127 Hours

Question 1

What type of text is ‘127 Hours’

Answer 1

an autobiography

Question 2

what is the purpose of the text ‘127 Hours’

Answer 2

to explore the thrills and, ultimately the dangers of the outdoors and unforgiving power of nature.
also used as a deterrent to other extremists to emphasise how vulnerable solo acts can be.

Question 3

what tone is used in the text ‘127 Hours’

Answer 3

an initial confident tone and a sense of immediacy contrasted to a panicked and anxious tone of concern when confronted with the situation
this is also emphasises by the first person perspective

Question 4

what are the key themes and ideas in the text ‘127 Hours’

Answer 4

• sense of vulnerability and danger as the speaker is isolated and alone
• prior knowledge is no guarantee
• hopelessness and despair when he is isolated at the end

Question 5

highlight some structural points in the text ‘127 Hours’

Answer 5

Cyclical structure – begins and ends with a short, declarative sentence to stress tension and panic.
contrast in sense of control - at the beginning he is in total control but this is the opposite at the end.
juxtaposition between mental and physical pain - first few paragraphs shows physical pain where as the last paragraph is largely mental struggles

Question 6

highlight some language points in the text ‘127 Hours’

Answer 6

short opening sentence - assertive and engaging
specific vocabulary from the same somatic field of climbing provides a detailed address and shows his intelligence and experience.
use of adverbs to create tension - ‘slightly’, ‘instantly’ and ‘instinctively’
Use of ellipsis to heighten tension – line 49 – ‘and I cry out…’
Multi-clause sentences – Line 53-54 – creates dramatic tension by emphasising Ralston’s panic and loss of control