S3 - Conduct Unbecoming essay

We looked at a good example of a piece of critical writing which (a) analyses the text/engages with the language - this is in blue to make it stand out, and (b) discusses how character is both established and developed - this is in brown. Look also at how the last sentences in the good example constantly link the ideas back to the question. We also looked at a bad example.

Good example

When Drake is first introduced to the audience, even before his first words, he is established as a man for whom being an officer has been a lifetime ambition:

“Drake looks about as a man finally at peace.” p5

The impression created is that he has found his Shangri-La, somewhere that he has known existed , or perhaps considers that he has arrived in his idea of heaven. It is suggested that his character is one which will blend into the regiment.

This initial characteristic is developed later in the scene. His arrival at the mess has almost over-awed him, and he describes the experience:

“It is like … coming home” p5

The stage direction calls for this to be delivered “quietly”, and the ellipsis suggests Drake is struggling to find the words to describe his feelings. His character is established at this point as having always wanted to be a military man.

Bad Example

Millington is a nightmare. When he turns up, he says “How very uplifting for you.” But he says this in a sarcastic way. This shows that he is a sarcastic character.

Millington is also very disrespectful of military traditions …