English Literature Paper 1 Revision: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Drama or Prose
The Woman in Black
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What you need to know...
In the exam you will have a choice of two questions on the Woman in Black. These questions will be based around one of the following: • Setting • Character • Themes or ideas
You must answer ONE question, NOT BOTH! Contents page
Context
Chapter summaries
Plot and Structure
Characters
Key themes
Exam practice: How to tackle the exam
Exemplar questions and responses - sample essays
Revision tasks - chapter and whole text questions
Practice essay questions Context Context means the circumstances in which the play is written: Context falls into 3 categories: - Social context - what society was like at the type; social behaviour and laws Historical - the time period the text was set in; key events and periods of time Literary - the genre of the text; key conventions of the genre
The woman in Black's context is important to the understanding of the play; it is written in the form of a traditional ghost story that runs from the late 19th Century into first half of 20th Century, reflecting on the roles of women and borrowing conventions from a number of founding texts of the Gothic genre.
You need to be able to reflect on the text from two different perspectives, comparing the social/histon'cal context with modem times!
A03: Show understanding of the relationship between texts and the contexts in which they Nvere written. B S£M.SSSS^S^^3E.l:&
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'",'<'»»• vvf What do you remember about Woman in Block Context?
Victorian England/ Industrial Revolution
Oppression of women
North and South divide Conventions of a ghost story
Gothic Genre
^ .^M:: V»S^^^^^,^ Want to know more. ^ ^,,:^f •ull': Google Mr Bryff 'Woman in Black and the 6othic ©enre' on youtube. Add to your notes ^ on how the text links into the genre ^-.1 8 https://youtu.be/JxUAZdOcj58?list=PLqGFsWf-P-c/\QEe2UGgrUMo|yg49gw|Pa, '^' ^ii2:?illS@:i;:;ii!i?IMBB In her introduction of The Woman in Black, Hi!!s calls Charles Dickens her 'greatest literary hero'. Charles Dickens shifted the Gothic to a more modern period and an urban setting, including Oliver Twist (1837-8), Bleak House (1854) (Mighall 2003) and Great Expectations (1860-61), introducing the London setting, the urban fog and the juxtaposed upper and lower class system. How does Woman in Black fit in?
Full length ghost story - unusual as ghost stories are normally in short story or novella form (see /4 Christmas Carol by Charles thickens. Susan Hill played a part in dramatized version) Inspiration came from Turn of the Screw (1898, Henry James) bamaging effect of society - Jennet Humfrye only becomes a threat to others when she is forced to give up her son for adoption (links to Frankenstein) Passion and desire for revenge - hatred survives beyond death, manifests into a physical form of violent rage (links to Wuthering Heights) Preoccupation with the past/ setting - Eel Marsh House/ abbey; physical isolation of setting (links to Dracula, Great Expectations) Isolated, forbidding setting of North/ Urban superiority of South - main action takes place on East Coast; isolated village and house (links to Bronte novels); Kipps's derives from London - home of industrial revolution (links to Jekyll and Hyde, Dracula, Frankenstein, Portrait of Dorian Grey) Chapter 1 lists of typical gothic conventions in the children's ghost stories - 'secret dungeons', 'vampires and bloodhounds'. Use of Fog and Urban Setting - used often by Charles Sickens; reflecting on time period. Framed narrative - Kipps passing on his story (links to Frankenstein and Oracula Revie^
Test yourself on what you have learned 1) What are the three types of context you need to know about?
2) What are the two time periods the text is set in?
3) Why was isolation a problem of the time?
4) How were women treated in middle of 19th century?
5) How was the country divided during the time? Why?
6) Which texts inspired Susan Hill to write Woman in Black?
7) What are some of the key themes of the gothic that appear in the Woman in Black?
8) How does the narrative structure tie in with the Gothic? Chapter Summaries - what happens? Chapter 1: Christmas Eve
Chapter 2: A London Particular
Chapter 3: The Journey North
Chapter 4: The Funeral of Mrs Drablow
Chapter 5: Across the Causeway
Chapter 6: Sound of a Pony and Trap Chapter 7: Mr Jerome is afraid
Chapter 8: Spider
Chapter 9: In the Nursery
Chapter 10: Whistle and I'll come to you
Chapter 11: A packet of letters
Chapter 12: The Woman in Black Plot and Structure
Framing The novel is 'framed' - Chapter 1 is devoted to setting up the outer frame of the story that Kipps goes on to tell in Chapter 2. We do not revisit Kipps second family, or Monk's Piece Kipps reminds us of the framing technique throughout; "My story is almost done" and "They asked for my story. I have told it. Enough." The story is not chronological - Chapter 1 set approx. 30 years after main story (see timeline below): g@"^ Chapter issf'.-K Timing 1. Christmas Eve Christmas Eve sometime in the 1930's 2. A London Particular Sometime between 1900 and 1914
3. The Journey North Monday 4. The Funeral of Alice Tuesday brablow 5. Across the Causeway Tuesday Afternoon
6. The Sound of a Pony and Tuesday Evening Trap 7. Mr Jerome is afraid 2.a.m Wednesday morning
8. Spider Wednesday evening 9. In the Nursery Thursday 10. Whistle and I'll Come Thursday and the early hours of to You Friday morning 11. A Packet of Letters Flashback to sometime in 1850's/ Friday - six weeks later 12. The Woman in Black 1914 - 1930's
Basic structure of the novel The structure can be seen as almost CIRCULAR - ends back where it began. The point of writin9 the NARRATIVE is as an escape from his terrors once and for all. Narration FIRST- PERSON NARATCVE - makes the story vivid; descriptions of intense fear Kipps as the OMNISCIENT NARRATOR interrupts the sequence of events to comment on the action. Allows Hill to build mystery and suspense - this happens at various times, - Kipps makes sense of his feelings using HINDSIGHT. "Had I known that my untroubled night of good sleep was to be the last such that I was to enjoy for so many terrifying, racked and weary nights to come..." Pieces together story in form of a DETECTEVE story. Hill uses the older, established Kipps to comment on his younger self - establishes his character and voices views. Technique used often by Charles Dickens - creates a sense of FOREBODING.
Plotting Chapter 2 allows pace to build, along with TENSION and SUSPENSE built up and relaxed throughout Follows typical NARRATCVE STRUCTURE of most novels of the time:
Story Structure
y= tension Climax Rising Action Conflict Crises
Exposition Denouement opening scene
x= time
Beginning Middle End
Linear narrative - the most common form of narration, where events are largely portrayed in a chronological order that is, telling the events in the order in which they occurred. FLASHBACKS are a part of this. Exposition - introduces important background information to the audience; for example, information about the setting, events occurring before the main plot, characters' back stories Rising action - series of events build toward the point of greatest interest (CLIMAX) Climax - the turning point, which changes the protagonist's fate. Falling Action - the conflict between the protagonist and the antagonist unravels, with the protagonist winning or losing against the antagonist Denouement - comprises events from the end of the falling action to the actual ending scene of the drama or narrative. Conflicts are resolved, creating normality for the characters and a sense of catharsis, or release of tension and anxiety, for the reader.
Question... Why do you think Hill uses a 'framing' technique rather than just beginning with Chapter 2? What is the effectiveness of this technique? 1 \ Characten'sation: Arthur Kipps Kipps is in his late fifties or early sixties at beginning Decides that in the New Year he will write his own personal ghost story. The chapters that follow tell this story. Kipps enters the narrative again briefly at the end to say his tale is complete. He is the narrator, so everything is seen from his point of view - First person narrative. Older Kipps - man with experience of the world, remembering the events of 30 years before and what it felt like to be a young, optimistic sceptic who learned the hard way about evil in the world. Storyteller uses hindsight and interprets the past events as a mature person - critical of his na'fve, younger self. Slightly humorous adult voice that says, for example, 'Having, in my youthful and priggish way, summed up and all but dismissed him,' (the older Kipps commenting on his behaviour when he first encounters Samuel Daily, p. 36). Sensitive young man - in love with his fiancee; pities a dead woman because there were no mourners at her funeral. '...all I can say is that it's a sad thing when someone lives for eighty-seven years and can't count upon a few friendly faces to gather together at their funeral!' (p. 38). Again, in Chapter 4, The Funeral of Mrs Drablow, on seeing the woman in black for the first time, he comments IH/e//, I thought, there is someone who cares, after all,...' (p. 50). Religious in a similar way to many young people who haven't had their faith tested; live by Christian moral teachings but don't seriously think about their faith - assume what they hear in church to be true. '...I hac/ f^ou/ic/ the Deity rather remote and my prayers were not anything but formal and dutiful (p. 151). Comments on his own loss of innocence. Once he encounters the battle of good versus evil, his prayers take on a 'newly awakened zeal'. Privileged young man from the upper-middle-class sector of society - had a nursery and a nursemaid. Intelligent; well educated - makes assumptions that he will be promoted within his firm, marry the girl he loves and have children; never encountered hardship, grief or serious upset before coming into contact with the woman in black. Affectionate - When he learns of the woman in black's vengeful mission, he is charitable in his understanding while realising her actions cannot be excused or forgiven. Clearly adores his young son - proud to observe him and his mother on their ride through the avenue of horse-chestnut trees in the London park; makes the reader sympathetic to his predicament. Describes himself as a young man as a sturdy, commonsensical fellow'- 35; widower for 12 years - prone to occasional nervous illnesses; experiences had a profound effect on him. 'I did not believe in ghosts' - Keckwick comes to collect him, admits that he occurrences are'...unreal, ghostly, things that were dead' Kipps' resolve to leave Crythin Gifford is reversed when he encounters Jerome's fear - reacts with bravado/ determination to face fears with ignorance. Daily knows; tries to dissuade him from returning - lends Kipps Spider for protection. Trusts Daily; admires his qualities of ambition and common sense. Old Kipps - contented, family man; although his moods and spirits are stron9ly affected by the weather, believes that he has recovered from his ordeal. State of mind is fragile - takes only telling of ghost stories to create fear. Do not discover whether telling story has helped.
Revise
1 List three examples of Kipps' adult voice describing his youthful activities, attitudes and memories.
2 Make a 'characterisation' spider diagram. Write the word 'Kipps' in the middle and add quotations around the outside to describe his character. Include what he says, does and thinks and what others say about, or to, him. Here are some examples: • 'For I must confess I had the Londoner's sense of superiority in those days.,.' (p.42) • 'I shook my head. "I won't run away.'" (p. 99) • 'You're a fool if you go on with it.' (p. 98)
3 You learn about Kipps' personality, attitude and character in various ways. Find examples of these to complete the following table. Write several examples in each box. Kipps' personality Examples What he says about himself 'I did not believe in ghosts' (p. 67)
What he says about others
What he says he felt Kipps* personality Examples
What he says he does
What he thinks about
What happens to him
What he sees happening to others
What he has learnt in the past
How does Susan Hill make Kipps an interesting and believable character? On a separate sheet of paper, write a 600-word essay to answer this question. Use the table that you completed for Activity 3 and arrange your essay in seven paragraphs as follows: introduction his adult sense of fear • the childish things that he does, such as ignoring advice and deciding to stay alone exploring Eel Marsh House and working on Alice brablow's papers his closeness to Stella • his uncomplicated, youthful attitude to religion and to the supernatural • his anger with the inhabitants of Crythin Gifford • his determination to tell his story Characterisation: Samuel baily Daily meets Kipps on train journey to Crythin Gifford; early introduction sug9ests that his role in the story is a significant one. "a big man, with a beefy face and huge, raw- looking hands"- study character matches his appearance. Kipps described as a youthful archetype of literature — similar to heroes in ancient epics. He is the innocent traveller abroad, unaware of the dangers he faces in foreign parts (link to gothic genre). Samuel L>aily fulfils role of the wise man - guides, protects and interprets the omens for the young hero. Good judge of character, sees through Kipps' attempts to make light of situation; "whistling in the dark." Speaks to Kipps in an "avuncular" way. Daily knows a lot more about Alice brablow than prepared to disclose. Samuel Daily invites Kipps to dinner; offers to lend him Spider - act of pure generosity as he knows what dangers lurk there. Shares a similar character trait with Keckwick - rescues Kipps and Spider for the last time arriving by pony and trap. Reason for arrival echoes Keckwick's earlier words. T had you on my mind.:.I wasn't happy. It began to unsettle me'. Gentler and more forthright than Keckwick; realises Kipps will not give up his quest. It is Daily who fills in the background about Eel Marsh House for Kipps, looks after him when he is ill and becomes godfather to his son. Not hold him in high esteem by villagers - seen as a ruthless single-minded businessman; appear jealous of his success, baily seems embarrassed by affluence - does not fit comfortably with the trappings of wealth. A family man - building his empire to pass on to his son and grandson.
Revie^ 0
1 Samuel baily is concerned for Kipps' wellbeing. List examples of his concern. As a starting point, look at Chapter 3 to see the way in which he speaks to Arthur Kipps on the train and his responses to his questions. 2 Susan Hill has created the character of Daily for a reason. What 'messages' is Hill trying to convey through his character? Why does he take Kipps under his wing? Why is he unpopular with the townsfolk?
3 The adjectives in the following table could be used to describe Daily at different points in the novel. On your own, in pairs or in small groups, complete the table by writing at least one piece of evidence to support each adjective. The first two have been done for you.
Adjective Evidence Compassionate He is compassionate towards Kipps when he is in trouble: 'I had you on my mind...! wasn't happy. It began to unsettle me." (Chapter 11) Kind He treats Kipps with kindness despite Kipps' arrogance towards him in Chapter 3; "If you care to come with me, I can drop you off at the Gif ford Arms — my car will be waiting for me, and it's on my way." Thoughtful
Successful
Wise
Trustworthy
Troubled
Practical Characterisation: Keckwick
Keckwick first mentioned by Jerome at Alice brablow's funeral: 'He has always been the go-between to that place [Eel Marsh House]' (p. 53). Jerome also says he is '...perfectly obliging...Though not very communicative'(p. 54). Knowledge of the tides and drives a pony and trap; with his long hairy brown coat and his cap pulled down over his brow he actually looks like his horse. Kipps observes Keckwick's nose and lower part of his face are covered in bumps and lumps and warts; complexion is a "livid dark red". Despite unattractive appearance and reluctance to speak, he is kind and compassionate - returns to fetch Kipps from Eel Marsh House; knows it is haunted, 'I wouldn't have left you over the night...wouldn't have done that to you (p. 80). Kipps is aware Keckwicks offer only to transport him to and from the house; aware that it is an act of 'extraordinary generosity. Jerome tells Kipps that the only person Alice brablow saw was Keckwick; 'There's nothing that Keckwick doesn't know about Eel Marsh House' (p. 89). Keckwick's father was driver of the pony and trap on the night Nathaniel Pierston drowned; died with him on the marshes. Possibility that, as a fellow victim, the woman in black did not exact revenge on Keckwick and she had a use for him - free to live solitary life helping Alice brablow stay alive to suffer the torment inflicted on her. Revie^
1 Make notes on how Susan Hill presents Keckwick through Kipps' eyes.
2. What might Keckwick's thoughts have been about Kipps after he left him at the hotel? Characterisation: Mr Bent ley Introduced to Mr Bentley by older Kipps in Chapter 1. Philanthropist - took public role in community very seriously. In retirement, became a county magistrate and a churchwarden who sat on several boards and committees. Took an interest in Kipps' welfare. Suggested that Mr Bentley felt some responsibility for what Kipps had suffered - Bentley's idea for him to move to the country; instrumental in the purchase of Monk's Piece. Depicted in more detail in Chapter 2; relaxed - avuncular approach to staff, calls Kipps 'my boy'. Speech patterns are ponderous; his sentences are short, punctuated by long pauses - expects his listener to contribute to the conversation by asking the right questions. Very precise in the information he imparts: '"According to everything we have been told about Mrs Drablow," he said carefully, "no, there were no children'" (p. 29). Contribution to story is carefully crafted; measured replies which might be seen as an example of foreshadowing. Presented as an old-fashioned gentleman and despised modern inventions; still drove a pony and trap and dislikes using the telephone - not fond of any kind of change Gave Kipps a pay rise, more responsibility and fulfilled his promise never to refer to the affairs of A\'ice C)rablow again.
Revie^ D
1 A Where did Mr Bentley practise law? B What was the name of his clerk? C What was his firm called? D What physical ailment did Mr Bentley suffer from? E How did he occupy his time when he retired? F What did Mr Bentley dislike using? G What was his preferred mode of transport?
2 Having read the whole text, how much do you think Bentley knew about Alice Drablow's affairs when he sent Kipps to Crythin Gifford? Give reasons for your views. Choracten'SGtion: Horatio Jerome and the landlord
Horatio Jerome Alice brablow's land agent - dealt with all matters pertaining to her property and the land she owned. "A4r5 Drablow was, as they say, a rum'un" • a 'particularly small man and his physical features are described in detail on pages 46 and 47; "extraordinarily domed head, fringed around at the very back with gingerish hair, like some sort of rough braiding around the base of a lampshade..."
• behaviour is almost robotic; appears to be an empty shell: 'And yet he told me nothing at all, nothing personal, nothing revelatory, nothing very interesting When Kipps mentions having seen the woman at the funeral, he becomes agitated. He is petrified and takes some time to compose himself.
• The second time Kipps encounters Jerome is when he seeks him out in his office in Chapter 7; business does not seem to be prospering (p. 87). When Kipps asks for assistance in sorting out Alice brablow's effects he panics and his replies are desperate. Still unforthcoming until Kipps bluntly states that he knows the incidents of the previous day at Eel Marsh House were supernatural in origin; "continued to scrabble about like the paws of some struggling creature" Kipps takes pity on Jerome - decides not to involve him further; recognises Jerome as 'weakened and broken'. Learn that the woman in black had wreaked her revenge on Jerome (presumably because he helped her sister) by claiming the life of his child. Revie^
1 Read the description of Jerome's appearance on pages 46 and 47. Copy down the adjectives, similes or metaphors you may recognise. Explain how Susan Hill uses language to paint a picture of a strange-looking man. Characterisation: The Woman in Black (Jennet Humfrye) The woman in black is more of a phenomenon than a character. She never speaks but her presence pervades the whole story. She makes several appearances. Many versions of Jennet - distressed, unmarried young mother; passionately devoted to son. Forced by social pressure to give him up. Bereaved mother - descends into madness as a result of grief; dying of "wasting illness" Bitterly revengeful - hatred permeates through from supernatural world after death. Seen mostly as a ghost than as a woman. First seen at funeral - pale and ravaged appearance arouses Kipps' pity. "only the thinnest layer of flesh was tautly stretched and strained across her bones, so that it gleamed with a curious white-blue sheen", " eyes sunken back into her head", "pathetically wasted". Mistakes her for devoted friend of Alice brablow. Kipps sees her by her own grave at Eel Marsh House, feels sense of "desperate, yearning malevolence" and mixed grief (stares at him later on through window). Kipps becomes paralysed by fear of her. Only at this point does it occur to Kipps she is a ghost. Clues all the way through to her identity; inscription on gravestone "In loving memory of Jennet Drablow...l90...and of her son, Nathaniel Drablow, Born..." Kipps pieces together the story of 'J' in Chapter 11 - realizes 'J' is Jennet Eliza Humfrye, spinster' who died at 36. Information kept withheld from Kipps throughout story until end - found amongst Drablow's papers. Not talked about within the village since death - woman in black now seeks revenge for death of own son - sightings of her cause death of children in violent and dreadful circumstances. Villagers live in constant fear and dread. First two encounters are visual - presence is not confined to apparitions. Hauntings manifest themselves in sound of child drowning, creaking of rocking chair, locking of nursery door, presence in dreams. Lures Spider into quicksand - never sure of ghost's intentions. • Mystery appeared to be resolved by end - Alice brablow buried. Eel Marsh is abandoned, WIB has not reappeared and no child has died. the chain is broken - that her power is at an end - that she is gone - and I was the last ever to see her Reader knows story cannot end here and it will take a horrendous form. Soon as pony and trap is seen in Chap 12, becomes clear whose child will die. Revie^.°
1. What effect is created by referring to her as 'the woman in black' rather than by her real name?
2. Re-read the vivid description of her in the chapter 'The Funeral of Mrs Drablow' when Arthur Kipps first notices her. Pick out three significant details about her appearance and comment on the effect of each one. e.g. 'thinnest layer of flesh was tautly stretched and strained across her bones' - the verbs 'stretched' and 'strained' suggest her appearance matches her emotions. Her experiences have left her in a similar taut state. 3. Arthur Kipps' first reaction to the mysterious lady is one of sympathy - 'I intended to wait for the sick-looking woman and offer my arm to escort her and poor thing.' What do readers think about her at this point?
4. Mr Jerome's reaction to the mysterious lady at the funeral is one of shock and horror. '/Mr Jerome looked frozen, pale, his throat moving as if he were unable to utter.' What do readers think about her at this point? Settina «/ Creation of atmosphere, character and setting are the most important elements of a classic ghost story
Monk's Piece Air of ISOLATION and REMOTENESS. Name suggests Kipps has been living a quiet, hermit-like existence - craves safety. Name is significant - Kipps retired here to live a life of reflection. P/ece'could be a pun on homophone "peace". Presented in great detail; represents the normality of happy family Christmas. Image of children asleep in bed mimics the preserved yet abandoned nursery in Eel Marsh House.
London
Crvthin Gifford Nine Lives Causeway
Eel Marsh House
The Nursery
Push yourself... Find key quotes that are used to describe each setting Think about why Susan Hill establishes these settings in such detail - is there SYMBOLISM used? What is the importance of the setting? Creating Atmosphere: the weather and the natural environment
Weather is important to Kipps - "my spirits for many years have now been excessively affected by the ways of the weather... - Christmas Eve is clear and frosty, keeps Kipps contented. "calm and sweetness of the day". Good omen - life in the house is safe and sweet. London; "a yellow fog, a filthy, evil smelling fog, a -fog that choked and blinded, smeared and stained": "menacing and sinister". Imagery reminiscent of hell - foreshadows dangers of the mission. Fog shrouds the truth - "the fog loomed yellow-grey and thicker than ever" - signifies the deepening of the mystery. Suggestion that he is part of the CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE - feels responsible for Kipps. Weather used to herald events - pathetic fallacy!! Chapter 10 - sound of wind howling and darkness emphasises Kipps fear - "hearing the winds rage round like a lion..." Weather connected to supernatural "tumult of the wind like a banshee' Hill relies on use of setting to create atmosphere of normality - natural sequence of events. Understanding of nature is based on scientific reality. 'Supernatural' - beyond the natural; cannot be explained by reason or theory Kipps refers to what he later calls a sixth sense, knowledge that Monk's Piece would one day be his home. "I had no sense of having been here before, but an absolute conviction that I would come here again..." - somehow preordained. Sense of supernatural in main story - first appearance of WIB. Second sighting takes over - scepticism replaced by conviction - turning point; Kipps first encounter with evil. Themes in The Woman in Black' A theme is an idea, or set of ideas, that is 'threaded' through a piece of writing.
When we discuss a theme, it is as if we are pulling out a single thread from the novel's overall pattern. We can look at it on its own and then weave it back into the whole. The main themes in The Woman in Black are: revenge .iustice ^ear nature and the supernatural religious faith Lesser themes include: • suffering caused by others • sleep • childhood: innocence/experience
Think About It
Make a spider diagram on a theme of your choice. Make sure that you note where in the novel your examples come from. The following example, which is based on childhood, should give you some ideas.
The children's Reference to children (p. 29)) { deaths(p.149) | ( The nursery (pp. 120-21) I References to the children near the CHILDHOOD Kipps' own cemetery (pp. 48. 4childhood (p. 118) Jennet's letters and Nathaniel Pierston's^ (The birth of Kipps' son (p. 157) adoption papers (pp. 113-14)
Nathaniel's death certificate (p. 142) ] ( The death of Kipps' son (p. 159) Revenge
The woman in black sought revenge on all the people who involved themselves in the affairs of Alice Orablow. Jennet Humfrye blamed her sister for allowing her son to venture out on the day the sea fret descended. The pony and trap driven by Keckwick's father carrying the boy and his nurse strayed off the Nine Lives Causeway and they all drowned in the marshes. From that day onwards Jennet was consumed by grief and hatred and a desire for revenge that continued beyond the grave.
THE POINT ABOUT THE WOMAN IN BLACK IS THAT REVENGE CAN NEVER BE GOOD, CAN NEVER SUCCEED ULTIMATELY, AND WILL NEVER PAY. VENGENACE IS MINE, SAITH THE LORD. I WILL REPAY.' (ROMANS 12:19)
JUSTICE 15 ONE THING, REVENGE IS VERY DIFFERENT. I ALSO BELIEVE THAT AFTER EXPERIENCING GREAT DISTRESS OR 6RIEF, A TERRIBLE LIFE- EXPERIENCE, A PERSON MUST EVENTUALLY - THOUGH IT MAY TAKE TIME - LEAVE IT TO REST AND MOVE ON.THE GHOST IN THE WOMAN IN BLACK GOES ON AND ON WREAKING REVENGE ON THE INNOCENT FOR WHAT HAPPENED TO HER, EVEN AFTER DEATH. SHE HAS NEVER LET GO, CAN NEVER MOVE ON. AS SHE COULD NOT IN LIFE, SO SHE CANNOT AFTER LIFE.' SUSAN HILL
Susan Hill's words are based on her Christian Faith; the idea that it is wrong to seek revenge is central to Christianity. • Woman in Black described as 'a poor, crazed, troubled woman, dead of grief and distress, filled with hatred and desire for revenge.' Hill shows sympathy at this point for the woman (Jennet Humfrye); her actions are understandable but not forgivable. • Kipps supposes to be a Christian - the church teaches that God is mercy; providing the sinner repents, all sins are forgivable. Revie^T
1 Read pages 113 and 114. What clues are given to help the reader understand the woman in black's desire for revenge when the reader learns the full background to the story?
2 Think about different possible views or interpretations of the way in which the woman in black is presented. Do you feel sorry for her? bo you think she is evil and beyond redemption? Do you think she is a mixture of victim and oppressor and so feel ambivalent about her?
3 Using the Internet and/or reference books, find out as much as you can about the way unmarried mothers were treated in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Higher order thinking - Justice!
Justice is closely linked to vengeance; ideas are often intertwined with revenge. Christian faith recognises that injustice is endemic in all societies - although people strive for justice, it is not attainable; human beings definition of justice is affected by social norms of the time Christians believe that God provides justice on judgement day. Reader left to question what happened to Jennet Humfrye's spirit? Is she condemned? Can evil triumph
Makes us question the human condition. WIB is essentially a Christian story - argued that the story teaches us something about the way human beings should be treated and how they can triumph after disaster. Religious Faith Story is seen as a journey from his innocence to experience. Similarities cross into stories of how Christians lead their lives as a journey through faith. Kipps own religious background begins to mean something once he is tested, "I asked myself unanswerable questions about life and death and the borderlands between and I prayed, direct and simple, passionate prayers"
• Before he encounters the woman in black, his attitude towards religion was 'formal and dutiful'. Realises by end there is a constant battle between good and evil; every person must actively choose side of goodness. Not everyone who sees ghosts see them as a threat, however convention of ghost story is founded upon human fear of death and hauntings endangering the living. • In Turn of the Screw, ghosts are there to seek power over living, luring them to own death.
• Hauntings in WIB are a psychological threat to Kipps and a physical threat - easily could have died rescuing Spider;
Kipps undergoes loss of innocence through having to accept the supernatural and malevolence of the WIB; complete change and development in faith and beliefs since beginning of novel.
• Kipps first pities WIB - could be seen as representing death itself. Heralded by an 'ugly, satanic-lookmg bird', suggests hungry need to prey on the living.
Her child represents innocence; innocence is lost through his death - destruction of nursery represents innocence destroyed by anger and hatred.
Jennet is only made evil through her suffering and human condemnation. She was a victim - revenge takes form of wanting to deprive others of what she has lost. Revenge on society - Victorian morality forced her into grief and loss.
Kipps loss of innocence - begins novel as cheerful and untroubled; transformed by events at the house; subsequent loss of wife and child as ultimate loss. Prone to nightmares and anxiety as result. Aware of existence of evil but powerless to fight it; frailty of humanity examined. "I see that then when I was still al! in a state of innocence, but that innocence, once lost, is lost forever" Exploring a theme: the supernatural Supernatural events happen to the down to earth SCEPTECAL narrator Interesting psychological dynamic - "I did not believe in ghosts. Or rather, until this day, I had not done so." - later admits that he had seen "a woman whose form was quite substantial and yet in some essential respect...ghostly". Daily does not doubt the REALIT/ of these events: "You may find it hard to believe...We know". Susan Hill presents us with a number of events which appear to reflect elements of the supernatural: • the apparitions of the woman in black • the children at the cemetery railings • the 9hostly sounds of the pony, trap and child sinking in the marsh • the strange noises coming from the nursery • the destruction of the nursery • the whistling that lures Spider into the marshes the content of Kipps' dreams No attempt to explain these events - implied they are the result of strong emotions that survived the grave and continue to express themselves in the real world; "She died in hatred and misery. And as soon as ever she died the hauntings began".
Push yourself... Jerome does not see the woman in black at the funeral. How far do you think there could be a psychological element in Kipp's perception of the supernatural? Revie^T
1. Choose two supernatural events in The Woman in Black. On a separate sheet of paper, in two columns, one for each event, list as many similarities and differences between them as you can.
2. How do the characters see the supernatural? a Kipps and Samuel Daily b Kipps and Horatio Jerome c Kipps and Stella d Kipps and Oliver Ainley
3.What is the importance of the supernatural in The Woman in Black? Use the following pointers to help you plan your essay: ghost story for entertainment vicarious fear thoughts about an afterlife the struggle between good and evil the way the supernatural is portrayed mental, physical and spiritual health the way people treat each other You don't have to write about these points in this order. Exam Practice: How to Tackle the Exam
You need to ask yourself some questions before you start: How well do you know your text? How should I plan and structure my response • How should I provide evidence to support my ideas? How do I make sure I include context in my answer?
Knowinq your text Read your text several times - try to make connections to the text that you have not considered before. You will NOT be allowed to take your text into the exam, so you must know it inside out! You need to make sure you know the following: The main sequence of events (the structure) The characters - who are they? What role do they play? What are they like? The nature of the ghost story The writer's intentions
WhatjvilL^be asked? You will be given a choice of two questions, so choose the one you can say the most about...this may not be the one that LOOKS the easiest! Start by breaking down the question into what you would consider:
Q. Consider Kipps' role in A woman in Black and how effectively Hill portrays him. Kipps' role as a narrator - effective use of first person - omniscient narrator I • Kipps as a young man • Contrast between youn9 man and middle-aged Kipps IS! • • Decisions he makes - how he reflects upon those decisions in hindsighta ||^ • His reactions to the events in the story - rational vs irrational
"^sSXS^:. You need to PLAN your answer. The box above goes part of the way to breaking down and interpreting the question. You will be given a quote with your response - use it! You may find it helpful to use a mind map or diagram of some kind - it helps you keep your mind open so that you can add to it at a later stage. You also need to decide a LOGICAL order to your points - make sure each paragraph presents a new point/ topic.
Chtitige iiiiii'tifiraph wteii voii cliiingei"r
Each time you talk about TIP Top a new idea or point, 'Timis P'prison fl'iipiiii '-' I'jdCK make a new paragraph. Use Discourse markers to link the PEEE's together Ooo / 1 Structure your essay Remember 1. Introduction - linked to question 2. Development of ideas - key points picked from the text to demonstrate your point in your introduction 3. Effective conclusion - give an overview or personal response, linked to question
introduction You should: Keep it short and to the point Start with a strong statement "Kipps has two important roles in the Woman in Black; the omniscient narrator and the protagonist' Don't spend time explainin9 what you are going to do; refer to the key words in the question "Jn allowing Kipps to tell his own story in first person. Hill aliows him to have a more immediate effect on the reader, arousing sympathy and making it easy for the reader to identify with his situation. However, there are occasions when she interrupts the narrative in order to slow down the pace of the events and comment on the action, through the role of the omniscient narrator".
Development (the middle!)
The success of this part depends on how well you have prepared your plan. The challenge is to put all your notes from your plan together in a way that makes them flow smoothly...to do this you need to use DISCOURSE MARKERS!
Firstly To make your first point ^ • Primarily
Furthermore IjTo indicate another point is being madei fct In addition i*™^.£i : ^S·I";:^<^K,-^i·g;!;Bffli?^^fc^; ^•;^t^>^f^I?; ' 'n3^WE3:^^i; a.^'^'rt^-"' ^ ^lg^
However An si;SS^^^;s!.l^@^Ssa, Nevertheless
• i^oneTneiess |jfo consider a Iterriative interprGtations
Despite
Another example fDJvelopmJiffi poin^
Moreover To make your first point
^ss::^ Lastly
Finally Show you are coming to the end ^ •^ '•S! In conclusion
Conclusion (the end!) This should draw all your arguments into one logical ending. Refer back to key words in the question - give an overview or a personal response,showing your understanding. Using quotations
You MUST use quotations in your essay - this provides evidence for the points you make and show that you know the text. You are expected to express your personal views and interpretations of what the writer is saying or trying to do, but you must back up these ideas with quotes.
Separate quotations You use these when you make your point and back it up with evidence. Hill describes the fog as permeating every aspect of life; [the fog] seething through cracks and crannies like sour breath"
Embedded quotations You use these when the quote you want to use runs on from your own words, built into the sentence you are writing. These are considered more sophisticated. "Older Kipps looks back at his own 'priggish' behaviour as a young man"
References
You use these instead of a quote Kipps refers to the way Londoners look down on people in society from the provinces.