Mrspaul5 – Support for English



At The BarCharacter EssayChoose a novel or a short story or a work of non-fiction which has a memorable character.By referring to appropriate techniques, explain how the writer makes the character memorable.“At the Bar” by William McIllvanney is a short story based in a local bar whose quiet ambience is disturbed by a shocking and violent incident. The protagonist is a memorable character because of his strange behaviour and his unexpected actions throughout the short story.One aspect of the big man that made him a memorable character was the initial impression constructed by the writer. Firstly, he has no name and is simply referred to by the term “big man” which keeps him anonymous throughout the story. He then describes his suit as being "out of fashion." This suggests that it could have been bought a while ago, but then he adds that it "looked quite new," indicating that it has not been worn much. This immediately sparks our curiosity as we wonder why this might be the case and why the writer should draw our attention to this. The writer further alludes to his mystery by describing his physical appearance: "Whatever had happened to him had tightened but not diminished him." What the writer means by this he has been working out a lot and has lost weight and added muscle which suggests he had much time on his hands and that perhaps it was in his interest to toughen up. The writer also describes his face as being of a “pallor (which) suggested a plant kept out of the light." At last the writer alludes to the idea that he could've been in prison for a while. This evasive descriptive technique immediately intrigues us and makes the character of the big man memorable.Another aspect of his personality that shows that he is a memorable character is his general hesitation and behaviour at the bar and as he approached the bar. Rafferty-the big man- seemed unusually excited. McIlvanney describes his mannerisms as something “like a small boy in a sweet shop.” This simile symbolizes a certain hesitation, an unwillingness to choose too quickly. It helps us imagine the indecision on the face of a man presented with so much variety after a long period of being denied choice. Like the “little boy” he would have taken his time, considered all the options before finally making his selection. After he had ordered at the bar he “then retreated inside himself”. Meaning instead of engaging in conversation he sat in a corner being introspective. Someone of muscular build, recently released from prison would not perhaps be expected to sit quietly, yet this man did which again creates a memorable character. As the story continues and the man in denim makes his move and stole the big man’s pint, the bar man expected trouble but actually the big man remained calm as he said, “If you need a drink, let me buy you another one…Give the man a pint of heavy." The big man’s behaviour at this point story was calm and collected regardless of the man in denim’s attempts to get a reaction out of him. Despite his initial appearance, the big man remained calm and quiet throughout most of the story and it is this contrast that helps ensure his memorability.The most significant event involving this memorable character was his sudden, shocking outburst of violence in the concluding section of the story. He initially lulled us into believing there would be no repercussion, as he casually said, “What does it matter? Ah can afford another one…Forget It.” However, he quickly reverted to, perhaps, his former response as he smashed the glass into the man in denim’s face. He committed an act of violence so fast that it was both horrifying and unforgettable as his “clenched right hand had hit the base of the glass like a demolition ball.” By using the simile, the writer is underlining how powerful the big man's strike was and like a “demolition ball” was so devastating as to destroy the glass and the man in denim’s face. “There was a splintered scream among the shards of exploding glass and the volleying beer.” The author’s word choice tells us that the beer glass was shattered into blade like pieces and his beer arced across the bar, following this almighty strike. This shows that the glass was hit with great force. “Not unused to fast violence,” the barman was stunned. The barman’s reaction in this quote shows that despite the barman seeing a lot of violence, this particular act was outrageous and significant. Following the explosion of violence, the big man’s departure is the final aspect that made this character unforgettable. When the barman first pours out the big man’s second pint the barman “felt he was pouring out the blood”. This metaphor shows the barman is aware of the tension between the two men, and that he perhaps felt the man in denim would have the upper hand in a conflict. When the “big man” leaves after his violent attack on the man in denim, his expressions suggests that he’s not in the slightest bit concerned about his actions. As he leaves the bar he throws a comment of, “the names Rafferty” at the barman. This tells us that he wasn’t scared of the man in denim and will deal with anything that comes his way, which is clearly unexpected. His cool withdrawal suggests that this is a man who can deal with trouble but not one that will hold a grudge or draw tension out. His calm retreat leaves us with a memorable impression.“At the Bar” by William McIllvanney is a short story based in a local bar whose quiet ambience is disturbed by a shocking and violent incident. The protagonist is a memorable character because of his strange behaviour and his unexpected actions throughout the short story. He seems to be an ex-convict looking to enjoy a quiet pint but when provoked he responded in a shockingly violent retaliation. This violence then dissipates as he quietly and calmly exits the bar, leaving an enduring memory of his presence behind. ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download