What you should be aiming for:Heroes/ Language analysis:

In the extract, Larry is presented as a strong character through the absence of adjectives and focus on verbs. As a result, when describing Larry, Francis focuses on his actions. His power is

demonstrated by the fact that he is a man of action. Moreover, the quality of the verbs “swung”, “hit”, “led” convey strength. In the opening therefore, Larry is presented as active

whilst others are passive.

In the extract, the Larry is presented as a strong character. We can see this through the repetitive use of pronouns “he”, reflecting Francis’ fixation on what Larry was doing. By

repeatedly starting sentences with “he”, it creates a list-like format, emphasising now only the wide variety of what Larry is and does but also Francis’ fixation; Larry has a hold over him already. At this point in the story therefore, Cormier presents the depth of Larry’s strength

without obviously dominating people.

Of Mice and Men:In Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck uses characters’ ambitions or dreams as a way of presenting the unfair disadvantages of the working class in America and thus, the fact that the American Dream is a fiction. This can be seen in the use of Crooks’ ambitions;“A guy sets alone out here at night, maybe readin’ books or thinkin’ or stuff like that. Sometimes he gets thinkin’, an’ he got nothing to tell him what’s so an’ what ain’t so”Crooks never says his desires directly, as Steinbeck leaves the reader to see for themselves his evident desire for an education (reflected in his possessions around the room) and real companionship. Moreover, Crooks’ bent back could also represent his repression by society as a black man. This could link to Steinbeck’s message that all characters’ desires hinge on a fundamental desire to be respected and dignified amongst others, represented in the different dreams that they have. This links back as the fact that these characters never achieve their dreams nor are there any positive steps towards them in their novel is a message from Steinbeck that the American Dream is nothing without equality and respect in society.

Cont

ext F

ocus Point Evidence Explain Emphasis Hypothesis Link

An extra piece of evidence is…

Something that undermines this is…

Steinbeck could be sending the

message that/ prompting us to

think about…

Here, the author

intends…

This is reinforced/ undermined

by…

This demonstrates

how…

We can see this through the use

of…

The character

of X is presented

…

1:

2:

3:

1:

2:

3:

4:

Adjectives Verbs Pronoun AdverbPassive/ Active Voice

Modal Verb