I’m really struggling with the unfamiliar. It’s probably my weakest paper out of the three, so any help would be appreciated.
**When cashiers open up a new checkout lanes at the grocery store **
Explain how the writer’s attitude changes towards the whole shopping experience. You might consider:
How the writer feels about himself
How the writer feels about other shoppers
In this non-fiction text, it tells the story of the author’s experience of how opening a new checkout lane at the grocery store had a big impact on his life and those around him. The writer’s attitude changes from having a negative outlook on himself and the shopping experience to a positive one.
The adjectives “I am a slow, indecisive mess” shows the readers that the writer is not one who knows what they are buying from the get-go and likes to take their time to browse. Although he wants to change and act differently so he does not become a hindrance to others, he can’t because that quality is a part of him. This is further reinforced through the metaphor “metal crisscrossed castle knight” as the writer describes himself with the shopping cart. Through this use of metaphor, the readers are able to understand that he sees himself as an obstacle and a burden to others, which he feels “guilty” about.
This negative attitude changes when the checkout lane is opened. Through the use of symbolism “bright warm glow” to represent the mood, we are able to understand that the writer and those around him are happier. This is because he doesn’t have to feel “guilty” about holding up the line anymore. This is further reinforced through the use of listing “complete with buzzing chatter, a few laughs…” Through this technique, it shows the positive impact on not only the writer but those around him. Now he, and those around him, don’t have to stress out and can act leisurely. The interjection and use of punctuation in “Awesome!” shows the readers that he now finds his shopping experience enjoyable because he is now free from the guilt of holding up the line.
Through this non-fiction, the author’s purpose is to show us the immense and positive impact a small change can have on us and those around, in this case, the opening of a checkout lane. The change does not have to be bold or large to make a difference. The author also teaches us to appreciate the small things and changes in life, not just the large ones.
**It was over before it began **
Explain how this and or language features help you to understand the highs and lows throughout the text. You might consider:
The writer’s feelings about this trip
Other’s people’s perspectives of the road trip
The expectation and reality of the road trip
In this prose text, it tells the story of the author’s journey and how “it was over before it began.” The author helps us understand the highs and lows through language features and the trip.
The author uses the repetition of the adjective “epic” to describe their journey. For example, “epic mission” and “epic road trip.” Through this technique, it shows the readers that the writer is elated, very happy and has high expectations for this trip. As a reader, we too, can’t help but be excited. This is further reinforced through the use of listing “thermos flask, Christmas presents…” This is to show us that this journey of theirs is a planned and long-awaited trip, which is why it must be exciting for the family. Moreover, through the adverb “reassuringly,” as his dad pats his stepmom shows us that she is hesitant and anxious about this trip because she does not want this trip to be ruined, but nonetheless excited.
The low can be shown when “smoke pours from the poo coloured bonnet.” The words “smoke pours” entails that their journey has come to a complete end and a total bust. They are saddened by this realisation, especially the dad as we see him “deflated.” They probably planned for this trip for a very long time and had high expectations. Through the use of an adjective to describe his dad, it shows the readers how disappointed he is and that the high at the start of the trip is now all gone. To see this trip crumble into pieces, as the readers, we sympathise for the family because we all know what it feels like to have high expectations for a trip and seeing it not go as planned is devastating.
However, even though their trip is ruined they still manage to try to “laugh” and make a joke from the terrible experience and move on. This shows the reader that the writer can make the best out of the worst times. Here, the author imparts part of his purpose: the importance of making the best out of tough times. We can’t control how certain events turn out, however we can control we can control our actions and the way we handle things when it doesn’t go as planned. It is important that we do this, so we do not get caught up in the past and are able to enjoy the present without any worries or regrets.
**Kitchen Stool **
How does the poet’s relationship with the stool develop throughout the poem?
Support your answer with quotes from the text that show how the stool becomes more than just a piece of furniture.
In the poetry text, the author tells us her experience and relationship with his stool. The author’s relationship with the tool changes from a practical one - a tool, which enables her to do her chores- to one that enables her to form connections with others and connect with her emotions.
An example of this initial relationship will the stool can be seen through the verb “move” in the first stanza, where she says “[she] can move it around.” Through this verb it shows us the readers that the writer doesn’t really hold any special regard or attachment to this stool. She only sees it as a piece of furniture that helps her in her everyday life and is there when she needs it. This is further reinforced through the placement of the stool next to “the bench with the scrap bucket on it.” This shows the readers that she doesn’t see it special enough to place it close to her. She places it near a place of insignificance, the “rubbish.”
However, this changes when she uses the tool to relax “if [she] is feeling pensive or very tired.” Here, the readers are able to understand that this stool helps her to relax and get rid of the stress by enabling her to explore and escape from reality “as she looks out the kitchen window.” Additionally, the stool now can be used to connect with others and her family. This can be shown when she says “if someone wants to talk to me while making tea, it comes in handy.” This shows the readers that the stool acts as a device for her to form relationships with others and bring them closer together. This is further reinforced through the alliteration “my mother.” This stool enables her to connect with her mother and also her grandmother, because the stool was previously theirs. In a way, the stool enables them to be there with the writer, even though they are not. Now, she has found a new strong attachment to this stool.
Through this prose, the author teaches us to find value in simple objects, in this case, the stool. It is hard to find value in simple things such as furniture, but once we gain an appreciation for them, we gain a better understanding of its immense importance on our lives. It not only helps us in our day-to-day lives but also emotionally and socially.