Have a look at this web page. There are a few more technical terms and I will start using some of these in the weekly tests!!
http://www.channel4.com/culture/microsites/N/novel/glossary.html
Friday, November 24, 2006
Creative writing
A reminder that this is due on the 5th December. I would like you to post these up on here by then too.
Thanks!!
Thanks!!
Structure in "The Crucible"
The Crucible follows a fairly striaghtforward structure. Events on the stage reflect the time that would be spent in real life. This realistic drama concentrates on the important epiodes and fills in what happens between acts as unobtrusively as possible.
This internal structure is slightly more complicated. Miller employs a different pattern of pace and climax in each Act, and unifies all four by interweaving John Proctor's personal history with the fate of Salem. Act 1 is "an overture". The main characters introduec themselves as neighbours invading Mr Parris's house to ask about the rumours of witchcraft. Their rapid entrances and exits creat an atmosphere between John and Abigail alerts us to another storyline, but the topic of witchcraft remains dominant.
Act 2, in contrast, opens quietly, and explores at length a different situaion: the relationship between John and his wife. These two perspectives are brought togethr when the court officials burst in to arrest Elizabeth.
Structurally, Act 3 is the most complicated section of the wholeplay. Miller does not place his trial scene in the courtroom itself. We briefly overhear what is happening there, and then, by a natural sequence of events, judges and defendeants remove themselves to an anteroom on stage. Thus Miller can bring into play the cut and thrust of legal drama, but in a much freer setting. In this act, there is also a striking example of what he calls the holding back of climax.
After the uproar of the court, comes the chilly isolation of Salem jail. In Act 4, the witchcraft theme gives way entirely to the resolution of John Proctor's personal crisis. It is a proof of Miller's dramatic skill in blending the public and personal themes of his play that the transition seems entirely natural.
This internal structure is slightly more complicated. Miller employs a different pattern of pace and climax in each Act, and unifies all four by interweaving John Proctor's personal history with the fate of Salem. Act 1 is "an overture". The main characters introduec themselves as neighbours invading Mr Parris's house to ask about the rumours of witchcraft. Their rapid entrances and exits creat an atmosphere between John and Abigail alerts us to another storyline, but the topic of witchcraft remains dominant.
Act 2, in contrast, opens quietly, and explores at length a different situaion: the relationship between John and his wife. These two perspectives are brought togethr when the court officials burst in to arrest Elizabeth.
Structurally, Act 3 is the most complicated section of the wholeplay. Miller does not place his trial scene in the courtroom itself. We briefly overhear what is happening there, and then, by a natural sequence of events, judges and defendeants remove themselves to an anteroom on stage. Thus Miller can bring into play the cut and thrust of legal drama, but in a much freer setting. In this act, there is also a striking example of what he calls the holding back of climax.
After the uproar of the court, comes the chilly isolation of Salem jail. In Act 4, the witchcraft theme gives way entirely to the resolution of John Proctor's personal crisis. It is a proof of Miller's dramatic skill in blending the public and personal themes of his play that the transition seems entirely natural.
"Crucible" - Themes
Purification
A crucible is a container in which metals and other materials are heated so as to seperate the pure metals from waste and impurities. The crucible in the title is a metaphor for the town of Salem and the period of the witch-hunt hysteria. In this "fire", some victims survive the temptations and fears and emerge as better and stronger people.
Tyranny
The Crucible shows a group of people reacting within a state of tyranny, in this case tyranny exerted by religious bigots, who manipulate a situation for their own purposes and choose to misinterpret events for their own momentum and veer out of control.
Bigotry
Throughout the events in Salem we wee the effects of religious zeal, fear of heresy, intolerance and superstition. Reverand Hale is so proud of his knowledge of witchcraft that he is quick to accept the girls' confessions as prook of this skill. Others are more than willing to accept supernatural reasons or "unnatural causes" for their problems. There is so much insecurity in the young colony that anyone who questions the authorities, either religious or state, is seen to be launching an attack on the whole foundations of society.
Conflict
The coflict between the security of the community and "individual freedom" is one theme which runs through the play. Salem was a community which felt under seige, threatened by the dangers of the wilderness, the possible corrupting influences of other Christian sects, and a genuine fear of the Devil. The play has obvious parallels with the McCarthy investigations, which were proceeding when it was first produced. The Crucible has been seen as a simple allegory of the abuse of state power by those who persucuted and denounced people who were thought to be undermining the American way of life. Just as in Salem, any who opposed McCarthy's investigations were treated as enemeies of the state.
Integrity
Honesty and personal integrity are important themes. the most admirable characters who retain their dignity are those who will not subscribe to lies. Rebecca Nurse and Elizabeth Proctor are shining examples: both insist on the truth, regardless of the consequences for themselves. John Proctor is finally at peace with himself when he decides to die rather than give up his good name. He is purified in the "crucible" of the stresses and temptations he is subjected to. On the other hand, Reverend Hale (who at the end begs Proctor to lie, admit to witchcraft and save his life) is miserable, mentally tortured and morally bankrupt.
Loyalty
Loyalty is a theme which is illustarted in the behaviour of John Proctor towrdas his friends. He is temoted to withdraw his charges against Abigail and her group when he is told that his wife is pregnant and is not in immediate danger of hanging, but he goes ahead to support his friends whose wives have also been accused. Elizabeth, although she has been badly hurt by her husband's affair with abigail, is too loyal to shame him in court and denies knowledge of it. Ironically her loyalty destroy's John's case against Abigail.
Courage
We are shown courage in the behaviour of the accused, particularly Rebecca Nurse. As she goes to be hanged she tells John to "fear nothing!" as another judgement awaits them. John tells his wife to defy the authorities and to show them no tears. We hear of Giles Corey's stubborn courage in refusing to answer the charges so that his sons may inherit his farm. His last defiant words, as he was being crushed to death, were "More weight".
A crucible is a container in which metals and other materials are heated so as to seperate the pure metals from waste and impurities. The crucible in the title is a metaphor for the town of Salem and the period of the witch-hunt hysteria. In this "fire", some victims survive the temptations and fears and emerge as better and stronger people.
Tyranny
The Crucible shows a group of people reacting within a state of tyranny, in this case tyranny exerted by religious bigots, who manipulate a situation for their own purposes and choose to misinterpret events for their own momentum and veer out of control.
Bigotry
Throughout the events in Salem we wee the effects of religious zeal, fear of heresy, intolerance and superstition. Reverand Hale is so proud of his knowledge of witchcraft that he is quick to accept the girls' confessions as prook of this skill. Others are more than willing to accept supernatural reasons or "unnatural causes" for their problems. There is so much insecurity in the young colony that anyone who questions the authorities, either religious or state, is seen to be launching an attack on the whole foundations of society.
Conflict
The coflict between the security of the community and "individual freedom" is one theme which runs through the play. Salem was a community which felt under seige, threatened by the dangers of the wilderness, the possible corrupting influences of other Christian sects, and a genuine fear of the Devil. The play has obvious parallels with the McCarthy investigations, which were proceeding when it was first produced. The Crucible has been seen as a simple allegory of the abuse of state power by those who persucuted and denounced people who were thought to be undermining the American way of life. Just as in Salem, any who opposed McCarthy's investigations were treated as enemeies of the state.
Integrity
Honesty and personal integrity are important themes. the most admirable characters who retain their dignity are those who will not subscribe to lies. Rebecca Nurse and Elizabeth Proctor are shining examples: both insist on the truth, regardless of the consequences for themselves. John Proctor is finally at peace with himself when he decides to die rather than give up his good name. He is purified in the "crucible" of the stresses and temptations he is subjected to. On the other hand, Reverend Hale (who at the end begs Proctor to lie, admit to witchcraft and save his life) is miserable, mentally tortured and morally bankrupt.
Loyalty
Loyalty is a theme which is illustarted in the behaviour of John Proctor towrdas his friends. He is temoted to withdraw his charges against Abigail and her group when he is told that his wife is pregnant and is not in immediate danger of hanging, but he goes ahead to support his friends whose wives have also been accused. Elizabeth, although she has been badly hurt by her husband's affair with abigail, is too loyal to shame him in court and denies knowledge of it. Ironically her loyalty destroy's John's case against Abigail.
Courage
We are shown courage in the behaviour of the accused, particularly Rebecca Nurse. As she goes to be hanged she tells John to "fear nothing!" as another judgement awaits them. John tells his wife to defy the authorities and to show them no tears. We hear of Giles Corey's stubborn courage in refusing to answer the charges so that his sons may inherit his farm. His last defiant words, as he was being crushed to death, were "More weight".
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Crucible interactive revision
I found this on another website - you can play around with it when revising!!!
http://www.hawick.scotborders.sch.uk/departments/Handbook2/S6H/Crucible/The%20Crucible.ppt
http://www.hawick.scotborders.sch.uk/departments/Handbook2/S6H/Crucible/The%20Crucible.ppt
"The Crucible" - Act 4 Questions and Notes
ACT 4
The scene opens at daybreak, some three months later, in Proctor’s cell.
This cell is very oppressive. In contrast to the previous acts, no sun pours or streams through the windows, no open door gives a glimpse of green fields. The place is in darkness and the moonlight merely ‘seeps’ through the bars. This idea is strengthened by the “high barred window” and the “heavy door”.
· The ‘devil bird’ seen by Sarah and Tituba could serve as a reminder of the bird that Abigail and the others saw in Act 3. In what ways , however, does it seem different?
· How is Hale now regarded by the authorities? What does he feel towards his ministry now?
· Hale and Parris pray together here. Why does this seem strange? Provide a brief character analysis of Parris at this stage.
· List some of the devastations affecting the community as described by Cheever.
Revd. Hale was previously concerned with saving souls and driving out the Devil; now he seems more interested in saving lives. His change in attitude should reflect the views of the audience at this point, identifying and appreciating the difference between saving souls and saving lives.
· Why has Parris waited two days before telling the court of Abigail’s disappearance? Examine Parris’ language here. What is he most concerned with? Has he really changed?
· Why does her flight have serious implications for Danforth?
· What is Danforth’s reaction to events in Andover?
· What do the answers of the previous questions tell you about the character of Danforth?
Danforth does not seem unduly moved by Abigail’s disappearance and the girls are not mentioned again. Despite the fact that the court owes its existence to their accusation, they seem irrelevant now the witch-hunt has taken on a momentum of its own.
· What can you determine about Parris’ mental state from his reaction to the dagger?
· Comment on the stage directions regarding Hale being “steeped in sorrow”.
· Consider Danforth’s argument that to pardon the condemned would only “cast doubt upon the guilt of them that died until now.” Do you have any sympathy for his argument or do you think the judgement is rooted in pride?
· Examine Hale’s speeches on pages 104/105. How is his guilt evident?
· Why does he feel doubly damned for counselling the people to lie, to confess sins of which they are innocent?
· Why do you think Elizabeth called this advice of Hale’s the “Devil’s argument”?
· How do you judge Revd. Hale in light of Elizabeth’s sense of right and wrong?
· What does Proctor’s refusal of cider show of his character, even after months in prison?
· What effect does Giles’ death have on Proctor? In what way does it show a build up pressure on him?
· a) Why would John’s conscience have been eased if Rebecca had confessed?
b) What does her standpoint thus illustrate?
c) Why, yet, does John not feel in the same position as her? (QUOTE)
d) Either mentally or on paper, follow the reasoning by which John changes this apathetic attitude, convincing himself he does have some shred of goodness.
· Proctor knows he has his wife’s support in whatever he decides but she declines to advise him. Is she right to do this? From what you think of her character, what do you think she really feels about John’s initial decision to confess?
· Elizabeth’s response that John should “forgive himself” is strange yet shows her understanding of the situation is deeper than her husband’s. What has she recognised?
· Examine Elizabeth’s moment of truth, shown through her remark, “It needs a cold wife to prompt lechery.”
In light of these revelations, was Abigail right in her judgement of Elizabeth’s “coldness”?
“Then who will judge me?”
There are two answers to John Proctor’s questions: God, and John Proctor. Proctor recognises that a false confession would be a lie, and therefore a sin. Coming to terms with this helps him find the strength to act according to the dictates of his conscience later on.
· Find words from this dialogue, which either conform or betray truth.
· Explain Danforth’s error of judgement in bringing Rebecca before John.
Pressure again mounts for John and the appearance of Rebecca is skilfully done. She speaks hardly at all, but the significance of her appearance lies in her bright greeting and her astonishment at his plans: this is not the John Proctor she knows by his name.
· Consider the dramatic pacing of the climax of this Act. In one sense, we want Proctor to survive, he seems safe, then suddenly he changes his mind in a dramatic twist, has one short speech of justification, then is swept to death and the final curtain.
· Explain how the crux of the problem is highlighted by John’s speech, “I want my name.”
· In what way is the tearing of the confession different to the tearing of the warrant in Act 2? How is John different?
· Parris is in “deadly fear”; Hale condemns John’s decision as stemming from “pride” and “vanity”. Is Hale more interested in the confession for personal reasons? How does he compare with Parris?
Note the similarities between this scene and the first. Does the sun, this time, carry a sense of hope? The end focuses on conscience, not on an historical context. It is conclusive in terms of Proctor’s moral conscience.
“Echoes down the corridor” adds authenticity to the drama.
The scene opens at daybreak, some three months later, in Proctor’s cell.
This cell is very oppressive. In contrast to the previous acts, no sun pours or streams through the windows, no open door gives a glimpse of green fields. The place is in darkness and the moonlight merely ‘seeps’ through the bars. This idea is strengthened by the “high barred window” and the “heavy door”.
· The ‘devil bird’ seen by Sarah and Tituba could serve as a reminder of the bird that Abigail and the others saw in Act 3. In what ways , however, does it seem different?
· How is Hale now regarded by the authorities? What does he feel towards his ministry now?
· Hale and Parris pray together here. Why does this seem strange? Provide a brief character analysis of Parris at this stage.
· List some of the devastations affecting the community as described by Cheever.
Revd. Hale was previously concerned with saving souls and driving out the Devil; now he seems more interested in saving lives. His change in attitude should reflect the views of the audience at this point, identifying and appreciating the difference between saving souls and saving lives.
· Why has Parris waited two days before telling the court of Abigail’s disappearance? Examine Parris’ language here. What is he most concerned with? Has he really changed?
· Why does her flight have serious implications for Danforth?
· What is Danforth’s reaction to events in Andover?
· What do the answers of the previous questions tell you about the character of Danforth?
Danforth does not seem unduly moved by Abigail’s disappearance and the girls are not mentioned again. Despite the fact that the court owes its existence to their accusation, they seem irrelevant now the witch-hunt has taken on a momentum of its own.
· What can you determine about Parris’ mental state from his reaction to the dagger?
· Comment on the stage directions regarding Hale being “steeped in sorrow”.
· Consider Danforth’s argument that to pardon the condemned would only “cast doubt upon the guilt of them that died until now.” Do you have any sympathy for his argument or do you think the judgement is rooted in pride?
· Examine Hale’s speeches on pages 104/105. How is his guilt evident?
· Why does he feel doubly damned for counselling the people to lie, to confess sins of which they are innocent?
· Why do you think Elizabeth called this advice of Hale’s the “Devil’s argument”?
· How do you judge Revd. Hale in light of Elizabeth’s sense of right and wrong?
· What does Proctor’s refusal of cider show of his character, even after months in prison?
· What effect does Giles’ death have on Proctor? In what way does it show a build up pressure on him?
· a) Why would John’s conscience have been eased if Rebecca had confessed?
b) What does her standpoint thus illustrate?
c) Why, yet, does John not feel in the same position as her? (QUOTE)
d) Either mentally or on paper, follow the reasoning by which John changes this apathetic attitude, convincing himself he does have some shred of goodness.
· Proctor knows he has his wife’s support in whatever he decides but she declines to advise him. Is she right to do this? From what you think of her character, what do you think she really feels about John’s initial decision to confess?
· Elizabeth’s response that John should “forgive himself” is strange yet shows her understanding of the situation is deeper than her husband’s. What has she recognised?
· Examine Elizabeth’s moment of truth, shown through her remark, “It needs a cold wife to prompt lechery.”
In light of these revelations, was Abigail right in her judgement of Elizabeth’s “coldness”?
“Then who will judge me?”
There are two answers to John Proctor’s questions: God, and John Proctor. Proctor recognises that a false confession would be a lie, and therefore a sin. Coming to terms with this helps him find the strength to act according to the dictates of his conscience later on.
· Find words from this dialogue, which either conform or betray truth.
· Explain Danforth’s error of judgement in bringing Rebecca before John.
Pressure again mounts for John and the appearance of Rebecca is skilfully done. She speaks hardly at all, but the significance of her appearance lies in her bright greeting and her astonishment at his plans: this is not the John Proctor she knows by his name.
· Consider the dramatic pacing of the climax of this Act. In one sense, we want Proctor to survive, he seems safe, then suddenly he changes his mind in a dramatic twist, has one short speech of justification, then is swept to death and the final curtain.
· Explain how the crux of the problem is highlighted by John’s speech, “I want my name.”
· In what way is the tearing of the confession different to the tearing of the warrant in Act 2? How is John different?
· Parris is in “deadly fear”; Hale condemns John’s decision as stemming from “pride” and “vanity”. Is Hale more interested in the confession for personal reasons? How does he compare with Parris?
Note the similarities between this scene and the first. Does the sun, this time, carry a sense of hope? The end focuses on conscience, not on an historical context. It is conclusive in terms of Proctor’s moral conscience.
“Echoes down the corridor” adds authenticity to the drama.
"The Crucible" - Act 3 Questions and Notes
Note on Act 2
Proctor: “Pontius Pilate was the Roman administrator of Judea, responsible for the administration of law in that area, who refused to condemn Christ because he could find no wrong in Him. However, instead of freeing Christ, Pilate allowed the Jewish mob to determine his fate, leading to His crucifixion and death.
Is Proctor being fair or accurate in using this parallel? Elizabeth is like Christ in her innocence, but what of Reverend Hale? Is he like Pontius Pilate? Both men commanded positions of power, and Hale has signed seventy-two death warrants, but has Rev. Hale really the power to prevent anything? Has Proctor? Can any individual withstand the tide of hysteria in Salem?
ACT 3
I t is now a week later in the courtroom of Salem.
In this act the tragedy of John and Elizabeth is acted out. John is forced to admit his adultery, Elizabeth lies to save him, and Abigail triumphs, although she loses what she so desperately sought- the love and possession of John.
· This act also allows John and Elizabeth to find out what is really important to them. Explain and link to the problems in the community, showing how they have broken free.
· How does the court react to Giles’ claim that Putnam “is reaching out for land”?
· What does his comment “You’re hearing lies” do to the credulity of his own evidence?
· Find a quote that shows the hopelessness of arguing against convoluted (complicated/intricate) logic.
· Find a quote on page 96 that again shows Hale’s doubts.
· What is the reaction to Francis Nurse’s claim that “the girls are frauds”?
· Examine what Danforth says regarding the girls on page 71, and so what problems the accused are faced with in attempting to defend themselves.
· Comment on the quote “We burn a hot fire; it melts down all concealment.”
· Find parallels between Danforth’s questioning of John, “Are you a gospel Christian” and allegations voiced by the Reverend Hale.
· Why is it ironic that John states Elizabeth would never lie, in light of later events?
Reverend Hale now seems disturbed, whereas John Proctor is calm.
· Find evidence to back this up.
· Study the logic of Danforth’s argument, “Let you consider now.”
Is it possible that Mary Warren, the “subservient, naïve, lonely girl,” can now become the instrument of justice and truth?
The argument about the poppet adds a touch of the ridiculous to the proceedings.
· Find a quote by John that links in with this.
· Why can Mary Warren not faint now?
How do a) Danforth, and
b) Abigail respond to this?
Do you notice any similarities between Abigail’s behaviour now and in Act 1?
· Comment on the dramatic change in John Proctor form a controlled man to one who physically attacks Abigail.
· Why does Danforth so readily accept John’s claim of adultery? Quote as evidence.
· How does Miller create tension when Elizabeth is questioned?
· Why is Elizabeth’s final answer so ironic?
Hale states at this time that he cannot “shut [his] conscience” – indicating his anguish. He is now prepared to defend John and Elizabeth.
· How accurate do you consider Hale to be in his claim that “private vengeance” lies beneath the court’s charges?
· How does Abigail react at this point?
Her manipulation of this event shows the power and the far-reaching nature of hysteria.
· “A fire, a fire is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours, Danforth!…God damns our kind especially, and we will burn, we will burn together!”
John gives a different interpretation of fire. He implies that Danforth’s fires are Lucifer’s and help to conceal falseness. This is a powerful condemnation but ironically it reflects the fraud in John’s own heart.
The fact that Hale quits the court and the proceedings helps to add weight to John’s words.
Proctor: “Pontius Pilate was the Roman administrator of Judea, responsible for the administration of law in that area, who refused to condemn Christ because he could find no wrong in Him. However, instead of freeing Christ, Pilate allowed the Jewish mob to determine his fate, leading to His crucifixion and death.
Is Proctor being fair or accurate in using this parallel? Elizabeth is like Christ in her innocence, but what of Reverend Hale? Is he like Pontius Pilate? Both men commanded positions of power, and Hale has signed seventy-two death warrants, but has Rev. Hale really the power to prevent anything? Has Proctor? Can any individual withstand the tide of hysteria in Salem?
ACT 3
I t is now a week later in the courtroom of Salem.
In this act the tragedy of John and Elizabeth is acted out. John is forced to admit his adultery, Elizabeth lies to save him, and Abigail triumphs, although she loses what she so desperately sought- the love and possession of John.
· This act also allows John and Elizabeth to find out what is really important to them. Explain and link to the problems in the community, showing how they have broken free.
· How does the court react to Giles’ claim that Putnam “is reaching out for land”?
· What does his comment “You’re hearing lies” do to the credulity of his own evidence?
· Find a quote that shows the hopelessness of arguing against convoluted (complicated/intricate) logic.
· Find a quote on page 96 that again shows Hale’s doubts.
· What is the reaction to Francis Nurse’s claim that “the girls are frauds”?
· Examine what Danforth says regarding the girls on page 71, and so what problems the accused are faced with in attempting to defend themselves.
· Comment on the quote “We burn a hot fire; it melts down all concealment.”
· Find parallels between Danforth’s questioning of John, “Are you a gospel Christian” and allegations voiced by the Reverend Hale.
· Why is it ironic that John states Elizabeth would never lie, in light of later events?
Reverend Hale now seems disturbed, whereas John Proctor is calm.
· Find evidence to back this up.
· Study the logic of Danforth’s argument, “Let you consider now.”
Is it possible that Mary Warren, the “subservient, naïve, lonely girl,” can now become the instrument of justice and truth?
The argument about the poppet adds a touch of the ridiculous to the proceedings.
· Find a quote by John that links in with this.
· Why can Mary Warren not faint now?
How do a) Danforth, and
b) Abigail respond to this?
Do you notice any similarities between Abigail’s behaviour now and in Act 1?
· Comment on the dramatic change in John Proctor form a controlled man to one who physically attacks Abigail.
· Why does Danforth so readily accept John’s claim of adultery? Quote as evidence.
· How does Miller create tension when Elizabeth is questioned?
· Why is Elizabeth’s final answer so ironic?
Hale states at this time that he cannot “shut [his] conscience” – indicating his anguish. He is now prepared to defend John and Elizabeth.
· How accurate do you consider Hale to be in his claim that “private vengeance” lies beneath the court’s charges?
· How does Abigail react at this point?
Her manipulation of this event shows the power and the far-reaching nature of hysteria.
· “A fire, a fire is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours, Danforth!…God damns our kind especially, and we will burn, we will burn together!”
John gives a different interpretation of fire. He implies that Danforth’s fires are Lucifer’s and help to conceal falseness. This is a powerful condemnation but ironically it reflects the fraud in John’s own heart.
The fact that Hale quits the court and the proceedings helps to add weight to John’s words.
"The Crucible" - Act 2 Questions and Notes
ACT 2
The setting is evening, eight days after the events of Act 1.
The enclosed atmosphere is continued as Act 2 is set in the main room of Proctor’s house. The action at first centres on John Proctor and Elizabeth. Affairs that touch the Proctor household are symptomatic of the wider events which affect the whole of Salem.
John seasons his food, then complements Elizabeth on how well she has seasoned the food.
· What does this illustrate about their feelings towards one another?
John’s relationship with his wife is uneasy and constantly changing. Their first appearance together is full of subtle hints of an unhappy marriage (which is later redeemed by their sufferings).
· Find examples of this unease.
· Explain clearly why you think Miller directs Elizabeth to “receive” John’s kiss?
They cannot talk about the affair and their lack of honesty with each other illustrates, in microcosm, the ill that affects the whole community.
Mary Warren is discussed.
· She was originally described as a “mouse”. Does this description still apply?
· What does the change in Mary represent?
· Examine the way Elizabeth describes events in the town and how this contrasts with the (superficially) peaceful mood in the house.
· Find two remarks made by Elizabeth that point to the rise in Abigail’s power in the past few days.
John’s first ‘test’ comes when Elizabeth asks him to go to Ezekiel Cheever. He refuses to take action and perhaps this is because of his feelings for Abigail and his desire not to accuse her.
John admits to having been alone with Abigail.
· What do you think this revelation does to Elizabeth’s faith in John?
· What do you think is John’s main concern: his own good name, Abigail, or the relationship with his wife?
“You forget nothin’ and forgive nothin’…”
· Is this resentment justified, or is it the result of John’s guilty conscience?
Although John’s independence and refusal to accept authority can later be regarded as noble, here it leads to an expression of guilt through resentment.
“The magistrate sits in you heart” shows John has to look to the demands of his own conscience for decisions, just as he will have to do later on.
Balance seems to be suggested in the death sentence pronounced against Goody Osburn and the fact that Sarah Good had confessed and will not hang.
This is mirrored when Danforth strives for Proctor’s confession- he sees it as partial justification for the trials and hangings already taken place.
· Find the ‘evidence’ by which the women are accused.
What is terrifying and ominous is the credulity that the court shows in hearing evidence.
· Look for more unlikely or unconvincing things being believed.
Proctor’s final test is prepared for: “Then go and tell her she’s a whore”
Elizabeth has now realised that Abigail means to ‘replace her’ as John’s wife and is aware of her ‘name’. John is uncertain what to do, but his decision not to confess grows out of several changes of mind.
· Find the description of Hale. What has changed about him?
· Why does he act without 'authority’?
Hysteria is increased because we do not se the majority of the arrests: the numbers grow with horrifying speed.
The Commandments
It is ironic that John should forget “Thou shalt not commit adultery”.
· How do the three characters react to this lapse in memory? What greater significance does it carry for at least two of them?
Giles Corey arrives with news of his wife’s arrest. His timing is ironic as Hale has just been interrogating Proctor about his belief in witches and this interrogation was prompted by Giles’ earlier unthinking remark. His question about his wife’s reading of books has inadvertently led to her arrest.
Elizabeth is arrested and this shows different side to her character. She is a realist- she recognises the inevitability of her arrest and makes preparations for the family. She demonstrates great control and puts her own safety last.
· Do you believe that she is “cold”, as Abigail says? Discuss in light of the present situation.
Reverend Hale is in a “fever of guilt and uncertainty”.
· Look back and assess his reactions to Mary Warren’s evidence. Was this where his doubts about the validity of the witch-hunts began?
The fact that Mary knows about Abigail’s relationship with Abigail brings John to an abrupt halt. After all, if Mary knows, who else knows? Proctor’s guilty secret, the thing which has been keeping him back from taking the necessary action, seems to be common knowledge. However, he still has to come to terms with confessing this in public.
· Find the religious imagery that Proctor now uses.
It is his moral duty as a Christian to put a halt to the witch-hunt. He almost welcomes the honesty that is forced upon him.
“It is a providence, and no great change; we are only what we
always were, but naked now.”
He will no longer have to live with a lie, tormented by his past, but he knows what is coming will not be easy. His ordeal will be great.
The setting is evening, eight days after the events of Act 1.
The enclosed atmosphere is continued as Act 2 is set in the main room of Proctor’s house. The action at first centres on John Proctor and Elizabeth. Affairs that touch the Proctor household are symptomatic of the wider events which affect the whole of Salem.
John seasons his food, then complements Elizabeth on how well she has seasoned the food.
· What does this illustrate about their feelings towards one another?
John’s relationship with his wife is uneasy and constantly changing. Their first appearance together is full of subtle hints of an unhappy marriage (which is later redeemed by their sufferings).
· Find examples of this unease.
· Explain clearly why you think Miller directs Elizabeth to “receive” John’s kiss?
They cannot talk about the affair and their lack of honesty with each other illustrates, in microcosm, the ill that affects the whole community.
Mary Warren is discussed.
· She was originally described as a “mouse”. Does this description still apply?
· What does the change in Mary represent?
· Examine the way Elizabeth describes events in the town and how this contrasts with the (superficially) peaceful mood in the house.
· Find two remarks made by Elizabeth that point to the rise in Abigail’s power in the past few days.
John’s first ‘test’ comes when Elizabeth asks him to go to Ezekiel Cheever. He refuses to take action and perhaps this is because of his feelings for Abigail and his desire not to accuse her.
John admits to having been alone with Abigail.
· What do you think this revelation does to Elizabeth’s faith in John?
· What do you think is John’s main concern: his own good name, Abigail, or the relationship with his wife?
“You forget nothin’ and forgive nothin’…”
· Is this resentment justified, or is it the result of John’s guilty conscience?
Although John’s independence and refusal to accept authority can later be regarded as noble, here it leads to an expression of guilt through resentment.
“The magistrate sits in you heart” shows John has to look to the demands of his own conscience for decisions, just as he will have to do later on.
Balance seems to be suggested in the death sentence pronounced against Goody Osburn and the fact that Sarah Good had confessed and will not hang.
This is mirrored when Danforth strives for Proctor’s confession- he sees it as partial justification for the trials and hangings already taken place.
· Find the ‘evidence’ by which the women are accused.
What is terrifying and ominous is the credulity that the court shows in hearing evidence.
· Look for more unlikely or unconvincing things being believed.
Proctor’s final test is prepared for: “Then go and tell her she’s a whore”
Elizabeth has now realised that Abigail means to ‘replace her’ as John’s wife and is aware of her ‘name’. John is uncertain what to do, but his decision not to confess grows out of several changes of mind.
· Find the description of Hale. What has changed about him?
· Why does he act without 'authority’?
Hysteria is increased because we do not se the majority of the arrests: the numbers grow with horrifying speed.
The Commandments
It is ironic that John should forget “Thou shalt not commit adultery”.
· How do the three characters react to this lapse in memory? What greater significance does it carry for at least two of them?
Giles Corey arrives with news of his wife’s arrest. His timing is ironic as Hale has just been interrogating Proctor about his belief in witches and this interrogation was prompted by Giles’ earlier unthinking remark. His question about his wife’s reading of books has inadvertently led to her arrest.
Elizabeth is arrested and this shows different side to her character. She is a realist- she recognises the inevitability of her arrest and makes preparations for the family. She demonstrates great control and puts her own safety last.
· Do you believe that she is “cold”, as Abigail says? Discuss in light of the present situation.
Reverend Hale is in a “fever of guilt and uncertainty”.
· Look back and assess his reactions to Mary Warren’s evidence. Was this where his doubts about the validity of the witch-hunts began?
The fact that Mary knows about Abigail’s relationship with Abigail brings John to an abrupt halt. After all, if Mary knows, who else knows? Proctor’s guilty secret, the thing which has been keeping him back from taking the necessary action, seems to be common knowledge. However, he still has to come to terms with confessing this in public.
· Find the religious imagery that Proctor now uses.
It is his moral duty as a Christian to put a halt to the witch-hunt. He almost welcomes the honesty that is forced upon him.
“It is a providence, and no great change; we are only what we
always were, but naked now.”
He will no longer have to live with a lie, tormented by his past, but he knows what is coming will not be easy. His ordeal will be great.
"The Crucible" - Act 1 Questions and Notes
Stage Directions
These are very important in The Crucible. Not only do they help us visualise what is happening but they also tell us about characters, themes, and historical background.
Characters are described on first entry eg
Abigail has “an endless capacity for dissembling”
Mrs. Putnam is described as a “death-ridden woman”
In addition, Miller periodically adds short essays for those reading the play.
ACT 1
There is a claustrophobic atmosphere in the small upstairs room. The smallness of the room in Parris’ house symbolises the narrow-mindedness of the community and, as a setting for different emotions let loose, helps to intensify the effect.
The scene is charged with fear, guilt, hate and envy.
There are many entrances and exits, which creates activity and the idea of the crucible as a melting pot- basic elements are mixed, heated to the point of an explosive force.
All the main characters make an appearance, except Danforth and Elizabeth. Nevertheless, the latter is introduced.
· How does Miller do this?
· Why do you think he does this?
Many petty disputes and animosities are shown which are important to an understanding of character motivations.
· Find at least one example.
The play opens in springtime.
· Traditionally, what does this time symbolise?
· Why does it seem ironic for sunlight to be streaming through the window?
COMMENT ON:
The Reverend Parris “prays”.
· Who for?
· Compare to Hale’s prayer at the end. How are they contrasted?
The Reverend Parris “weeps”. This shows confusion, a lack of strong personal convictions.
Tituba asks after Betty. This illustrates violence for the first time, verbal and physical.
· Examine the difference between Parris’ prayers to God and to Betty.
· Find examples of Parris’ growing self-centredness.
Parris questions Abigail about her name; this is the first reference of the kind. Abigail resents the fact that her name (her character) is being compromised.
· Do you think that she truly believes “There be no blush.”
· Identify how quickly Abigail’s defence becomes an attack.
The arrival of the Putnam’s signal an intensification of pressure on Parris, increases the threat to his security.
· Why do you think Parris does not tell the truth about what he knows happens?
· Examine the confrontation between Abigail and John.
(Note that in each Act, John is involved in emotionally charged scenes with women: Abigail in 1 & 3 and Elizabeth in 2 & 4.)
The first naming of another with malicious intent comes from Putnam.
Abigail “is enraptured, as though in a pearly light.”
· Is this true? Is she pretending?
She reaffirms what Tituba said, adds a new name for ‘proof’.
· Why is this commented on with “great relief”
· Comment on the stage direction “great glee”
· Why do you think Miller called this act an “overture”?
The call for irons brings the action into the community.
These are very important in The Crucible. Not only do they help us visualise what is happening but they also tell us about characters, themes, and historical background.
Characters are described on first entry eg
Abigail has “an endless capacity for dissembling”
Mrs. Putnam is described as a “death-ridden woman”
In addition, Miller periodically adds short essays for those reading the play.
ACT 1
There is a claustrophobic atmosphere in the small upstairs room. The smallness of the room in Parris’ house symbolises the narrow-mindedness of the community and, as a setting for different emotions let loose, helps to intensify the effect.
The scene is charged with fear, guilt, hate and envy.
There are many entrances and exits, which creates activity and the idea of the crucible as a melting pot- basic elements are mixed, heated to the point of an explosive force.
All the main characters make an appearance, except Danforth and Elizabeth. Nevertheless, the latter is introduced.
· How does Miller do this?
· Why do you think he does this?
Many petty disputes and animosities are shown which are important to an understanding of character motivations.
· Find at least one example.
The play opens in springtime.
· Traditionally, what does this time symbolise?
· Why does it seem ironic for sunlight to be streaming through the window?
COMMENT ON:
The Reverend Parris “prays”.
· Who for?
· Compare to Hale’s prayer at the end. How are they contrasted?
The Reverend Parris “weeps”. This shows confusion, a lack of strong personal convictions.
Tituba asks after Betty. This illustrates violence for the first time, verbal and physical.
· Examine the difference between Parris’ prayers to God and to Betty.
· Find examples of Parris’ growing self-centredness.
Parris questions Abigail about her name; this is the first reference of the kind. Abigail resents the fact that her name (her character) is being compromised.
· Do you think that she truly believes “There be no blush.”
· Identify how quickly Abigail’s defence becomes an attack.
The arrival of the Putnam’s signal an intensification of pressure on Parris, increases the threat to his security.
· Why do you think Parris does not tell the truth about what he knows happens?
· Examine the confrontation between Abigail and John.
(Note that in each Act, John is involved in emotionally charged scenes with women: Abigail in 1 & 3 and Elizabeth in 2 & 4.)
The first naming of another with malicious intent comes from Putnam.
Abigail “is enraptured, as though in a pearly light.”
· Is this true? Is she pretending?
She reaffirms what Tituba said, adds a new name for ‘proof’.
· Why is this commented on with “great relief”
· Comment on the stage direction “great glee”
· Why do you think Miller called this act an “overture”?
The call for irons brings the action into the community.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
I need your help!!
It has become apparent that you guys are using the blog a lot and taking a varying amount of advice and use from it. I am currently looking at setting up a website for the whole department, for all year groups and parents to use. I am turning to you guys for some advice here. If you were going to use a website, not just this class blog, what would you like to see on there?
Try to think about you experiences of the English department since S1 and think about what information you would have found useful on there. I'd also love to hear from any of you who would have an interest in helping me set this up. Perhaps you have an interest in ICT and could give me a hand. I am not always the best with technology, as I am sure you are aware, and would appreciate learning something from you for once, rather than the other way around!!! I am sure that some of you owe me by now!
Let me know you thoughts.
Try to think about you experiences of the English department since S1 and think about what information you would have found useful on there. I'd also love to hear from any of you who would have an interest in helping me set this up. Perhaps you have an interest in ICT and could give me a hand. I am not always the best with technology, as I am sure you are aware, and would appreciate learning something from you for once, rather than the other way around!!! I am sure that some of you owe me by now!
Let me know you thoughts.
Spec. Study NAB
Just wanted to let you know that I have decided to change the date of the Specialist Study NAB from Tuesday 28th November to Tuesday 5th December. You have an extra week to work on it and to speak to me if you need to.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Colons, Semi-Colons and Dashes
A colon usually introduces a quotation a list or an explanation or expansion of the previous statement.
A semi-colon is generally a "finishing" pause, marking the end of a sentence but less firmly than a full stop does. It often comes between two statements which are closely connected, or which balance or contrast one another. it may also be used to seperate a list of phrases.
A single dash can be used to add on an extra piece of information very much as a colon does. it can also be used to indicate a breaking off in a sentence. A series of dashes might be used informally to convey an outpouring of ideas or emotions.
Two dashes can mark off an extra, non-essential piece of information in the middle of a sentence - a technique known as parenthesis.
A semi-colon is generally a "finishing" pause, marking the end of a sentence but less firmly than a full stop does. It often comes between two statements which are closely connected, or which balance or contrast one another. it may also be used to seperate a list of phrases.
A single dash can be used to add on an extra piece of information very much as a colon does. it can also be used to indicate a breaking off in a sentence. A series of dashes might be used informally to convey an outpouring of ideas or emotions.
Two dashes can mark off an extra, non-essential piece of information in the middle of a sentence - a technique known as parenthesis.
Checklist for Tackling Sentence Structure Questions
Think about the following when examining sentence structure questions:
* can you identify the type of sentence: statement, question, exclamation, command, minor sentence?
* does the writer use rhetorical questions?
* how is punctuation used to divide up the sentence?
* do you notice anything about the order of the words: inversion? climax? anti-climax?
* is there an element of balance between different parts of the sentence?
* does the author vary the lengths of his/her sentences?
* is parenthesis used?
* can you identify the type of sentence: statement, question, exclamation, command, minor sentence?
* does the writer use rhetorical questions?
* how is punctuation used to divide up the sentence?
* do you notice anything about the order of the words: inversion? climax? anti-climax?
* is there an element of balance between different parts of the sentence?
* does the author vary the lengths of his/her sentences?
* is parenthesis used?
Sentence Analysis
This is a reminder as I am fed up going over this!!!
Sentence = Subject (who or what the sentence is about) + Predicate (Verb and object)
There are three types of sentence to be aware of:
A simple sentence (one subject and verb) can also be called a main clause.
For example: The girl ran for the bus.
A Compound sentence is made up of more than one main clause joined together with conjunctions.
For example: The girl ran for the bus but she missed it so she was late for work.
A Complex sentence is made up of at least one main clause and one or more subordinate clause. (A subordinate clause is a phrase which when removed from the rest of the sentence makes no sense on its own. It relies onthe main clause.)
For example: Because it needed food for its cubs, the lion killed the zebra.
Here you can see that the first part of the sentence only makes sesnse when the second part is added.
Sentence = Subject (who or what the sentence is about) + Predicate (Verb and object)
There are three types of sentence to be aware of:
A simple sentence (one subject and verb) can also be called a main clause.
For example: The girl ran for the bus.
A Compound sentence is made up of more than one main clause joined together with conjunctions.
For example: The girl ran for the bus but she missed it so she was late for work.
A Complex sentence is made up of at least one main clause and one or more subordinate clause. (A subordinate clause is a phrase which when removed from the rest of the sentence makes no sense on its own. It relies onthe main clause.)
For example: Because it needed food for its cubs, the lion killed the zebra.
Here you can see that the first part of the sentence only makes sesnse when the second part is added.
At last! The post we were all waiting for...
Hey you guys, guess who's got high anxiety? Lol, sorry this is so late, my stupid father's computer wouldn't let me on, this is the first chance I had :( sorry...
lucy xx
‘The Buddha of Suburbia’ - Hanif Kureishi
Specialist Study
‘The Buddha of Suburbia’ is the first novel by Indian writer Hanif Kureishi, which deals with a mixed race protagonist named Karim Amir and his life and relationships. Karim defines himself as having “emerged from two old histories” and he also refers to himself as “an englishman born and bred...almost”. But how does Kureishi use setting and character to show that Karim has an almost undefined personality when he is not in a relationship? To show the difficulties that Karim has in coming to terms with his own identity one can study the plot, setting, and characterisation. Karim has a very mixed up racial identity, calling himself “an englishman born and bred...almost”. His nickname is Creamy, because his mixed parentage of an Indian father and a British mother has left him with a different skin colour to all of his friends and relatives. He is neither Indian or British in his own mind, he is just Karim. His end character is very different to the character he portrays at the start of the novel, this is mainly due to the fact he has grown up and is finally seeing the world as it is, not how it should be. Karim has many sexual encounters with both men and women, starting with the relationship he has with Charlie. Charlie is characterised by Kureishi as a heart breaker, as he neglects Karim, “neither [phoning] since [their] last love making nor [bothering] to turn up.” Charlie’s only goal in life is to become a famous rock star. He succeeds in this and ends up moving to New York with his punk band under the pseudonym Charlie Zero. Charlie often tells Karim what to wear, while his mother tells Karim what to listen to. Karim’s relationship is based upon love on Karim's part and greed on Charlie’s part. Charlie believes deeply in the teachings of Karim’s father Haroon and so to get closer to that power he sleeps with Karim. There is no real care about Charlie. He is willing to let Karim touch his penis, but turns his own face away when Karim goes to kiss him. This may be Charlie trying to compensate as he knows what they are doing is seen as wrong, but he has his eyes shut so perhaps this makes everything all right. And with his eyes shut, it does not have to be Karim making him aroused, it could be anyone. in that way Charlie does what he has to to get where he needs to be, but he does not have to take notice of what is going on.
Karim’s relationship with Eleanor is totally different. Karim feels he is trapped by the ghost of Eleanor’s past lovers and almost wishes he had not embarked in this relationship. Eleanor loves Karim, but you get the feeling this is because he is so different to everything she has known before. She does not love him in the conventional sense, but in her own way.
Karim finally settles on a career about half way through the book, which happens to be as an actor. This is an odd choice as in most Indian families it is seen as a disgrace that ones son or daughter would be an actor/actress. But perhaps Karim felt it was justified as he is not Indian, but Indo-British and also because his father has become so much a character of himself, and also had an affair, that shame has already been brought upon their family and there is nothing to do but make it worse. While working as an actor he is asked to play “ethnic” roles, to fake a broad Indian accent and be authentically Indian, although he has never been to India. His director Shadwell is forever reminding him that he has “been cast for authenticity and not for experience”.
Over all this novel deals with the harder aspects of everyone’s teenage years, while introducing the concept of how to come to terms with sexuality, heritage and personality.
Kureishi suggests it’s ok to make mistakes, so long as we can aknowledge the fact they have been made.
lucy xx
‘The Buddha of Suburbia’ - Hanif Kureishi
Specialist Study
‘The Buddha of Suburbia’ is the first novel by Indian writer Hanif Kureishi, which deals with a mixed race protagonist named Karim Amir and his life and relationships. Karim defines himself as having “emerged from two old histories” and he also refers to himself as “an englishman born and bred...almost”. But how does Kureishi use setting and character to show that Karim has an almost undefined personality when he is not in a relationship? To show the difficulties that Karim has in coming to terms with his own identity one can study the plot, setting, and characterisation. Karim has a very mixed up racial identity, calling himself “an englishman born and bred...almost”. His nickname is Creamy, because his mixed parentage of an Indian father and a British mother has left him with a different skin colour to all of his friends and relatives. He is neither Indian or British in his own mind, he is just Karim. His end character is very different to the character he portrays at the start of the novel, this is mainly due to the fact he has grown up and is finally seeing the world as it is, not how it should be. Karim has many sexual encounters with both men and women, starting with the relationship he has with Charlie. Charlie is characterised by Kureishi as a heart breaker, as he neglects Karim, “neither [phoning] since [their] last love making nor [bothering] to turn up.” Charlie’s only goal in life is to become a famous rock star. He succeeds in this and ends up moving to New York with his punk band under the pseudonym Charlie Zero. Charlie often tells Karim what to wear, while his mother tells Karim what to listen to. Karim’s relationship is based upon love on Karim's part and greed on Charlie’s part. Charlie believes deeply in the teachings of Karim’s father Haroon and so to get closer to that power he sleeps with Karim. There is no real care about Charlie. He is willing to let Karim touch his penis, but turns his own face away when Karim goes to kiss him. This may be Charlie trying to compensate as he knows what they are doing is seen as wrong, but he has his eyes shut so perhaps this makes everything all right. And with his eyes shut, it does not have to be Karim making him aroused, it could be anyone. in that way Charlie does what he has to to get where he needs to be, but he does not have to take notice of what is going on.
Karim’s relationship with Eleanor is totally different. Karim feels he is trapped by the ghost of Eleanor’s past lovers and almost wishes he had not embarked in this relationship. Eleanor loves Karim, but you get the feeling this is because he is so different to everything she has known before. She does not love him in the conventional sense, but in her own way.
Karim finally settles on a career about half way through the book, which happens to be as an actor. This is an odd choice as in most Indian families it is seen as a disgrace that ones son or daughter would be an actor/actress. But perhaps Karim felt it was justified as he is not Indian, but Indo-British and also because his father has become so much a character of himself, and also had an affair, that shame has already been brought upon their family and there is nothing to do but make it worse. While working as an actor he is asked to play “ethnic” roles, to fake a broad Indian accent and be authentically Indian, although he has never been to India. His director Shadwell is forever reminding him that he has “been cast for authenticity and not for experience”.
Over all this novel deals with the harder aspects of everyone’s teenage years, while introducing the concept of how to come to terms with sexuality, heritage and personality.
Kureishi suggests it’s ok to make mistakes, so long as we can aknowledge the fact they have been made.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Scott's Redraft - Sorry It's Very Late
“Complicity” By Iain Banks
Statement of Intent
The novel “Complicity” by Iain Banks has a definite turning point and decisive moment.
This study will describe what happens at this point and will explain why this is so integral to the plot.
This study will refer to the characterisation, setting and plot building up to this moment.
“Complicity” tells the story of Edinburgh journalist, Cameron Colley and the situation he finds himself in, when what he thinks is a lead for a “juicy” article turns out to be part of a plot to frame him for a series of murders. An anonymous informant sends Cameron all over the country on various pretexts and calls him at pay phones with the next piece of information on the supposed “scoop”. The locations are actually the perfect cover for the real serial killer to put Cameron in the right place at the right time to look suspicious. Cameron is actually completely innocent but so much evidence is stacked against him that he is arrested and questioned. He realises that whoever is framing him has access to a lot of information about his present and his past which narrows the field. For example there is a note in his handwriting at one of the murder scenes and many of the victims were featured in an article produced by Cameron that was very much against them and what they stood for. “Introduce a real avenger…Somebody who’ll give people like James Anderton, Judge Jamieson and Sir Toby Bissett a taste of their own medicine” Two more victims are mentioned in this article and it begins to read like a hit list. Cameron wracks his brain and finally realises his childhood friend Andy is behind the murders. The reason Andy is never suspected before is because Banks “tricks” the reader into believing he is dead. This is because a man is described being murdered in Andy’s bed, in Andy’s house and then set on fire. The body is so badly mutilated that it is never identified but he is believed to be dead by both Cameron and the police, thus eliminating him as a suspect. This is the turning point on which this study will focus.
Banks uses two narratives within the novel. A first person narrative is used for Cameron’s side of the story, where he is the narrator. A second person narrative is used for the section describing the gruesome murders taking place, for example “You took the gun out once, reaching under your thin canvas jacket”. This narrative is very unusual and rarely used. The main reason for using it is that it brings the reader closer to the text, almost making the reader a character in the novel. This narrative structure also makes the reader feel guilty because it’s as if they are murdering the people. The second person narrative is what allows the turning point to come so unexpectedly because the reader sees the man murdered in Andy’s bed and as the reader has no idea who the murderer is, automatically assumes Andy is dead. “The hotel is dark and very quiet” “The snooker room is waterlogged”. These two quotes both automatically remind the reader of Andy’s damp and dingey hotel. “You bring the log down with all your might. It hits his head but you don’t hear the noise it makes because you cry out at the same time, as though it’s you in the bed.” The statement “as though it’s you in the bed” is very ironic because it’s supposed to be Andy in the bed. This moment sees the whole book turned round as it now becomes a hunt for Andy, before he strikes again. This keeps the reader in suspense to see if Andy is eventually caught.
The characters are portrayed through their thoughts, dialogue and actions. Cameron has a delusional view of his childhood and sees it as an almost idyllic period of his life. Cameron also has some very contrasting moods.
“I’m tempted to call in at the paper and pick up a copy fresh off the press” His story has made the front cover and he takes great pride in this. “It’s as bad as that television piece you did last year.” This shows his work is not always up to standard and is told to rewrite a piece. This is in contrast with the piece that made the front page as he can’t have taken pride in the article he has to rewrite.
“I dream of Strathspeld, and the long summers of my childhood passed in a trance of lazy pleasure.” He looks back on his childhood as heavenly and idyllic which contradicts the fact that Andy almost died, Andy is sexually assaulted and then preceded to murder his attacker! This is the first sign of Andy’s violent nature.
The setting is integral to the plot because Cameron is in this situation because of his locations at the time of the murders. Banks also uses descriptions to vividly set the scene throughout the book. The fact that the book is set in Scotland, especially Edinburgh, will allow Scottish readers to identify places within the text. “tour of Stockbridge by night looking for a parking place”, readers who know the area can identify with the fact that the streets are always packed with cars and that Cameron has to drive round the whole place to find a space.
“Eddie is sitting on – no; housed within – a throne of a chair, all black carved wood and buttoned red leather” This paints a vivid picture in the reader’s mind that Eddie is sitting in a very grand and imposing chair, to represent his authority as the editor of the newspaper.
“The mountaintops are smothered, black crags violent spattered marks against that blankness.” This describes the snow covered mountains with rock formations poking through as if they have had to fight their way through the snow.
While Cameron is being interrogated by the police he starts to fall apart and even starts to believe it was him who committed the murders. His frantic and distressed state is conveyed thorough repetition of word I. “I thought I was some tough cookie but I was wrong I’m just a dunked digestive baby I’m soft I’m flopping I’m disintegrating”. As this is read it seems to speed up a Cameron becomes more and more stressed. Punctuation marks have been omitted for it to read quicker and without pauses.
The plot is what makes this book so clever and enjoyable. Almost everything that happens has some significance in the case. The reader takes on the role of the detective and is given small clues to the killer’s identity throughout the novel. Allowing the reader to become involved in the text, keeps them interested throughout. It also keeps the reader looking very closely for anything that could help to reveal the murderers identity. One of the biggest clues is when Cameron has a very strange phone conversation with Andy in which Cameron phones him but Andy claims to have phoned Cameron. It turns out that Andy was murdering one of his victims and it was a recorded message that Cameron was talking to, this provided Andy with an alibi. At the end the whole plot links back together and you realise how important all the things that happen are; in relation to finding the killer’s identity.
To conclude, the novel is very unpredictable and this adds to the reader’s enjoyment as you can never be sure which way the plot will turn. Many readers will also enjoy the fact that they can take on the role of detective. Banks is also very clever in the way he ties together the plot in the end. The way Banks “tricks” the reader and turns the plot around, means the reader is kept guessing all the way through the novel.
Statement of Intent
The novel “Complicity” by Iain Banks has a definite turning point and decisive moment.
This study will describe what happens at this point and will explain why this is so integral to the plot.
This study will refer to the characterisation, setting and plot building up to this moment.
“Complicity” tells the story of Edinburgh journalist, Cameron Colley and the situation he finds himself in, when what he thinks is a lead for a “juicy” article turns out to be part of a plot to frame him for a series of murders. An anonymous informant sends Cameron all over the country on various pretexts and calls him at pay phones with the next piece of information on the supposed “scoop”. The locations are actually the perfect cover for the real serial killer to put Cameron in the right place at the right time to look suspicious. Cameron is actually completely innocent but so much evidence is stacked against him that he is arrested and questioned. He realises that whoever is framing him has access to a lot of information about his present and his past which narrows the field. For example there is a note in his handwriting at one of the murder scenes and many of the victims were featured in an article produced by Cameron that was very much against them and what they stood for. “Introduce a real avenger…Somebody who’ll give people like James Anderton, Judge Jamieson and Sir Toby Bissett a taste of their own medicine” Two more victims are mentioned in this article and it begins to read like a hit list. Cameron wracks his brain and finally realises his childhood friend Andy is behind the murders. The reason Andy is never suspected before is because Banks “tricks” the reader into believing he is dead. This is because a man is described being murdered in Andy’s bed, in Andy’s house and then set on fire. The body is so badly mutilated that it is never identified but he is believed to be dead by both Cameron and the police, thus eliminating him as a suspect. This is the turning point on which this study will focus.
Banks uses two narratives within the novel. A first person narrative is used for Cameron’s side of the story, where he is the narrator. A second person narrative is used for the section describing the gruesome murders taking place, for example “You took the gun out once, reaching under your thin canvas jacket”. This narrative is very unusual and rarely used. The main reason for using it is that it brings the reader closer to the text, almost making the reader a character in the novel. This narrative structure also makes the reader feel guilty because it’s as if they are murdering the people. The second person narrative is what allows the turning point to come so unexpectedly because the reader sees the man murdered in Andy’s bed and as the reader has no idea who the murderer is, automatically assumes Andy is dead. “The hotel is dark and very quiet” “The snooker room is waterlogged”. These two quotes both automatically remind the reader of Andy’s damp and dingey hotel. “You bring the log down with all your might. It hits his head but you don’t hear the noise it makes because you cry out at the same time, as though it’s you in the bed.” The statement “as though it’s you in the bed” is very ironic because it’s supposed to be Andy in the bed. This moment sees the whole book turned round as it now becomes a hunt for Andy, before he strikes again. This keeps the reader in suspense to see if Andy is eventually caught.
The characters are portrayed through their thoughts, dialogue and actions. Cameron has a delusional view of his childhood and sees it as an almost idyllic period of his life. Cameron also has some very contrasting moods.
“I’m tempted to call in at the paper and pick up a copy fresh off the press” His story has made the front cover and he takes great pride in this. “It’s as bad as that television piece you did last year.” This shows his work is not always up to standard and is told to rewrite a piece. This is in contrast with the piece that made the front page as he can’t have taken pride in the article he has to rewrite.
“I dream of Strathspeld, and the long summers of my childhood passed in a trance of lazy pleasure.” He looks back on his childhood as heavenly and idyllic which contradicts the fact that Andy almost died, Andy is sexually assaulted and then preceded to murder his attacker! This is the first sign of Andy’s violent nature.
The setting is integral to the plot because Cameron is in this situation because of his locations at the time of the murders. Banks also uses descriptions to vividly set the scene throughout the book. The fact that the book is set in Scotland, especially Edinburgh, will allow Scottish readers to identify places within the text. “tour of Stockbridge by night looking for a parking place”, readers who know the area can identify with the fact that the streets are always packed with cars and that Cameron has to drive round the whole place to find a space.
“Eddie is sitting on – no; housed within – a throne of a chair, all black carved wood and buttoned red leather” This paints a vivid picture in the reader’s mind that Eddie is sitting in a very grand and imposing chair, to represent his authority as the editor of the newspaper.
“The mountaintops are smothered, black crags violent spattered marks against that blankness.” This describes the snow covered mountains with rock formations poking through as if they have had to fight their way through the snow.
While Cameron is being interrogated by the police he starts to fall apart and even starts to believe it was him who committed the murders. His frantic and distressed state is conveyed thorough repetition of word I. “I thought I was some tough cookie but I was wrong I’m just a dunked digestive baby I’m soft I’m flopping I’m disintegrating”. As this is read it seems to speed up a Cameron becomes more and more stressed. Punctuation marks have been omitted for it to read quicker and without pauses.
The plot is what makes this book so clever and enjoyable. Almost everything that happens has some significance in the case. The reader takes on the role of the detective and is given small clues to the killer’s identity throughout the novel. Allowing the reader to become involved in the text, keeps them interested throughout. It also keeps the reader looking very closely for anything that could help to reveal the murderers identity. One of the biggest clues is when Cameron has a very strange phone conversation with Andy in which Cameron phones him but Andy claims to have phoned Cameron. It turns out that Andy was murdering one of his victims and it was a recorded message that Cameron was talking to, this provided Andy with an alibi. At the end the whole plot links back together and you realise how important all the things that happen are; in relation to finding the killer’s identity.
To conclude, the novel is very unpredictable and this adds to the reader’s enjoyment as you can never be sure which way the plot will turn. Many readers will also enjoy the fact that they can take on the role of detective. Banks is also very clever in the way he ties together the plot in the end. The way Banks “tricks” the reader and turns the plot around, means the reader is kept guessing all the way through the novel.
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