Eden Rock (P)

Question 1

Exposition

”They are waiting for me somewhere beyond Eden Rock”

Answer 1

A01:
Causley is talking about his parents waiting for him beyond the veil of life

A02:
Expectant verb “waiting” creates a vivid scene
Biblical reference of “Eden” connotes a more religious setting and the possibility of heaven

A03
The writer may want to explore the differences between life and death

Question 2

Mid-point

” The sky whitens as if hit by three suns”

Answer 2

A01
The scene becomes brighter and filled with light

A02
Symbolic light imagery “three suns” emphasises brightness and purity
Brightening verb “whitens” portrays a heavenly scene or otherworldly setting

A03
Themes of religious settings and idyllic spaces

Question 3

Denouement
” Crossing is not as hard as you might think “

Answer 3

A01
The parents call to their son and persuade him to cross to the other side

A02
Simple unambiguous Lexis creates an unarguable truth and convincing tone
Lengthened metaphor “crossing” connotes the possibility of an afterlife and heaven that the parents have died and are calling him into death’s embrace

A03
May want to explain the simple process of death and the afterlife