The general vision and viewpoint of a text can be shaped by the reader’s attitude to a central character.

Compare the extent to which your attitude to a central character helped shape your understanding of the general vision and viewpoint of at least two texts on your comparative course.

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In our studies of different texts, a central character can help shape our view of comprehending the general vision and viewpoint. Through a central character, each text presents us with a new outlook on life. This outlook is created as characters embark on their various journeys through texts, introducing such elements of the text as its vision at its opening, that of relationships and conclusions. (Awkward syntax.) These elements will reveal a general vision and viewpoint of a text which is either bright, dark or a combination of both. (Notelike, put your own stamp on it) The texts I have studied on my comparative course are “Juno” (J) by Jason Reitman, “A Dolls House” (ADH) by Henrick Ibsen and “The Great Gatsby” (GG) written by F.Scott Fitzgerald.

In the opening scene of GG we, the readers(L) are allowed into the mind of the narrator Nick Carraway. He admits (L)from the beginning of the novel (L)that he is not a suitable narrator, as he is prejudiced. This presents a bleak outlook, as it implies that we will receive a biased view of the world from the source we are dependant(M) on for this, which in turn suggests that 1920s New York is similar in nature. (Why? Avoid making a sweeping statement. How is this a bleak outlook? How is it connected to 1920’s New York?) The opening scene of GG allows my attitude towards a central character help shape my understanding of the general vision and viewpoint.(This point has not been proven. You have stated it but there is little support from the text.)

Similarly, ADH presents a dark, bleak opening. In both GG and ADH, the opening scenes of the texts give me a pessimistic view of the world and leave me feeling uncomfortable and unhopeful for what is to come. The main character in ADH, Nora, is first introduced to us. Nora struggles with her traditional role in society, likewise with Nick in GG. He comes from a wealthy background, but doesn’t seem to think that is where he belongs. (Where is this impression given?) While Nora and Nick seem to have the same character traits in the opening of each text, Nora wants to be free of her marriage, she comes to see her position in her marriage with increasing clarity and finds strength to free herself from her oppressive situation. (When is this shown in the opening?) The strength that both Nora and Nick share to let themselves free of their uncomfortable, opening situations allows my vision of a central character shape the general vision and viewpoint.

In comparison, J offers a quirky, bright and light-hearted mood. The main character, Juno is introduced very early on. She is very sarcastic and innocent, compared to the opening of GG where Nick introduces himself as righteous and strong minded. “It started with a chair.” That is the first words spoken in J, in comparison with ADH which begins with Nora worrying about Helmer catching her with macaroons. This comparison shows the maturity of each main character. (Seems unfinished and underdeveloped. What are Nora’s words or Nick’s, how do they illustrate the GVV?)Similarly (What are you comparing?) in GG, Nick introduces the reader to Jay Gatsby, who plays a huge role in shaping my view of the general vision and viewpoint. When introduced to Gatsby, he is reaching out towards a green light, searching for the unknown, similarly in J, Juno doesn’t know what she wants and is still growing, trying to find who she really is.(Draw a conclusion in relation to GVV.) During the opening scene of GG, the protagonist of the novel, Gatsby, is described as a fabulously wealthy man living in a Gothic mansion in West egg. While the author presents readers with a much brighter outlook when Jay Gatsby is introduced, (Explain why?) this is unlike when Helmer, Nora’s husband, is introduced. He treats Nora like a pet and in a patronising manner. Helmer is overly concerned about his emotions to be swayed heavily by the prospect of society’s respect and the fear of society’s scorn. In a similar fashion, in GG, Gatsby allows himself to believe that if he holds lavishing parties every night, that one day the love of his life, Daisy might walk through the door. ( How do these establish GVV)Very early on in all three texts, the openings allow the reader to understand the main characters and allow these characters to shape our general vision and viewpoint.( Do not just state it, it must be proven.)

The element of relationships in ADH cast a dark viewpoint throughout the play. Nora has a childish, dependent relationship with her status-conscious husband. However as the play develops we see Nora develop also(L) by taking control of her responsibilities. At this point, the dynamics in their relationship change and Nora engages in her first mature conversation with her husband in eight years of marriage. When Nora finally stands up for herself, she sees Helmer in a new light. She expects Helmer to take full responsibility but was fearful of the consequences. (M grammar)When Helmer does not sacrifice himself for her, she claims that she can no longer stay in a house with a “complete stranger”. This is a key turning point in ADH, which helped shape my understanding of the general vision and view point.(What did you learn about the GVV?)

Whereas ADH differs from J in that Juno is able to stay optimistic and create a bright viewpoint from an oppressive situation. Juno has many strong relationships. She is a very independent character, unlike Nora who relies on Helmer from the opening of the play. Juno is content in everyday life, however doesn’t want to cause her friends and family any problems. In comparison to ADH where Nora is selfish her actions and doesn’t think about anyone but herself. We see Juno’s relationships in this film to be constructive and this is proven through her parent’s reaction to the news of the pregnancy. They are supportive and console her.(Use textual support) This key moment in J contrasts with the key moment in ADH. Nora’s relationships are proven(Vary L) to be destructive when Helmer is not supportive of her decisions. (How does this link GVV?)

Similarly in GG, Gatsby takes the reader along his hopeful journey of stealing Daisy back. (Jumps)Gatsby has a strong relationship with Nick. As the novel progresses it is possible to see Nick beginning to realise Gatsby’s struggle in life, as he was never able to have a long-lasting relationship with his love Daisy. This creates a dark outlook as it reinforces Jay’s tragedy that he quests on(Awkward syntax) to reunite with his love when this is obviously an impossibility. This stands in marked contrast to J, where Juno has many long-lasting relationships, including friends and family, whereas ADH, Nora fails to keep her eight year relationship with her husband afloat. All the relationships spoken about above helped shape my understanding of the general vision and viewpoint. (How have they done this? More than a statement is needed.)

The conclusion of J is overwhelming and optimistic. It creates a sense of happiness that is not evident in either of ADH or GG. Juno has developed and matured throughout the film. (How is this shown?) There is a sense of redemption at the end as friendships endure. There is a sense of justice as complications are resolved. (Proof needed.)

However, in comparison, GG ending is pessimistic. The close of the novel bleakly indicates that the American Dream is not possible, which contrasts in J as even a sixteen year old can find the positive outlook in life. None of the main characters remain in New York in GG. Gatsby’s desire to reunite with Daisy is exposed as a fantastic whim rather than a possibility. Whereas in J, Juno reunites with Bleaker (father of the baby), and has an optimistic conclusion. ( Remember question- your attitude to a central character shapes GVV.)

In a similar fashion, ADH is both pessimistic for society but optimistic for Nora as she follows through with what she thinks is right, we are given a realistic insight into Nora’s life. Similarly in GG, our narrator Nick, brings the reader to the very end of his story. The plot of ADH focuses on failure and suffering. The author’s view is bitter and cynical. The vision and viewpoint of all three texts I have spoken about are evident from the beginning right through to the end. (Notelike and rushed.)

To conclude, I strongly agree that the general vision and viewpoint of the text is shaped by the reader’s attitude towards central characters. Each text used characterisation to great effect by creating characters I loved and admired. (This needs to be made clearer throughout the answer.) These attitudes certainly impacted my analysis of each writer’s general vision and viewpoint.

21-P 13

21-C 11

21-L13

7-M 7      

44/70

You know your texts but do need to use them in more detail. You are able to compare in the answer. All your comparisons need to be in the light of the question: our intro to Nora, Jay and Juno, how they shape the GVV? Nora, Jay and Juno in relationships and how this influences the GVV? The actions/impression of Nora, Jay and Juno at the end of the text and how it shaped GVV? I was left to do a lot of the work. You need to develop all your points fully.