s perfection also becomes her downfall, unfortunately, she has no “voice” nor does she seem to have any obvious heroine qualities.

Introduction

We are living in a world where the value of privacy is at its last threads. We live in this modern age where ‘everyone shows and tells everything’. However, the dangers that live just over the horizon are often overlooked. 

Importance of privacy 

Dangers that exist 

• The rapid evolution of technology has made it easier to connect and share with friends and family. It also allows us to communicate with strangers we haven't met before all over the globe.
•  However, everything we read and see online cannot be trusted.
•  Without protecting privacy our children are at risk. “41% of children aged 8-17 have public profiles open for all which is an open invitation for predators and risk for these young ones”. Strangers/ predators can take on the identities of others and appear to children in an innocent light. They do not see the imminent danger that lies.
• Terrifyingly our phones and technology reveal personal details about ourselves that we would never show/say to someone we just met. Eg Our age, workplace, family life and even our location. All of this can be used to track us.  The majority of users are not aware of the risks. In fact, 19% of people have never turned off their device location tracking option. This means anybody can trace them with their devices. 

Bullying and mental health

• Besides the obvious online safety risks, there also lies a more subtle peril that can damage our minds. 
• Social media has been the primary cause of mental health problems such as depression, social anxiety and comparing our lives to others. Social media has become a virus that infects the confidence, self-esteem and minds of many people especially young people aged 14-26. 
• Bullying has existed for centuries and a cure to this brutal disease has never been found. However, it seems that it has got worse and evolved into an all-consuming, more harmful type. - Cyberbullying.  Cyberbullying now affects victims 24/7. There is no escape. 
• Cyberbullying takes place over digital devices such as mobile phones, tablets and computers.  According to Broadband search, “37% of online users feel that they have been bullied in their lifetime”. 
• Cyberbullying is no secret and is as humiliating as it is hurtful. 87% of young people have seen cyberbullying occur online.
• The effects of cyberbullying can have a tremendous negative impact on the mental health and well being of victims. According to cyberbullying research centre “64% of people say that it has affected their ability to learn and feel safe at school.

Social media

• Nowadays social media platforms encourage users to share their lives on the internet. In 2019 approx. 3 Billion users were recorded on social media sites. There has been a staggering increase of 2.1 billion users in 10 years. 
• People feel obliged to share every detail about their lives online. For example from wages to pregnancies. There remains no mystery in people's lives. 
• There lies a huge challenge of resisting the urge to share and comment on every detail.

Conclusion

Emily Dickinson’s original approach to poetry results in startling and thought-provoking moments in her work. 

Emily Dickinson explores a variety of themes in her poetry. Her use of concrete imagery and language to convey abstract ideas provides an original approach. Dickinson is a poet of extremes with a large range of emotions from joyous hope to devastating despair. In her most recognisable poems “Hope is a thing with feathers”, “I felt a funeral in my Brain” There's a certain Slant of light” and “I heard a Fly buzz - when I died”. She explores the themes of death, workings of the mind and even hope. It is through these themes she sheds light on startling and thought-provoking perspectives.

Emily Dickinson explores her fascination with death in her poetry. This fascination can be seen in her poem, “ I heard a Fly buzz - when I died”. This bleak title itself has a startling effect. The poem opens in a shocking and disturbing manner. Her descriptions of sound create an eerie atmosphere.

It is the metaphor,” Between the Heaves of Storm- ” that explain to us that the speaker is on her deathbed. The phrase  “Heaves of the storm” represent laboured breathing. This poem describes the process of death as the speaker’s sense of vision and logic evaporates with her conscience. The speaker is prepared for death and is patiently waiting for the moment. “ I willed my keepsakes - signed away”.

However “ a Fly” interrupts this moment with a “stumbling Buzz -”. Dickinson employs dashes to convey the sudden, darting way flies can move around a room. The word “interposed” suggests that the fly skewed the dying person and solemn moment of death. The contrast of the small fly disrupting a big moment dismisses the importance and solemnity of death. This startling concept is conveyed through the use of the fly. The fly itself is a symbol of death. Flies are associated with death as they feed on rotten flesh.

In the last stanza of the poem, the speaker’s consciousness begins to ebb away. The colour blue is made to buzz and the repetition of ‘b’ and ‘s’ sounds create a random and disorienting feeling. “ and then the windows failed”, this line suggests the vision of the speaker is failing and that death is approaching vast.

The poem ends with the ambiguous line, “ I could not see to see”.we are left in darkness, provoking us readers to question the meaning. In my opinion, I feel Dickinson is conveying the mystery that is death. We are unable to see beyond the natural world and prepare ourselves - for we do not know. 

Dickinson’s fascination with death bleeds into the poem, “There’s a certain slant of light”.Although death is not the main subject matter, the poem conveys its inevitability.

In this poem, where hope is absent, Dickinson describes the merciless oppression of despair. Her reference to “Winter Afternoons” symbolise death as it portrays the dying sunlight. In the final stanza, the poem ends with the lines, “when it goes, tis like Distance On the look of Death -”. Here the division between the human and natural world collide. When the light disappears, the poet conveys the undisclosed road to death in which we must all face. 

Through vivid imagery, Dickinson describes the abstract idea of death. This attempt to make abstract concrete is a common feature in her individual approach. 

Dickinson provokes our thoughts with her exploration of the human mind. The poem “ I felt a Funeral, in my Brain” is a staggering portrayal of mental anguish. In this poem, we are given a detailed plummet of her mental state. Dickinson wields the process of a funeral to capture her descent into despair. 

In the first stanza, the repetition of the word “treading” highlights her on-going suffering. In the second stanza she once again employs repetition with the words “beating” to painfully convey the lack of respite she feels.

Through the use of metaphors, we are able to see the disturbing fragility of her mental state. “Creak across my soul”. Here she is comparing her soul to wooden floorboards. The word “creak” conveys the intense pressure so immense it reaches to her soul. Her reference to “boots of lead” captures the heaviness but it is the words “same” and “again” that supply the power of the line to simultaneously alarm and evoke sympathy.

The further disintegration of her mind is seen in the simile, “As all the heavens were a Bell”.This simile conveys the loudness she feels and her further helplessness as she can do nothing but listen, “ And being, but an Ear”.

The unravelling of her mind reaches a peak when “a Plank in Reason, broke”. Here her suffering and mental anguish intensify, as she drops “down, and down -”.

The final line, “And Finished  knowing -then-” once again ends mysteriously. Her authentic style present in her poetry urges us, the readers, to question and see beyond words on a page. In my opinion, the final line conveys the end of her knowledge, that perhaps she herself does not know beyond what she has written and what is to come.

Dickinson continues her exploration of the human mind in her poem, “There’s a certain slant of light”.This poem depicts a mind “oppressed” by a formidable mental burden.

In an unusual way, Dickinson uses the image of winter light to portray a sense of darkness and gloom. This conveys her individualistic style as light normally has positive. 

The striking simile “that oppresses, like the Heft of Cathedral Tunes” mixes the senses to indicate the strong oppression of despair. 

Capitalised Alliteration of “Heavenly Hurt” captures our attention. God is presented as a harsh oppressor, this is a startling thought as we are led to believe that God provides relief from our burdens. This leads the reader to once again question both Dickinson and Religion. Dickinson in the line, “none may teach it -Any-” suggests the powerlessness of the afflicted. 

Contrast to her poems of devastating despair, Dickinson also explores the theme of joyous hope. Unlike the “ There’s a certain slant of light”, “Hope is a thing with feathers” has an uplifting message. Similar to her other poems, Dickinson employs concrete imagery to define the abstract. 

In this poem, Dickinson conveys the resilient nature and power of hope to carry through the “chillest land”. Hope is being compared in an extended metaphor to a bird, “that perches in the soul -”. 

The tone of the poem is optimistic and inspiring. The unusual comparison of hope to a bird provokes our thoughts to the endurance of the “little bird”. From my perspective this unusual metaphor successfully defines hope. I can relate to Dickinson as I have also experienced the power of hope in what seems to be a hopeless situation.

I have certainly enjoyed studying  Dickinson’s poetry as it is filled with varying themes from the bleakest to the most uplifting. Yet it is her ability to encourage readers to question the life that makes her an enjoyable poet. 

IMPORTANCE OF SETTING

The novel The Great Gatsby is written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and is set in 1920’s Long Island, New York. the protagonist Nick Carraway is new to the world of wealth and parties.  Through his eyes, we learn about the lavish lifestyles of the people in the 1920’s. The play, A Doll’s House is set in nineteenth-century Norway. The play follows the relationship of a married couple Nora and Torvald who exudes the ‘perfect’ family image. My third text the film Brooklyn directed by John Crowley is set in 1950’s Brooklyn and follows the life of Eilis lacey struggling to adapt to a new environment. I am going to be examining the aspects of Location and Era, the portrayal of women, the importance of financial stability and relationships while drawing similarities and differences between them. 

In the Great Gatsby, the date and location influence the novel. The novel is set in the 1920s, Long Island, New York, America. “The great war” had just ended and the economy was booming. This is very important as it influences the lifestyle of people. People in Long Island live lavish lifestyles and followed the motto, “You can’t live forever”.We see that people had no morals and lived carelessly. This can be seen when we meet a man at Gatsby’s party. We learn that he was “drunk for about a week now”. Another encounter with a drunk driver who crashes his car outside Gatsby’s house shocks us. This displays the careless attitudes of people.

Racism was also apart of the world of the 1920s. Tom’s spoken opinions give us a clear understanding of the mindset of people at the time. “This idea is if we don’t look out the white race will be -utterly submerged- it’s all scientific stuff”.

Gossip, rumours and people’s opinion of others added to the superficial lifestyle. Before we meet Gatsby, we hear rumours about him first. “Somebody told me they thought he killed a man”. This shows the huge influence rumours and gossip have. 

In A Doll’s House, similar to The Great Gatsby, the era of when the play was set is important to the plot. A Doll’s House is set in a typical, middle-class household in a city in Norway, in the nineteenth century. The time period of the play is important because it affects the society that Nora and Helmer live in.

Similar to The Great Gatsby, People’s opinion and reputation was very important. By the end of the play, we see that Helmer cares most about his self-image above all else. When Helmer finds out about the loan his immediate worry is what people will think. “The matter must be hushed up at any cost”. His solution to the problem is to put on a pretence, “and as for you and me, it must appear as if everything between us were just as before- but naturally only in the eyes of the world”. This demonstrates the importance of reputation and one’s image at the time.

Date and era of society influence how people think. In the nineteenth century, people believed that the sin of one parent passed down to the next generation. This was the thinking of society, even a qualified doctor believed this. “My poor innocent spine has to suffer for my father’s youthful amusements”. Dr Rank believes that his suffering is a result of his father’s bad deed. Another clear example is Helmer thinking that a dishonest parent infects their children. “Because such an atmosphere of lies infects and poisons the whole life of a home”. Helmer’s thinking demonstrates the thinking of society.

Brooklyn, in the beginning, is set in 1950’s Ireland in Enniscorthy, Wexford. The setting has huge importance because, during this time in Ireland, there were no jobs available. People suffered from poverty and emigration was common. This leads Eilis to leave her home and move to Brooklyn in search of a job and a better life. In this small town, everyone knows each other’s business. This explains the behaviour of people such as Nettles Kelly. Then the setting drastically changes to Brooklyn, New York. This new setting contrasts with the small Irish town of Enniscorthy. Brooklyn is a busy city different from Enniscorthy. Brooklyn is significant because it represents opportunities. Eilis moving to Brooklyn has provided her with a new life. She attends bookkeeping classes and has a job at Bartocci’s. Brooklyn provides a life she only wished she could have had.

The setting also influences the impact of religion. Brooklyn is set in 1950’s catholic Ireland and unlike the other two texts, Religion had a huge influence on people. In the opening scene of the film, Eilis is seen attending early morning mass. We understand that Religion played an important role in Irish life in the 1950s. Another example is the influence and power of priests. From the beginning of the film, we are told that Father flood has financed Eilis to move to Brooklyn. We also see that he regularly meets with Eilis while she is in Brooklyn to help her and see how she is doing. Another scene where we see the importance of religion is when Eilis finds out that rose has died from the Father flood. She is in Father flood’s office talking on the phone to her mother, who is also in a priest’s office in Ireland. This scene demonstrates the importance of religion to the society Eilis was living in.

PORTRAYAL OF WOMEN 

In the Great Gatsby, women are portrayed as lazy and aimless. This can be seen when we meet Daisy for the first time. We see her “extended full length at her end of the divan, completely motionless”. She is spending her afternoon doing absolutely nothing. “I’ve been lying on that sofa for as long as I can remember”. Daisy is presented to us with nothing to do but lying on the sofa.

In the Great Gatsby, we also see that women are portrayed as child-like. This characteristic can be seen in Daisy. “ ‘look’, she complained: I hurt it”. We see here that her behaviour resembles the attitude of a toddler. We also see her childishness when she purposely provokes Tom, “ ‘I hate the word hulking’ objected Tom crossly..’ Hulking’, insisted Daisy”. Daisy’s behaviour projects to us that women in the 1920s were presented as childlike.

Similarly, Nora in A Doll’s House is also presented as childlike. This can be seen in her relationship with Helmer. Helmer makes decisions on behalf of Nora, she is obedient to him. Her main purpose is to please him. This shows us their parent-child relationship, “As you please Torvald”. Her eating sweets without him knowing then lying about it indicates her childishness.

There is an expectation set on women to look good in society. This can be seen in The Great Gatsby when Myrtle describes her sister, Catherine, as “very beautiful by people who ought to know”. We clearly see that the world of 1920’s long Island is heavily based on appearance. 

This can also be seen in A doll’s House. Helmer comments on Nora’s appearance when she dressed for the dance, “ I think she’s worth looking at”. This comment shows that the worth of women was based on their appearance. It shows us that women had certain expectations placed upon them.

Similarly, In Brooklyn expectations of women can also be seen. When Eilis tells Mrs Kehoe and the girls that she is going to Coney Island with Tony, their first reaction is what she is going to wear. They were worried about people would say about what she was wearing.

Women were also given little freedom. They had little independence. This is evident in Tom’s opinion of Jordan. “They oughtn’t let her run around the country this way”. Tom believes Jordan should not be given such freedom. Tom’s views at the time were common. It demonstrates how women were portrayed in society.

Similarly, InA Doll’s House, women are also given little freedom. The society and law they in constrains their independence. Nora does not have her own money. Helmer gives her a portion of money for household and family items. Nora has to ask Helmer for money, “you might give me money, Torvald. Only just as much as you can afford”. Women were under the control of their husbands. The law does not permit women to take out a loan without the husband’s consent. “ no wife cannot borrow without her husband’s consent”. This shows the little independence women were given. 

Contrast to Nora and Daisy, Eilis is presented as capable, independent and intelligent. Eilis has hopes and dreams, she “wants to be an accountant one day” while in the meantime she works in Bartocci’s. She enrols in bookkeeping and successfully passes her exams. Eilis is living in a different society to Nora and Daisy, this impacts the expectations of women. For Daisy and Nora, it was uncommon for women to be out working however as time progresses, this has changed. Eilis’ determination to seek the life she wants is evidence of this change.

SIGNIFICANCE OF FINANCIAL SECURITY

Each of the three texts is heavily influenced by financial security.

Marrying for wealth and stability is common in all three texts. In the Great Gatsby, we learn that Daisy was in love with Gatsby however she married Tom Buchanan. “She wanted her life shaped now, immediately - and the decision must be made by some force- of love, of money, of unquestionable practicality” When Daisy and Gatsby meet again, she is given a second chance. This time she is aware of Tom’s infidelity, she is not as naive and young as she was  but in the end, Daisy chooses wealth over love.

Similarly, In A Doll’s House, we see that Christine also marries for financial security. We see that Christine, similar to Daisy, chooses wealth and stability over love. “ A heartless woman jilts a man when a more lucrative chance turns up”.However we see that Christine married for the sake of her family, her mother was” bedridden and helpless” and she “had to provide for [my] two younger brothers. Christine an intelligent woman chooses the logical and reasonable choice. This shows us how important financial security was to her. 

Similarly in Brooklyn, we see that marrying for stability wasn’t uncommon. A clear example is Sheila, one of the women lodgings at Mrs Kehoe's house. We learn that she goes to dance every week in search of a husband. “That’s why I go that wretched dance every week”. Marriage represents stability and provides financial support. Sheila’s life represents how significant financial security was in the 1950s.

We see that wealth and financial security has an impact on each of the three texts. In the Great Gatsby, the 1920’s lifestyle is heavily based on enormous wealth. “He gave her a string of pearls valued at three hundred and fifty thousand dollars”. Gatsby’s display of wealth is not common. Another example is when Nick’s father agrees to finance him while he is on Long Island. “Father agreed to finance me for a year. Even Nick comes from a wealthy family who has the means to finance him. In the 1920s people lived lavish lifestyles. They travelled around the world and spent money without hesitation. Tom and Daisy are perfect of this, “ They had spent a year in France for no particular reason”.  Wealth is direct to lifestyle. We learn that Gatsby’s display of wealth is to please Daisy. He tries to win Daisy over with his wealth. The enormous wealth of the people contributes to their lavish lifestyles.

Similarly in Brooklyn, wealth and financial security is also directly linked with lifestyle. In the 1950’s Ireland was in poverty. They were no jobs available and as a result, emigration was common. “Mothers are always being left behind in this country”. This highlights the poverty in Ireland during this time. 

When Eilis returns to Ireland, her mother tries to set her up with Jim Farrell. The main reason for this is Jim Farrell offers financial stability. He is soon to inherit his father’s bar and live in his parent’s house. To her mother, Jim is the perfect man. Her mother Mary says, “ He came along at just the right time for us”. This demonstrates that financial stability was a very important factor even in relationships. 

Similar to Brooklyn, In a Doll’s house, people are not enormously wealthy. However, we see that there is a fear of poverty present. This can be seen throughout the play when Helmer is extremely cautious with money. He is also strongly against borrowing. “There can be no freedom or beauty about a home life that depends on borrowing and debt.”. 

Another clear example is Krogstad. He blackmails Nora but for the sake of his children.” I am prepared to fight for my small post in the bank as if I were fighting for my life”  The fear of poverty led Krogstad to do desperate deeds. “ 

HOW RELATIONSHIPS ARE DEFINED

In A Doll’s House, Nora and Helmer’s relationship is an unhealthy one. Straight away, in the opening scenes of the play, we see that Nora and Helmer have a parent-child relationship. As mentioned earlier, Helmer treats Nora like a child. “ Is it my little squirrel bustling about”. His use of animal names proves this.

Helmer also makes the decisions on Nora’s behalf. This can be seen when Nora asks for her own money but Helmer already decides against. “You can’t deny it, my dear little Nora”.

Hemler is needy and jealous. We see Helmer’s neediness when Nora one Christmas spends weeks making ornaments. Nora has dedicated her life being the perfect housewife, “ I have existed merely to perform tricks for you”. As a result, Helmer has become dependent on her. “It was the dullest three weeks ever spent”.

Helmer loves when Nora is overly dependent on him. This is one of the clear signs that helmer and Nora have an unhealthy relationship. “This evening I will be wholly and absolutely at your service, you helpless little mortal” His reference to Nora as “helpless little mortal” shows us how he sees Nora”. All these signs show their unhealthy relationship. 

Similarly, unhealthy relationships are also seen in The Great Gatsby. During the 1920s infidelity was common. 

Daisy and Tom share an unhealthy relationship. We see that this is based on convenience and financial security because there is no real love present. Their relationship is filled with infidelity from both sides. Tom has had multiple affairs in the past and he makes it no secret. The public is aware of his affair with Myrtle, “Tom’s got some woman in New York”. Tom, however, is not the only one, Daisy’s relationship with Gatsby display her infidelity. 

There is no respect in the relationship. This can be seen in Daisy’s blatant display of love for  Gatsby in front of Tom without care. “She told him she loved him and Tom Buchanan saw”. This shows Daisy’s lack of respect and cares for Tom.

Nick and Jordan’s relationship is based on convenience. We see that there is no love present. “I wasn’t actually in love”. We see that his relationship with Jordan is Nick trying to adjust to the new life and fill that void of loneliness. “ I felt a haunting loneliness sometimes”. We also learn that Jordan is a dishonest person but Nick does not care enough. “ I was casually sorry then I forgot”. In the end, Nick ends their relationship with no regret. “ I don’t know which one of us hung up with a sharp click but I know I didn’t care”. We see here that there was no real love, to begin with.

Unlike Nick and Jordan’s relationship, Eilis and Tony's relationship is filled with a real sincere love for one another. This contrasts with any other relationship in the three texts. When Eilis first moves to Brooklyn, she feels torn in two and alone in the strange new place without friends or the comforts of her home and family, but then, something changes. She meets Tony, a young Italian who treats her with respect and care. They go to the cinema together and he waits for her outside her work, walking her home. As time passes, a friendship slowly blossoms into love.” So the next time you tell me you love me, if there is a next time, I'll, I'll say I love you too”. By the end of the film, Eilis associates home with Tony. “Someone who's only yours. And you'll realize... that this is where your life is”.

In conclusion, from studying the cultural context in all three texts, it is evident that there are many differences as well as similarities between them. For example, all three texts are influenced by wealth and financial stability.  Each text is largely driven by the pressures and restrictions placed on the characters by their respective cultural contexts and this is what makes each story so compelling, the overall impression created by the study of the respective societies is a negative one. However, Through exploring each of the text I was glad that times are changing and society is evolving, we are not limited to the same extent by such rigid and unfair values and attitudes.

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I saw a few sample answers so I thought I might share one of mine as well. Do let me know if there is anything that I can improve on. Thanks 

Q: Write a magazine article in which you give advice to adults on how to help teenagers cope with the “storm and stress” of adolescence.

“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood and sorry I could not travel both”. I believe life is all about the choices we make. Today I will be writing about how parents can help and make a difference in the choices we make.

Take a walk with me down memory lane and think about twelve years old you on your first day of secondary school. The majority of us were shy and terrified. Nothing has changed since then, human behaviour does not change. We feel the same emotions that our ancestors felt. Making new friends can be difficult and it will be a struggle that your teenager will have to face at some point. Asking a nervous preteen to be a social butterfly, outgoing and talkative on their first day of school should be a crime. It is a scary thought for a twelve-year-old to have enough confidence to strike up conversations. Most of us were worried about what others thought and might think. Margarita Tartakovsky M.S shares some great tips on her blog “psych central” to overcome anxiety. When your child feels anxious, they might get carried away by a slew of ‘what if’s’. A vital instruction and the first piece of advice she gives is to take deep breaths. Encourage your teenager before walking in on her first day to take plenty of deep breaths. This activates the body’s relaxation response. Marla W. Deibler, a clinical psychologist says that it “helps [the body] go from fight or flight to relaxed response”.The second tip she provides is to “question your thoughts”. When we feel anxious the brain starts creating outlandish ideas, many of these are highly unrealistic. Parents could suggest to their teenagers to analyse their thoughts. This can be done by asking questions such as, “Is this worry realistic ?”, “Is this really likely to happen ?” and “Could I handle that ?”. Another useful tip Tartakovsky gives is to use a calming visualisation. She suggests practising meditation regularly. Finally last but not least she recommends using positive self-talk. We teenagers might think this is embarrassing and might be resistant but anxiety produces negative chatter. Positive affirmations and coping statements can reduce the level of anxiety.      Research carried out by Laya Healthcare show 80% of adults have been affected by anxiety. 11% admit that anxiety affects their everyday struggles. Teenagers would benefit greatly by using the advice mentioned. They will learn to deal with anxiety and to not let it affect their daily lives. One thing that your child may not be ready to hear is that he or she will lose some friends along the way. Having gone through this myself I can testify that this is a heartbreaking time. I believe that it might soften the blow if parents are involved and aware of what is going in our lives. I know that we may not always listen but the wisdom and advice you share with us will not fall upon deaf ears.

Social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat is the new Myspace of this generation. There are many positives to the evolution of the digital world such as an abundance of knowledge and information now available to us at the touch of our fingertips. But I want to shed light on some of the harsh realities we are facing today. Unfortunately, “ privacy is dead and social media holds the smoking gun”. This is a statement made by Pete Cashmore, the CEO of Mashable, a digital website and entertainment company. Us teenagers share everything online and whole lives revolve around the number of likes we get on our photos and the number of followers we have.It pains me to say that we seek validation from our peers and sometimes we can have two different sides to us. The more reserved and shy person we can be when we are talking in real life and then the opinionated and bold persona we can also be behind the screen. “Social media...gives a voice and a platform to anyone willing to engage”. According to the Pew survey conducted in 2014, 94% of teens use social media on a daily basis. WVEA Help centre reported that teenagers spend an astounding nine hours a day in front of screens. We spend more hours on our phones than we do sleeping. I know this may sound absurd and it may be difficult to comprehend. The internet is an addiction. We may be addicted to phones and be totally unaware. Here are some signs that we may be addicted to our phones. One, we suffer from withdrawal when our phone or the network is not working. We may be angry, depressed or even anxious. Two, We may experience digital eye strain pain from looking at the screen for more than a couple of hours. Three, We may have constant blurred vision, itching eyes and headaches. Four, Some of us may experience fatigue or may have a sleeping disorder. Five, We lose track of time when we are using our phones. 

I urge you, parents, to help make a change. Fortunately, there are ways to help break phone addiction, parents can implement them or advise their teenagers to consider them. The first way to break phone addiction is to set time limits. Spending less time on your phone is the best way to fight it. You can set time limits for your teenager or download apps such as Spyzie. This might be a better and more efficient way as it automatically locks the phone when the time limit has been exceeded. Spyzie also offers a range of features. It keeps track on social media activity, analyses call logs and even monitors texts. Another way of helping your son or daughter reduce the amount of time spent on their phones is by preventing them from bringing their phone into bed with them. This allows your teenager to sleep better at night. It takes away the temptation of wanting to check notification during the late hours of the night. Teenagers might find it beneficial to use the aeroplane mode feature on their phone. This prevents the reception of messages and connects to wifi or Bluetooth. This gives us little reason to spend time on our phones and it is an excellent way to fight phone addiction.

I believe part of growing up is evolving into a better person. Sometimes we lose interest in the hobbies we use to enjoy. Majority of us become less interested in taking part in extracurricular activities that may require more than the bare minimum. This is something I experienced myself when I started secondary school. Between the long days at school and the homework and studying at home, I found it hard to include sport as well. Surveys carried out by CBS News show nine out of ten teens do not get enough exercise. I believe encouraging and motivating us to exercise just thirty minutes a day can beneficial to both the mind and body. Exercise reduces the odds of developing heart disease and stroke. According to the study researched at the University of British Columbia, regular aerobic exercise boosts the size of the hippocampus, which is the brain area involved in verbal memory and learning. Physical activity also indirectly helps improve mood, sleep and it reduces stress and anxiety. Parents can encourage us to join clubs, a gym, dance class or even something simple as walking. There are so many facilities available nowadays. I know that in my town, Tralee, there are endless possibilities and options such as Zumba classes, the tennis club, kickboxing and multiple football clubs. With a little push and encouragement, parents can help make a change in the long run.

One of the hardest challenges to cope with as a teenager is the pressure and stress of exams. Every teenager has various ways of dealing with the pressure and some can manage stress better than others. Sometimes no matter how much we have studied, stayed up late, completed practice questions or even listened in class, exam time can be a nerve-racking experience. Some ways that can help teens cope with stress are: talking to people during exam time. This is better than having to go through this stressful time alone. It is important to remind us to take lots of breaks. Sometimes we may feel overwhelmed by the load of work and forget to take breaks. Parents can help by advising us to take care of ourselves. Getting enough sleep, eating right and drinking lots of water is essential especially when your teenager is stressed.  What I have learned is nothing worth having comes easy. All of us go through the emotions of tests and I am certain that this is not a feeling foreign to parents. I am afraid to say despite parents’ efforts to comfort us we might have to learn for ourselves. However, something parents can do to alleviate the tension is hot chocolate and a warm fire on a cold winter evening. The sweet creamy taste of hot chocolate will be a treat after the long day and we will love for it. Before the exam parents can help their teenagers devise a set of realistic goals, remind us to go into the exam with a positive mindset and set a bedtime to prevent us from staying up too late. At the end of the day, as William Jones said,” the greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose thought over another”.

A miserable feeling that I hate to perceive is feeling alone. Kovie Biakolo author of the Thought Catalog describes loneliness truthfully, “It’s like being in a place with a thousand people but feeling invisible to every one of them”. There is something that hurts, even more, the feeling of being invisible to our own parents. We understand that parents are busy with their job at work and tired from their duties at home. We understand that parents are doing their best to provide for us but sometimes this inkling of loneliness niggles away at us. According to the research carried out by BBC, 10% of people aged 16-24 are either always or often lonely. This was the highest proportion of any age group. I know teenagers are not great at communication when it comes to our feelings but I believe parents can avert this situation by asking us about or day, being involved in our lives. This may involve occasionally having to listen to our rants but I can guarantee that it will be worth it. However, there are others to deal with loneliness. One way of overcoming this feeling is by getting busy. Us teenagers often need a little push and encouragement. If we are bored with nothing to do in our free time then encourage us to volunteer at organisations we care about. There might be many in the local area such as Jigsaw, Pieta house and Saint Vincent De paul. Last year my friends and I managed to raise €350 for Jigsaw as part of our Anti-Bullying Campaign, the whole project was very rewarding and fun. We had to use our creativity to come up with new ideas of innovative ways of fundraising. Another way of reducing loneliness can be to boost self-confidence. Low self-esteem can often hold us back in social situations. According to dosomething.org, over 70% of girls aged fifteen to seventeen avoid daily activities such as attending school when they feel they look bad. This is a staggering amount of girls who have low self-esteem. Our self-esteem can be boosted by killing negative thoughts and thinking positive. As the famous American poet, E.E cummings said:” Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit”. Exploring Interests and new hobbies is another way to fight loneliness. Suggesting to your teenagers to try something new or to learn a new skill might help combat feeling alone. Learning to enjoy one’s own company can help with loneliness. Spending time alone to reflect can be liberating. Robert Tew once said,” Sometimes you need to take a break from everyone and spend time alone to experience, appreciate and love yourself”.

 “What do you want to do after school ?”This is the most frequently asked question I have faced. There are endless possibilities and generous choices and yet I cannot seem to decide. Having to choose a career best suited to our personalities and interests is tough but not knowing who we are or want we want to make it tougher. No one can predict the future and one of our biggest fear is the unknown. A recent study according to the Irish Independent said that there has been a decrease in the number of college places available due to lack of jobs for students who leave school. This has led to extra competition for places as a result of applicants not getting their first choice. This creates a knock-on effect and puts leaving cert students under high pressure. All of these reasons make us worry about the future. However, John A. Shedd’s motto motivates us to take risks,” A ship in harbour is safe but that is not what ships are built for”. I believe that parents can help by sharing your experiences, passions and advice. This will hopefully supply us with enough courage and motivation to follow our own dreams. My biggest hope and challenge is to allow passion to become my purpose and hope that one day it will be my profession. There is inspiration all around us. In recent times, my nineteen-year-old brother has gone off to college. Watching him follow his passion and study maths at college despite having no idea about his plans for the future ignites a spark of determination in me for when the time comes I will hopefully have enough courage to do the same. There is an abundance of inspiration and stories waiting to be told.

From the words of the American researcher Steve Maraboli,” What we instil in our children will be the foundation upon which they build their future”.  Parents have the ability to shape us and to help us build for the future. I hope that I have provided beneficial advice on how to help your teenagers at home.

Boland makes effective use of language and imagery to explore personal experiences and to confront harsh realities in society.

Boland uses effective language in her poetry to share personal experiences. This is evident in her poems “The Pomegranate”,” Love” and “This Moment”.She explores Nature throughout her poetry. Boland confronts the brutal realities in society. In her poem,” The Famine Road” she educates the reader about the treatment of the Irish and the opinions the British had towards them during the famine. Boland through the use of nature describes the consequences of idleness during the bombings in Northern Ireland.

Boland shares her personal experiences through her relationship with her family. She conveys the love she has towards both her husband and her children through the use of metaphors.

In the Pomegranate the love she has for her children is clearly evident.she is broken-hearted at the thought of losing her daughter but accepts the reality that she cannot prevent her daughter from leaving,” If I defer the grief,I will diminish the gift”.Here we see that she is filled with conflicting emotions. She is trying to fight her motherly instincts. The love for a child is present in the fear of losing her.

Similarly, in the poem Love, she is also filled with contrasting emotions. She compares her husband through the use of myths to Aeneas. We see that she pictures her husband as a hero in this simile,” I see you as a hero in a text-the image blazing and edges gilded”.She longs for the intense love they once shared. Their love changes from the love that “had the feather and muscle of wings” to mature and less passionate love. “We love each other still.” Love is being personified. In this sensuous image love is being imagined as a creature with “the feather and muscle of wings” that had in a very domestic phrase “come to live with us”. Here we can see through the use of personification she describes the passionate love they once shared. She is broken-hearted at the loss of their passion and fears never feeling that intensity again. “Will we ever live so intensely again”.Throughout the poem Boland is brimming with emotion and here I feel it reaches the climax,” But the words are shadows and you cannot hear me.” She is speaking directly to her ‘younger’ husband. She desires to ask the “epic question” if they will love intensely again. She is facing a conflict and through the use of a metaphor, she explains that she has to walk away from the memory of her younger husband, “you walk away and I cannot follow”.

Similarly, in the poem Pomegranate, we see that she again restrains herself and allows her daughter to make her own decisions. “I will say nothing”.Boland through the use of a rhetorical question explains that memories we give to our children are priceless and valuable. “But what else can a mother give her daughter but such beautiful rifts in time”.This metaphor clearly displays Boland’s, motherly love. Despite feeling broken-hearted Boland does not stop her daughter from leaving. Similarly in Love, Boland sacrifices her desires and emotions for her husband. She understands the changing nature of love is inevitable even though she desperately wants to hold on to the “blazing” image of her husband as the hero. Boland through the effective use of personification describes the beautiful connection she could have with her husband of the past. “So formidable at rest it offered us ascension  

Even to look at him”. She believes it would be heaven if she could have the chance. However just as she set aside her feelings for her daughter, she also sacrifices them for her husband.

Boland explores nature throughout her poetry. In poems Warhorse and The Famine Road, she employs nature and the use of assonance to convey destruction.

In the poem Warhorse, Boland through the use of Nature describes destructive images.”a crocus, its bulbous head, blown from growth, one of the screamless dead”. Boland through the use of assonance slows down the pace of the poem. The metaphor of the crocus conveys man’s inhumanity to each other.

Boland personifies plants to represent humans. “If a rose, a hedge, a crocus are uprooted like corpses?”. The poet again through the use of assonance slows down the pace and reveals the destructive effect of war.

Boland explores nature to convey the insignificant damage the horse has done,” No great harm is done.Only a leaf of our laurel hedge is torn”.Later on in the poem, we understand that she feels embarrassed and mocks herself. In the suburbs where she is “safe” the most fearful event is a horse strolling through their neighbourhood while up the north innocent people are being “mutilated”.

In the poem, The Famine Road Boland reveals the theme of innocence. The worker in the poem has a disease and is said to die soon. The metaphor “typhoid pariah” conveys the harsh reality that he has become an outcast.” His blood tainted” shows us that he is diseased. Boland refers to snow and the colour white to convey innocence. “No more than snow attends its own flakes”. Boland through the beautiful imagery of snow falling explains to us that nobody will pray for him. Death during this time was not uncommon, this man’s story was also the same for others. Through the use of metaphors and the red and white images, Boland reveals his innocence.. 

The theme of innocence is also evident in the poem Child Of Our Time. Boland in the child of our time conveys that the idleness of our attitude towards war has cost an innocent infant his life. Boland conveys the brutality of death through unambiguous language, “from the discord of your murder”. The word murder conveys the cruelty of killing an innocent child.

Boland through the use of symbols displays how we should instruct children. “With rhymes for your waking, rhythms for your sleep” and the “names for the animals you took to bed”.The symbols of protection express how the child should have been cared for and loved. The toddler did not deserve such cruelty. Boland believes that it is us who have failed and so the adult is now learning from the “dead” child, “must learn from you, dead”. The age of the young child and love he should have received conveys his innocence.

In the poem, The Famine Road Boland reflects on the famine, one of the darkest and most traumatic periods in Irish history. Boland reveals the harsh realities of the past in society.

The suffering endured by the Irish conveys the brutality and harsh conditions set upon them. In the opening lines,” Idle as trout in the light”, Boland employs assonance to slow down the reader and draw our attention to the stereotyping. Lord Trevelyan arrogantly dismisses the entire Irish nation as being “idle”. Boland through the use of a simile describes the cruel thoughts and opinions of the Irish the British had at the time.

Trevelyan rejects any idea of giving the starving people any kind of charity. “Give them no coins at all: their bones need toil, their characters no less”. He suggests that their bodies are weak and the work would be beneficial for them, so he makes them work “sick, directionless” and makes them use their bare hands. “Fork stick were iron years away”. This metaphor through the use of assonance slows the reader down and reveals to us the harsh and cruel mindset of Lord Trevelyan. In the past, this harsh thinking was common among the British.

The extreme brutal conditions are clearly displayed in the rhetorical question,” after all could they not...suck April hailstones for water and for food”. To intentionally not provide food and water conveys the extreme brutality of the conditions the Irish suffered. Boland employs unambiguous language to convey the cruel hardship of the Irish. The repeated k sounds in words like,” fork”,” stick”,” rock” and “suck” suggest the harshness of these officials. An image suggestive of cannibalism underlines the desperation of the starving people, “each eyed - as if at the corner butcher-the other’s buttock”. This simile once again shows us the mocking attitude the British had. The Irish considering cannibalism explains the desperation for food and the British officials were aware and still refused to give them food and water. The starvation the Irish faced conveys the harsh suffering the Irish faced at the time during the famine.

In conclusion, it is clearly evident that Boland values her family. Through her poetry, she conveys her love for both her husband and her children. Boland through the use of myths and legends describes her emotions and thoughts of times in her life. Eavan Boland conveys the destruction of war through nature and effective language.

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This is an answer I wrote myself so do correct me if there are any mistakes or anywhere I can improve. Thanks :) 

DURCAN TAKES A NARRATIVE APPROACH TO EXPLORE A VARIETY OF ISSUES IN POEMS OF GREAT EMOTIONAL HONESTY 

Family 

 Durcan’s poems are multifaceted, complex and are wildly enigmatic. It is Durcan’s narrative approach that makes his poetry so individualistic. Durcan is unlike any poet I have studied. He writes about the common aspects of life such as family and love yet he does so with such captivating power. He discusses monumental times in his life in a truthful and heartfelt manner. Yet It is Durcan’s honesty that is charmingly curt which crafts such beautiful poems.

Family is a popular theme in his poetry, like many other poets. However, Durcan provides a different perspective sprouting from his experiences. In his poems “Parents” and “Sport” he touches upon the distance and separation that lies between parents and children. 

‘Parents’ is a touching poem in which the poet describes the helplessness of parents in a recurring sea metaphor. Durcan in this poem tells the tale in the third person. This feature emphasises the separation between the child and her parents.

The poem opens with an unsettling image, “A child’s face is a drowned face”. This striking metaphor captures our attention and immediately reveals it is not just about the love of parents. As the poem continues, we see that the unnamed child is separated from her parents by sleep. She is physically close to them, as they “stare down at her asleep” yet she is far away in the realms of sleep. 

Durcan employs water imagery to convey this separation. “She is under the sea and they are above the sea”. This is also repeated further down the poem, once again highlighting the distance between them. The surface of the sea is barrier creating the unbreakable wall that prevents the parents from helping their child as she “in her sleep” calls “out to them, Father Father, Mother, Mother”.

The love of her parents is clearly evident as they “stare down” at their child. This aids the image of helplessness in the final lines, “through the night, stranded” they watch the “drowned drowned face of their child”. However, this love does nothing to assist the child in danger. The simple direct language helps the reader to understand the agonizing honest truth that Durcan reveals. Sometimes parents feel helpless in situations where they can do nothing but watch. 

Similar to ‘A Difficulty that is Marriage’, Sport has a misleading title. Sport implies dun, unity and teamwork. However, the theme of this poem belies its title. Durcan explores his difficult relationship with his father and his desperate desire to impress his father. 

Durcan writes the poem in a factual and seemingly unemotional manner though his imagery is deeply saddening. Durcan expresses the height of his achievement as being chosen to represent “ Grangegorman Mental Hospital”. The repetition of the phrase “mental hospital” emphasises the lack of respite and escape he feels from sadness. 

The emotional distance between Durcan and his father is expressed in the tone of the poem. Durcan addresses his father directly creating a sense of intimacy, “You drove all the way down”. However, the underlying accusation cannot be dismissed. 

Durcan was so determined to win his father’s approval that he was “fearful” he would let his father down. This subtly suggests that Durcan may have felt that he was a failure in his father’s eyes. This unordinary father-son relationship is far from perfect. The tension and emotional distance between the two are unavoidable. Once again, Durcan veracity makes this poem so appealing. 

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Heartache

Durcan explores the theme of love in an unconventional sense. This is a feature of his poetry that is unique to Durcan. He explores love in the poems “Nessa” and “The Difficulty that is Marriage”. He also conveys his self-deprecating nature with such painful honesty.

Durcan writes “Nessa” in an anecdotal style. In this poem, the “whirlwind” of falling in love is described. In the first stanza, the meeting of the two is a magical image that shares the immediate passion and excitement. “I met her on the first of August, in the Shangri-La hotel”. 

Durcan reference to “Shangri-la” conveys the wonderful early days of their relationship. 

However subtle traces of change in the refrain of the poem suggest the change in their relationship. “And that was a whirlpool..” Here in these lines “whirlpool” is being referred to the love passion and excitement.

However, in the 3rd stanza, the whirlpool is now being referred to Nessa. They are on land contrasting with the earlier water imagery. Their incompatibility is brought to light with the two strikingly different images of “The Irish sea” and “the field”. He “hopped” into the sea for her yet from Durcan’s dejected tone, her unwillingness to lay on the grass with him is shown. “I’d have lain in the grass with her all my life With Nessa:”. In a delicate manner, Durcan portrays the pain of unrequited love. The “whirlpool” is no longer exciting, it has now an element of danger suggesting the threatening effect of Nessa on his life. 

In the last stanza, the tense changes. He is now speaking in the present tense. Referring to Nessa as “you”. This creates separation and shows the possible end of their relationship. It seems the passion has faded and the speaker is left with a broken heart, yearning for a fraction of what they once shared. “O Nessa my dear, Nessa my dear”.The “O” voices his despair and sorrow while the repetition of “Nessa” conveys his desperation. 

The face pace of the first three stanzas is quick to convey the dizziness and rush of love. However, it seems that this relationship is not meant to last. 

Once again in the poem “The Difficulty that is Marriage” it seems heartache is inevitable. I have great pity for Durcan. He is chasing and longing for a failing relationship. This is clearly evident in the opening line, “We disagree to disagree, we divide, we differ;”.  The alliteration of the letter ‘d’ conveys the discord of the relationship. The poem is filled with paradoxes. Even though they sleep together his wife is “faraway curled up in sleep”. I believe that Durcan is doomed for nothing but heartache. As his wife sleeps, he lies awake at night idolising her. “ How was it I was so lucky to have ever met you?”. Here not only is his love seen but also his self-deprecating character. It seems he doesn’t feel good enough for her and sadly blames his “troubles” for their rocky relationship. Durcan almost glorifies his wife and sees her perfect, despite him saying otherwise. “But I do not put you on a pedestal or throne: You must have your faults but I do not see them”. This paradox further channels the harsh possible idea that he is blinded by his obsession with their irreparable relationship. It is deeply saddening to read that Durcan never feels good enough for his flawless wife.  

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Strength of women 

Durcan is not afraid to explore more diverse themes such as the power and strength of women. In his poems such as “Nessa” and “Wife who smashed Television gets jail” he explores this concept both in different ways. 

In the poem, “Nessa” Durcan employs water imagery to convey the powerful nature of female sexuality. Water is a central metaphor which flows throughout the poem. The poet creates an image of a strong forceful woman through language. Verbs such as “took” and “dropped” suggest that she immediately took control over the relationship. Nessa’s directness continues throughout the poem. Her confidence is conspicuous as she makes commands, “Take off your pants” and “would you care to swim”. However, it is Durcan’s reference to Nessa as a “whirlpool” where we see the full extent of the power women possesses. “She was a whirlpool, she was a whirlpool, And I very nearly drowned”. This would have been a very controversial subject in the year 1975 yet Durcan addresses this topic with such candour. 

In the poem “Wife who smashed Television Gets Jail” Duracn addresses how the strength of women was oppressed in Ireland. Similar to “Nessa”  Durcan employs strong verbs to showcase the tenacious characteristics of the “Wife”. Words such as “marched” and “declared” create an image of a powerful woman. 

This poem is written in a pseudo- journalistic style which gives the poem an amusing and light-hearted tone. However, through humour, Durcan highlights the oppression of vehement women. Durcan use of hyperbole to depict a ridiculous court case could suggest the ludicrous misogynistic thinking that people had in a patriarchal society. It is Durcan’s ability to shed light on these contentious issues in a truthful manner that makes his poetry so compelling.

Undoubtedly, Durcan takes a different approach to poetry than the other poets on this course. He shares his experiences and personal struggles so candidly that it is admirable.  His narrative style invites us to walk through his personal experiences and the issues in the world around us. His poems are genuine and open and does not hesitate to address controversial issues in society today.

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This is an answer I wrote myself, so do correct me if I have made any mistakes and let me know if there is anything I can improve on. Thanks :)