Common module

Question 1

Harry Quote foreshadowing the ending

Answer 1

P3 - “They wash up in the surf sometimes, the lost ones”.

• foreshadows ending
• metaphor (expresses Harry as an object lost in the ocean)
• Asyndeton, the syntax implicitly illustrates the disconnect between Harry’s individual human experience of abuse and the collective experience of what a healthy family dynamic should look like.

Question 2

Harry quote - relationship with water linked to his difference in parental relationships.

Answer 2

“Water that was always there…making Harry different. And it wasn’t just because he was the youngest.”

• ambiguous tone (subtly foreshadows the reveal of his true parent)
• symbolism

Question 3

Harry water/trauma quote

Answer 3

“He knew the way he felt about the ocean would never leave him now. It would be there always, right inside him.”

• Stilted syntax offers insight into the inner turmoil he is experiencing
• use of present and future tense re-establishes the ongoing effects the abuse will have on him. links to memory as youthful memory is easily persuaded as experiences are interpreted uniquely.

Question 4

Miles’ relationship with the water quote

Answer 4

“Miles knew the water. He could feel it. And he knew not to trust it.” Page 10

• truncated syntax
• metaphor for his relationship with his father

Question 5

Quote of Mile’s change in character from abuse

Answer 5

“He used to feel sorry for the abs when he was young. The way they pulsed and moved in the tubs…But he couldn’t think about them like that now.” Page 31

• retrospection
• detatched tone
• visual imagery
• past tense “used to” transition into present tense ‘now’ reflects his change in character
• illustrates transition from innocence to a sense of responsibility regardless of adulthood
• Miles’ detatched view of the abalone withholds connotation about his reality with his father; where he is forced to suppress emotions in order to fulfil his fathers expectations and successfully care for Harry.

Question 6

Quote about being stuck in the cycle; juxtaposing the family dynamics of dysfunctional vs nurturing.

Answer 6

“Don’t you get stuck here with your dad,” he said. “Don’t you let him…You’re too young to be out there working, Miles. It’s not right.” Miles felt the words sink down right inside him.

• Repetition of “Don’t”
• Ellipsis
• Dialogue
• Diction of ‘sink’ (double connotation) - links to extended metaphor of book and secondly a reference to alcoholism e.g. ‘sinking a beer’
• Dysfuncitonal vs nurturing