Analysing Fiction - Sample answer â version three
How does the writer use language to create interest for the reader in this opening to The Picture of Dorian Gray? (10 marks)
Wildeâs language choices create an intoxicating sense of luxury and decadence, especially those words in the opening sentences which engage the readerâs senses: ârich odourâŠheavy scentâŠdelicate perfumeâŠâ. The repetition of âhoneyâ in the compound adjectives âhoney-sweet and honey-colouredâŠâ introduce a multi-sensory description that immerses the reader in the setting. The subtle use of alliteration adds to the sensual feel of the setting: ââŠfantastic shadows of birds in flight flitted acrossâŠâ. The verb âflittedâ has connotations of being insubstantial, as does the word âtremulousâ: the reader is presented with the impression of shallow beauty. The alliteration of âbear the burden of a beautyâŠâ seems to further develop this sense of a beauty that seems weary.
The reader is intrigued by this aristocratic reclining figure; we are given no details about his appearance, it is as if the writer wants the setting to reveal his character. The verb choices like âshoulderingâ and âcirclingâ reinforce a sense of restlessness, but there is also a more negative undercurrent that interests the reader: ââŠsullenâŠmonotonous⊠stragglingâŠoppressiveâŠâ. These word choices create an unsettled atmosphere, despite the richness and luxury of the setting. The final short sentence seems to deflate the mood further, contrasting the multi-clause sentence describing the studio and garden with the âdim roarâ of the city. The language choices imply that this character is restless, despite the beauty and richness of his surroundings.
Feedback - even better
- Each point is supported by an embedded quotation and developed with reference to other details.
- It uses technical vocabulary like "alliterationA sound feature; the repetition of the same sounds (mainly consonants) usually at the beginning of words.", "multi-clause sentence A sentence with more than two clauses.", "compound adjectiveA single adjective made from two words, usually with the use of a hyphen." and "connotationAn idea or image which is suggested by a word, which is not its dictionary meaning, eg the connotation of 'desk' might be school." to explain how effects are created, and it weaves these terms into the argument, rather than stating "this is a simileA comparison using 'like' or 'as' to create a vivid image, eg as big as a whale; float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.".
- The effect on the reader is explored implicit When something is not directly stated. Meanings and ideas could be suggested through writers' methods., signalled by words like "intrigued" and "deflate the mood".
- The points are not based around the techniques, but around the effects, which creates a more sophisticated analysis.