English Literature (Absence - Pg26) 2024

Question 1

“Yes, why?”
[POINT]

Answer 1

Point: (technique) The playwrights uses language.

Question 2

“Yes, why?”
[EVIDENCE]

Answer 2

Evidence: (quote) “Yes, why?”

Question 3

“Yes, why?”
[ELABORATION]

Answer 3

Elaboration: (unpack words/phrases) The use of short sentence structures in Mother’s monosyllabic responses in “Yes.” and “Why?” shows that Mother wanted to keep their conversations at a minimum. The “.” After “Yes” emphasises her indifference towards Son.

Question 4

“Yes, why?”
[LINK]

Answer 4

Link: (close up) Thus, the playwright uses language.

Question 5

“Son winces.”
[POINT]

Answer 5

Point: (technique) The playwright uses stage directions.

Question 6

“Son winces.”
[EVIDENCE]

Answer 6

Evidence: (quote) “Son winces.”

Question 7

“Son winces.”
[EXPLANATION]

Answer 7

Explanation: (reasoning) Son knows Mother is implying that Mervin is better than him when she said she was giving Mervin Father’s stuff, and was somewhat hurt.

Question 8

“Son winces.”
[ELABORATION]

Answer 8

Elaboration: (unpack words/phrases) The word “winces” shows that Son is hurt. He has been told that Mervin was the most filial with regularity and it hurts, especially as he tried to gain Mother’s approval.

Question 9

“Son winces.”
[LINK]

Answer 9

Link: (close up) Thus, the playwright uses stage directions.

Question 10

“I have never, ever been good enough for you, Mother”
[POINT]

Answer 10

Point: (language) The playwright uses language.

Question 11

“I have never, ever been good enough for you, Mother”
[EVIDENCE]

Answer 11

Evidence: (quote) “I have never, ever been good enough for you, Mother”

Question 12

“I have never, ever been good enough for you, Mother”
[EXPLANATION]

Answer 12

Explanation: (reasoning) Son has a lot of self-doubt about his ability to please Mother. This is most likely a result of the distant relationship he had with her during his childhood which made him develop the belief that he was not good enough for her.

Question 13

“I have never, ever been good enough for you, Mother”
[ELABORATION]

Answer 13

Elaboration: (unpack words/phrases) The phrase “never, ever been good enough for you” shows the emotions Son is trying to convey, allowing the audience to relate with Son. Son wants to make his parental figure proud, but goes unnoticed by Mother’s unappreciative behaviour. Hence, making the atmosphere tensed.

Question 14

“I have never, ever been good enough for you, Mother”
[LINK]

Answer 14

Link: (close up) Thus, the playwright uses language.

Question 15

“It’s only that I promised Father I will look after you for the rest of your life!”
[POINT]

Answer 15

Point: (technique) The playwright uses language.

Question 16

“It’s only that I promised Father I will look after you for the rest of your life!”
[EVIDENCE]

Answer 16

Evidence: (quote) “It’s only that I promised Father I will look after you for the rest of your life!”

Question 17

“It’s only that I promised Father I will look after you for the rest of your life!”
[ELABORATION]

Answer 17

Elaboration: (unpack words/phrases) The phrase “only that I promised Father” and “rest of your life!” shows that Son admits that the only reason he has been taking care of her was not because of his own will, but because of the agreement he had with Father. This highlights his respect for Father that he put Father’s wishes before his own. Moreover, the “!” after “life” shows Son’s rage and emotions when he admits.

Question 18

“It’s only that I promised Father I will look after you for the rest of your life!”
[LINK]

Answer 18

Link: (close up) Thus, playwright uses language.

Question 19

“Son continues to eat. Long silence.”
[POINT]

Answer 19

Point: (technique) The playwright uses stage directions.

Question 20

“Son continues to eat. Long silence.”
[EVIDENCE]

Answer 20

Evidence: (quote) “Son continues to eat. Long silence.”

Question 21

“Son continues to eat. Long silence.”
[EXPLANATION]

Answer 21

Son brought down the fourth wall at the opening, with him addressing the audience, making the audience more involved. When everything is tensed, the audience is further dragged into the situation as they watch Son eat.

Question 22

“Son continues to eat. Long silence.”
[ELABORATION]

Answer 22

Elaboration: (unpack words/phrases) The words “long silence” reflects the rising tension. Despite Mother harshly telling Son that she does not need him, Son did not leave and stayed on with her in an awkward silence. This scene thus makes it very uncomfortable for the audience as they find themselves listening to a very person argument.

Question 23

“Son continues to eat. Long silence.”
[LINK]

Answer 23

Link: (close up) Thus, the playwright uses stage directions.

Question 24

“Silent, agitated sewing while lights dim”
[POINT]

Answer 24

Point: (technique) The playwright uses stage direction.

Question 25

“Silent, agitated sewing while lights dim”
[EVIDENCE]

Answer 25

Evidence: (quote) “Silent, agitated sewing while lights dim”

Question 26

“Silent, agitated sewing while lights dim”
[ELABORATION 1]

Answer 26

Elaboration: (unpack words/phrases) The word “silent” reflects the rising tension. This highlights how love is met with silence, from the start of the play.

Question 27

“Silent, agitated sewing while lights dim”
[ELABORATION 2]

Answer 27

Elaboration: (unpack words/phrases) Moreover, the word “agitated” also uses diction through gestural semiotic mode of pace of action through stage directions. This shows that Mother is distressed and seems more focused on mending a shirt for Mervin than mending her relationship with Son, which is especially impactful because of the scene ending like this.

Question 28

“Silent, agitated sewing while lights dim”
[LINK]

Answer 28

Link: (close up) Thus, the playwright uses stage directions.