Dear All,
I welcome you to post your responses for the question below. One PEE ( a paragraph) only.
The responses will be analyzed in class with feedback and a possible grade from me.
Good Luck
I welcome you to post your responses for the question below. One PEE ( a paragraph) only.
How does Dunmore
powerfully convey vivid impressions of Marina?
The responses will be analyzed in class with feedback and a possible grade from me.
Good Luck
How does Dunmore powerfully convey vivid impressions of Marina?
ReplyDeleteSample Response: Introduction and One PEE
Helen Dunmore’s character Marina is a powerful and shrewd woman, vividly giving the impression of her as a strong willed woman. Marina is shown to personify the glamorous life of Leningrad- the scandalous, secretive side, which is a stark contrast to the simple and transparent character of Anna. Dunmore’s impression of Marina is striking and prominent because of the way Marina fluidly adapts herself to her surroundings, no matter how harsh they are.
Dunmore creates a striking impression of Marina as a confident female, who demonstrates that she has the capability and nerve to order people about. Her slight accent, which adds a slight exotic touch to her character, is particularly forceful. Marina’s ‘round’ pronunciation show off this side of her personality, as Anna is drawn to her during their conversation. Marina’s differences are what make her so captivating. Her ‘authoritative’ speech shows off her imposing character, as if she is the equivalent to the ‘Party’ and deserves to be idolized. The way she speaks seems to be demanding for obedience. Therefore, Dunmore makes Marina an impacting character through her vivid impression of Marina as a head strong person.
Marina also creates an impression of someone mystical and hidden behind many layers, so depicted strikingly by Ms. Dunmore. The author’s constant reference to Marina’s career as an actress enforces this image of Marina as masked person. Marina, being ‘trained’, has acting down to a fine art. She has been taught to act a certain way, completely concealing her real personality inside. Her façade is so meticulous, she ‘makes people believe’ her, further showing her as a mysterious lady with the power to control. These layers are so numerous, it has come to a point where the humanity of Marina is questioned. Hence, Ms. Dunmore powerfully depicts a prominent impression of Marina as an undecipherable person.
ReplyDeleteMillions of Leningraders are falling victims to the harsh,bleak winter which has taken a massive toll on their health and emotions too. Marina Petrovna, the erstwhile actress seems to be one of the few to still hold on to herself during this grim fight for survival. In one instance, Anna's compassionate personality compels her to give 'only hundred grams of sugar' to her neighbour,a young mother, Zina. Not being moved by this gesture, Marina, in a 'seductive,vibrant,cello-tone' tells Anna that they cannot afford to give it. Marina, seems cold and kind of practical as she declares it is Kolya and Anna that 'matters' most. Dunmore leads the readers into an insight of Marina's traits of being headstrong and thinking of self even in the face of severe adverse situations.. I feel Marina alludes that Anna and Kolya are the future and they must survive. All the more , her age and experience seems to give her the knowledge about different situations , and makes her seem cold at heart..
ReplyDeleteA response.
DeleteDunmore portrays Marina's character to be very supportive of Mikhail and his family as she attempts to fit in and become a part of their family during the blackout in Leningrad. She is seen to be surprisingly helpful despite her posh background as an actress, which takes a turn due to the unstable political climate in the city. Anna greatly envies Marina's aging beauty as she scans her 'black hair, dark eyes' and 'pale skin', which creates an air of insecurity. The authors repeated use of her whole name, 'Marina Petrovna' signifies her respected image in society, but the earlier chapters of the novel indicate deterioration of her fame as she is described to be 'one of those legends...talks about'; Which also throws light on the overly controlled environment of the city and emphasizes on the extent of the public's fear of vaporization. When Marina converses with Anna and tries to learn about what Mikhail thinks 'of the situation', the readers understand that she is much wiser and has a different perspective to Anna, who is very domestic in nature. As the story proceeds, Marina is seen to be a very practical person who tends to be more thoughtful as she is worried for Anna and Kolya's survival, thus refusing Anna for giving Zina 'only' a 'hundred grammes' of sugar. It is noticeable that Marina has become a part of the family and is protective of the kids. Therefore, the readers adore Marinas character and consider her to play a crucial part in the lives of Anna, Mikhail and Kolya as she helps them continuously struggle for survival during this dark chapter.
ReplyDeletePerceptive to core. A response
DeleteMarina creates her own corner in the hearts of the readers as Dunmore continues to focus the readers' minds on the devastating situation of Leningrad. In the backdrop of the regular yet irregular shelling of the bombs, the frost which has bitten the entire Leningrad and the starvation, Dunmore succeeds in portraying Marina as an important character in the story despite the situation. The readers are in awe as they witness how even Anna is secretly attracted towards Marina, the way she converses, and secretly yet shamefully admires Marina's elegance and beauty even during the war period. "You have a responsibility", these simple words sounded powerful when heard from Marina, and Anna had the feeling of fulfilling all of Marina's wishes. The readers also get to admire the soft side of Marina, her love for the ill Mikhail, that has kept him going as she believes, and how caring and loyal she was towards him. Thirdly, I feel that somewhere deep inside, there was a part of her that feared and respected Vera, who wanted Vera's friendship, and who felt safe in her presence and that's what brings out the solemness in Marina's eyes, adding on to the concern of Mikhail. By this, Dunmore powerfully conveys vivid impressions of Marina.
ReplyDeleteLittle longer but A response.
DeleteMarina is portrayed from the very beginning as an enigmatic and striking character. Despite her having 'disappeared' due to the fear of vaporization, she remains a confident and authoritative character who is skilled at 'controlling' people's impressions of her due to her job as an actress.Yet, even after having dropped from the most 'wanted' to a taboo, after everything she had to 'offer' was unfairly rejected, she is optimistic and believes 'happiness' will come soon, though she is very realistic in her planning for the future and highly astute in judging the despairing political situation around her. Her proud figure that plays its role in ensnaring the reader's sympathy to the people of Leningrad already leaves great impressions on the reader even before she becomes one of the main characters; quite fitting the personality Dunmore portrays of her.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good response. A
ReplyDeleteDunmore presents to us, Marina, as a character having hidden shade of colours within. Marina's hyped status in the society and overwhelmed nature is seen to poison her at start. Being extremly authoritative of herself results her to relent 'shock' and with the continuous use of 'Marina Petrovna' such an image is given height. Blended with shades , her character grows over time , now having being 'disappeared' she hesitates to fit into Anna's family. Her continuous efforts though having a shrewd image present to us the growth factor in her as Marina now reads the newly changed world better. Marina's positivity and hope for betterment is what drives her forward to fit in perfectly , foreshadowing the future times to come. Her thoughts intricate but old -fashioned challenges the present time alongside her fight to imprint her name in the family. Dunmore beautifully carves out this character with a number of telling moments , presenting to us a soul learning from her mistakes and hence making us sympathise with her. Ambition kills but the courage to stand up and blend in perfectly is what Marina successfully achieves , hence Dunmore making her truly memorable in the novel .
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ReplyDeleteDunmore quite drastically portrays the fear and control in the city during the blackout in Leningrad. She memorably depicts how famous artists are being victimized as they seem to be influential and very capable of changing the mindset of the public in order to revolt against the Party members. Mikhail, a 'pessimistic' writer 'can't get his work published' due to his realistic approach to the current situation. Readers are shocked to learn that his 'near perfect French and German are dangerous assets';This paradox indicates the hesitation and dread in the lives of the Leningraders as even the most well-reputed struggle to sustain their careers. The novel also depicts the decline of another respected personality, 'Marina Petrovna' who is described as 'one of those...talks about'. It is evident that the downfall of such top notch public figures is triggered by the public's fear of vaporization and the high level of control in the city as the community refuses to acknowledge theater in such dreaded times. Readers are appalled by the outcome of Stalins control and sympathize with the characters affected by 'the siege'.
ReplyDeleteDunmore exceptionally exhibits the theme Hunger and its effects on the characters, Hunger has been present throughout the novel, taking over some lives and and ending a few. Dunmore extensively displays these hardships through Anna's daily struggle to walk through 'a few meters of snow' due to 'lack of food'. It seems as if 'General Hunger' is slowly taking over lives and ending a few too. Dunmore's exhibition of this scenario really stunned the readers as the vivid description of not only the physical struggle but also it seems as if 'General Hunger' has started to create 'illusions' in the minds of the characters, not only is the 'General' portraying to the readers his physical dominance through the readers but also mentally. Readers are saddened and sympathise with Anna and the other characters in their fight against 'General Hunger'.
ReplyDeleteDunmore presents the increasing demand for food during winter and very less supply, which leads to people thinking that small quantities of food as a great deal. Anna feels that “1 teaspoon honey” as to be so much and refuses even when Kolya pleads for “two teaspoons” even for a single day. Kolya is asked to chew on “Liqourice root” even if all the taste has been used up as it is good to have “something in the mouth”. The readers understand the scarcity of food in Leningrad
ReplyDeleteDunmore portrays the patriotism of the Leningraders during the war. The readers are impressed to read that the Leningraders value their city more than their own lives. The Leningraders either store them in a “cellar” or else if that is not possible they are “wadded with sandbags”. The historical importance of the monuments among the people in such a difficult situation should be appreciated. The readers are shocked to read that the statues and monuments are more valuable for the country rather than its citizen, this seems to be ironical as a countries identity is its citizens.
ReplyDeleteDunmore cleverly foreshadows the upcoming events in Leningrad and during the war. The discussion between General Hunger and General Winter reveals suffering, which the Lenins are going to struggle through the war. The readers are shocked to read that a “five-year old” can be converted to an ”old man” by the extreme coldness and war. The changes of skin color from “red to purple” surprises the reader and make images in the reader’s mind about the painful situation of the Lenins. Thus, Dunmore portrays the situation of war in the novel Siege.
ReplyDeleteThe author exceedingly puts forth the conditions of hunger and starvation during Stalin's power by throwing light on food, as one of the most necessary yet scarce sources of survival. Dunmore highlights the sky-rocketing value of food as Marina conveys to Anna that the family isn't 'going to be able to eat money' and 'money's not going to mean anything soon'. Her statements are rightly justified as Anna Pays for the 'Burzuikhi' with 'three days bread ration' instead of money. The readers are astonished to learn about the condition of the Leningraders as they face extreme hunger and starvation during the war conditions.
ReplyDeleteDunmore's intricate portrayal of minute details of hunger and starvation during the blackout creates a sympathetic feel to the text.Anna and Marina sees as the ones being the building blocks of the family struggle as to attain even the smallest of the 'onions and cabbage.' The cry of joy in Anna's voice as to find a small piece of 'onion' shouts aloud a sympathetic aspect presents to the readers. The fact that 'food is pouring .... Leningard' and also the 'food is .... that matters' 'in war', is what Dunmore quite evidently displays through these characters. The characters seem to be developing a virtue of maturity within as each percepts the situation perfectly, bringing out the co-operation to fight for survival during the 'siege'.Hence Dunmore's appealing language and characterization beautifully portrayed.
ReplyDeleteThe readers sense the fear of being vaporized in the families in Leningrad. The people’s thinking has changed due to the vaporization. The people's humane nature has been destroyed and do not feel any pity if one is taken away. Nowadays, people have a “sweat of relief” that it was some other “poor” person is taken in the “van this time”. The readers are shaken at how the people’s thinking has been disturbed under the control of Stalin.
ReplyDeleteThe deep philosophy of trust rising from mistrust in coherence to the charismatic turn of relationships with enemies strikingly joining to a family, drawn by the altruistic will to survive is vividly portrayed by Dunmore. Living on the memory of a legend, her mother, she quite ironically personifies Marina as evil, stating in her thoughts "if you sent....unopened", stamping her stance that "she is .....mother". Despite Marina's lifesavers, Dunmore makes sure Anna's brittle heart is melted, when Marina sacrifices herself for Kolya's and Anna's sake, making her want with "all her heart" to eat the final straw-jam. Elevating these themes, Dunmore depicts the transition of a woman who was her "father's friend" and the sacrificial nature of a mother, one that Anna didn't want to be associated with.
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