The Wonderful World of English
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Macbeth
Comparative Study
Literary Genre
Theme
Cultural Context
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Cultural context: Characterisation
The Road
Limited palette - two main characters and one or two peripheral characters.
Humans wiped out, so smaller number of characters.
Focuses on father and son - explores how this relationship is important.
Even in the darkest of moments, family can be a powerful force for good.
Innocence of child vs. moral ambiguity of father on account of his experiences desire to protect the boy.
Link to NLMG: tests morals of humanity in times of difficulty.
Peripheral characters represent rest of humanity - cruel, evil characters (road agents, cannibals), downtrodden characters (Eli)
Children of Men
Creation of flawed characters to form an accurate, honest picture of the world.
Characters swear and are not always selfless.
Never Let Me Go
Author chooses to focus on the clones rather than the natural borns.
Creates three characters that are complex and incredibly human.
Ruth is flawed, Tommy is vulnerable and Kathy is sympathetic.
Ishiguro deliberately focuses on what the clones have in common with us, what it is that makes them human.
He characterises the natural borns as cruel, inhumane characters.
Even people who are on the clones’ side are uncomfortable around them (e.g. Madame)
Author uses characters to advance the plot, explore key themes and create cultural context.
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