Two passages from Charles Dickens's *Great Expectations* are presented below.

Passage A: "The fog lifted, and the street shone with a cold, metallic gleam; the lamps flickered like distant stars, and the air smelled of damp iron."

Passage B: "She stood at the window, her dress a soft cascade of silk, the sunlight catching the pearls at her throat, and a faint scent of lilac rose from the garden beyond."

Compare how Dickens uses descriptive language in each passage to create atmosphere. Identify one specific linguistic choice in each passage that contributes to the differing atmospheres and explain its effect.

Question

Two passages from Charles Dickens's *Great Expectations* are presented below.

Passage A: "The fog lifted, and the street shone with a cold, metallic gleam; the lamps flickered like distant stars, and the air smelled of damp iron."

Passage B: "She stood at the window, her dress a soft cascade of silk, the sunlight catching the pearls at her throat, and a faint scent of lilac rose from the garden beyond."

Compare how Dickens uses descriptive language in each passage to create atmosphere. Identify one specific linguistic choice in each passage that contributes to the differing atmospheres and explain its effect.

Accepted Answer

Passage A uses harsh, cold diction - e.g., the adjective "metallic" gives the street a sterile, bleak feel. Passage B uses soft, warm diction - e.g., the phrase "soft cascade of silk" creates a gentle, intimate atmosphere. The differing word choices produce a foreboding mood in A and a tranquil, elegant mood in B.

Gce Model Questions Vol1 2024 Literature In English Question 44

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