The Vandals
-1‘Answers to question on prose fiction should address relevantly the central concern(s)/theme(s) of the text and be supported by reference to appropriate techniques of prose fiction such as: Characterisation, setting, key incident(s), narrative technique, symbolism, structure, climax, plot, atmosphere, dialogue, imagery.
Choose a novel or short story with a central character you consider to be heroic, Show how the heroic qualities are revealed and discuss how this portrayal of the character enhances your understanding of the text as a whole.
ANSWER:
Many complaints recently have revolved around the strong targeting the weak. In Alan Bolds short story ‘The Vandals’ we hear the story of Gordon Miller. A retired Civil Servant whom is a quiet gentle man. He could have been considered heroic when he stood up to a ground of youths - The Vandals of the story. Bold uses numerous techniques such as setting, imagery and foreshadowing to highlight Gordon Millers transition from hero to villain.
The Vandals by Alan Bold is set in a small fictional Scottish town called Marshend. Gordon Miller moves into a small cottage here looking for peace and quiet. This is soon disrupted by a local group of youths who call him names and vandalise his property. After trying to confront these youths to reason with them he soon realises that he is trying to reason with people who know no limits, he soon takes things into his own hands.
In the opening of the story Bold refers to the Roman invasion of Marshend and to the Roman General Agricola. However the Roman’s failed to completely conquer Marshend. From the beginning of the story Bold juxtaposes Miller against the Romans. Bold does this by giving the imagery of Miller being the Inhabitants of Marshend and the vandals being the Roman army. First Miller tries to reason with the vandals, however after multiple reoccurring attacks on his house Miller declares what would be classed as war on the vandals.
Through numerous applications
Choose a novel or short story with a central character you consider to be heroic, Show how the heroic qualities are revealed and discuss how this portrayal of the character enhances your understanding of the text as a whole.
ANSWER:
Many complaints recently have revolved around the strong targeting the weak. In Alan Bolds short story ‘The Vandals’ we hear the story of Gordon Miller. A retired Civil Servant whom is a quiet gentle man. He could have been considered heroic when he stood up to a ground of youths - The Vandals of the story. Bold uses numerous techniques such as setting, imagery and foreshadowing to highlight Gordon Millers transition from hero to villain.
The Vandals by Alan Bold is set in a small fictional Scottish town called Marshend. Gordon Miller moves into a small cottage here looking for peace and quiet. This is soon disrupted by a local group of youths who call him names and vandalise his property. After trying to confront these youths to reason with them he soon realises that he is trying to reason with people who know no limits, he soon takes things into his own hands.
In the opening of the story Bold refers to the Roman invasion of Marshend and to the Roman General Agricola. However the Roman’s failed to completely conquer Marshend. From the beginning of the story Bold juxtaposes Miller against the Romans. Bold does this by giving the imagery of Miller being the Inhabitants of Marshend and the vandals being the Roman army. First Miller tries to reason with the vandals, however after multiple reoccurring attacks on his house Miller declares what would be classed as war on the vandals.
Through numerous applications