NonNon--FictionFiction

L etter to Daniel by Letter to Daniel by F ergal Keane Fergal Keane

CONTEXTCONTEXT•• The following letter by Fergal Keane to The following letter by Fergal Keane to

his newborn son was broadcast on the his newborn son was broadcast on the BBC Radio 4 BBC Radio 4 programmeprogramme, , ‘‘From our From our own Correspondentown Correspondent ’’. .

•• As a BBC foreign correspondent , As a BBC foreign correspondent , Keane has reported, first hand, from Keane has reported, first hand, from various international crisis areas various international crisis areas including Northern Ireland, Southern including Northern Ireland, Southern Africa and Asia. Africa and Asia.

•• His reporting has been His reporting has been honouredhonoured with with an Amnesty International Press award an Amnesty International Press award and an OBE for services to journalism. and an OBE for services to journalism.

•• His book on Rwanda, His book on Rwanda, Season of Season of BloodBlood , won the George Orwell Prize , won the George Orwell Prize for political writing.for political writing.

nnLetter to DanielLetter to Daniel--AudioAudio

I ntroduction Introduction

IntroductionIntroduction•• When writers plan their work, there are three basic When writers plan their work, there are three basic

questions they have to consider:questions they have to consider:

•• Who am I in this piece, myself or some other Who am I in this piece, myself or some other character?character? PersonaPersona

•• Who am I writing for?Who am I writing for? AudienceAudience

•• What effect do I want my writin g to have on the What effect do I want my writin g to have on the reader?reader? PurposePurpose

•• The answers to these questions help authors The answers to these questions help authors determine which determine which formform of writing or which of writing or which genregenre they they should adopt.should adopt.

IntroductionIntroduction

•• ‘‘Letter to DanielLetter to Daniel ’’ is a is a nonnon--fiction textfiction text and in nonand in non --fiction we would normall y expect authors fiction we would normall y expect authors to write as to write as themselvesthemselves –– rather than to adopt a di fferent persona. rather than to adopt a di fferent persona.

•• However, audience and purpose in nonHowever, audience and purpose in non --fiction will vary fiction will vary and are extremely important. and are extremely important.

•• So, whether we are reading an extract f rom a longer So, whether we are reading an extract f rom a longer piece in order to answer interpretation questions, or piece in order to answer interpretation questions, or whether we are studying a complete work of nonwhether we are studying a complete work of non --fiction we should be thinking, as we read:fiction we should be thinking, as we read:

•• Who is this aimed at?Who is this aimed at?•• Why has the author wri tten this?Why has the author wri tten this?

IntroductionIntroduction•• Activities 1Activities 1 and and 22 which follow, are which follow, are

designed to get you thi nking about designed to get you thi nking about purposepurpose and and audienceaudience and, in doing so, and, in doing so, come to an unders tanding of what Fergal come to an unders tanding of what Fergal Keane set out to achieve in his writing.Keane set out to achieve in his writing.

YouYou’’ll work in pairs or groups to begin ll work in pairs or groups to begin with, before wholewith, before whole--class discussion class discussion

on the issues.on the issues.

A CTIVITY 1 ACTIVITY 1

ACTIVITY 1ACTIVITY 1•• The piece is addressed to The piece is addressed to ‘‘My dear sonMy dear son ’’ and the and the

narrative technique is that of a l etternarrative technique is that of a l etter , speaking, at , speaking, at all times, directly to Daniel all times, directly to Daniel –– yet it was broadcast to yet it was broadcast to the nation on a BBC radio the nation on a BBC radio programmeprogramme . .

•• DiscussDiscuss the following statements about the audience the following statements about the audience for the letter, decide which one you agree wit h most for the letter, decide which one you agree wit h most and be prepared to report your conclusions.and be prepared to report your conclusions.

1.1. The letter isnThe letter isn ’’t really aimed at his son.t really aimed at his son.2.2. The letter form is a device to get the attention of the The letter form is a device to get the attention of the

general public.general public.3.3. The letter is aimed both at his son and the general The letter is aimed both at his son and the general

public.public.4.4. Other?Other?

ACTIVITY 2ACTIVITY 2

ACTIVITY 2ACTIVITY 2•• Consider the following possibilities and decide which one Consider the following possibilities and decide which one

youyou think is Fergal Keanethink is Fergal Keane ’’ss main purposemain purpose for writing this for writing this letter. letter.

•• Referring closely to the textReferring closely to the text, you should try to offer at , you should try to offer at least least three reasonsthree reasons for your choice.for your choice.

•• Fergal Keane wrote this letter in order to:Fergal Keane wrote this letter in order to:

1.1. express his feelings of pride and joy at having a newexpress his feelings of pride and joy at having a new--born born son;son;

2.2. express wonder and delight at how hi s life has changed as a express wonder and delight at how hi s life has changed as a result of becoming a father;result of becoming a father;

3.3. reflect on the world his newborn son has entered;reflect on the world his newborn son has entered;4.4. use the letter as a sort of use the letter as a sort of ‘‘timetime--capsulecapsule’’ for his son to open for his son to open

and read when he reaches maturi ty;and read when he reaches maturi ty;5.5. express his regret about never having known his own father;express his regret about never having known his own father;6.6. other?other?

Letter Overview/SynopsisLetter Overview/Synopsis•• At its most basic it is a fatherAt its most basic it is a father ’’s expression of joy and hope at the bi rth of his s expression of joy and hope at the bi rth of his

first child. At deeper levels, it considers how fatherhood has cfirst child. At deeper levels, it considers how fatherhood has changed the hanged the writerwriter’’s perceptions of the s perceptions of the ‘‘ratrat--racerace’’, the horror he has witnessed as a war , the horror he has witnessed as a war correspondent and the relationship correspondent and the relationship –– or lack of it or lack of it –– with his own father.with his own father.

•• There are three sections to the letter, each with its own mood aThere are three sections to the letter, each with its own mood and tone. The nd tone. The opening section (paragraphs 1opening section (paragraphs 1––5) is full of hope and joy at the birth of this 5) is full of hope and joy at the birth of this precious son. precious son.

•• The next section reflects on the desolation visited upon childreThe next section reflects on the desolation visited upon children in warn in war--torn torn countries countries –– as witnessed by Keane reporting for the BBC f rom various war as witnessed by Keane reporting for the BBC f rom various war zones. In this section he expresses his feelings of fear for, azones. In this section he expresses his feelings of fear for, and nd protectiveness towards, his son. protectiveness towards, his son.

•• In the final section he tel ls a In the final section he tel ls a ‘‘storystory’’ which is clearly about his own origins which is clearly about his own origins ––but from an omniscient narrative stance. This section should albut from an omniscient narrative stance. This section should allow you to low you to consider the issue of the real and the imagined in nonconsider the issue of the real and the imagined in non--fiction, perhaps fiction, perhaps agreeing that, in nonagreeing that, in non--fiction it is the facts that are conveyed which matter, fiction it is the facts that are conveyed which matter, regardless of how the descriptive or narrative detail might haveregardless of how the descriptive or narrative detail might have been been manipulated to creative effect. manipulated to creative effect.

•• In the final paragraph, the letter reverts to its opening mood oIn the final paragraph, the letter reverts to its opening mood of love and joy, f love and joy, as well evoking a powerful mood of hope and reconciliation.as well evoking a powerful mood of hope and reconciliation.

•• Structure Structure •• Narrative stance Narrative stance •• Setting Setting •• Sentence structure Sentence structure •• Imagery Imagery •• Word choice Word choice •• Tone Tone •• Contrasts Contrasts •• ThemeTheme

You are now going to You are now going to analyse the text closely analyse the text closely

looking at the looking at the following:following:

We will divide the letter into the We will divide the letter into the following sections in order to do thisfollowing sections in order to do this

•• Section 1 Section 1 •• (Paragraphs 1 (Paragraphs 1 –– 5)5)

Daniel and hi s parentsDaniel and hi s parents. Mood of love, devotion and joy. Mood of love, devotion and joy

•• Section 2Section 2•• (Paragraphs 6 (Paragraphs 6 –– opening of opening of parapara 11)11)

FergalFergal -- Life as war correspondent Life as war correspondent –– How this makes him protective of his How this makes him protective of his sonson

•• Section 3Section 3•• (A) (Paragraphs 12(A) (Paragraphs 12–– 15) 15)

•• & & •• (B) (final paragraph)(B) (final paragraph)

•• A) A) Alcoholic fatherAlcoholic father –– How this makes him even more protective How this makes him even more protective •• B) B) Link back to DanielLink back to Daniel –– Return to love, joy but also gives tone of hopeReturn to love, joy but also gives tone of hope

S ection 1 Section 1 (Paragraphs 1 (Paragraphs 1 –– 5)5)

Daniel and his parentsDaniel and his parents . . Mood of love, devotion and joyMood of love, devotion and joy

Read paragraphs 1 Read paragraphs 1 –– 55

•• In this first section Keane addres ses his In this first section Keane addres ses his son directly and the mood created i s one son directly and the mood created i s one of paternal love and devoti on. of paternal love and devoti on.

•• It becomes evident how pleased, It becomes evident how pleased, overjoyed indeed, both Keane and hi s overjoyed indeed, both Keane and hi s wife are to finally have a child.wife are to finally have a child.

TASK 1TASK 1

Task 1Task 1•• The mood in the first five paragraphs is one The mood in the first five paragraphs is one

of love and joy. of love and joy.

1.1. Read over these paragraphs and Read over these paragraphs and identifyidentify all all the ways in which Keane conveys his love for the ways in which Keane conveys his love for his new son and his joy at becoming a father.his new son and his joy at becoming a father.

(When doing this you should consider (When doing this you should consider techniquestechniques such as such as word choice, use of word choice, use of imagery, use of settingimagery, use of setting . . .) . . .)

2.2. Choose one feature which you particularly Choose one feature which you particularly like: be prepared to talk about this feature like: be prepared to talk about this feature and explain why you feel it is effective.and explain why you feel it is effective.

TASK 2TASK 2

TASK 2TASK 2

•• We are now goi ng to look at We are now goi ng to look at all all examples of the extremel y effective examples of the extremel y effective language that Keane empl oys in section language that Keane empl oys in section 1 (Paragraphs 1 1 (Paragraphs 1 -- 5) of his letter. 5) of his letter.

•• Consider the effect of the fol lowing Consider the effect of the fol lowing quotes from section 1.quotes from section 1.

““a long sentence whose a long sentence whose punctuation marks are feeding punctuation marks are feeding and winding and nappy and winding and nappy changing and these changing and these occasionaloccasionalmomentsmoments of quiet.of quiet.””

““This This gloriousglorious dawn sky dawn sky makes me think wemakes me think we’’ll call you ll call you Son of the Eastern Star.Son of the Eastern Star.””

““We had We had wanted youwanted you andandwaited for youwaited for you, , imagined youimagined youandand dreamed about youdreamed about you…”…”

““the staff of our apartmentthe staff of our apartment””

““days have days have meltedmelted into night into night and back again.and back again.””

““a a softsoft quiet quiet in our apartmentin our apartment..””

““More tiredMore tired, yet , yet more happymore happythan I have ever known herthan I have ever known her…”…”

““You You are asleep are asleep cradledcradled in my in my left arm and I am learning the left arm and I am learning the art of oneart of one--handed typing.handed typing.””

Analysis/EvaluationAnalysis/EvaluationFocus of AnalysisFocus of AnalysisQuote/EvidenceQuote/EvidenceNarrative Stance Narrative Stance –– ‘‘YouYou’’Tone &Tone &Word choice Word choice –– ““cradledcradled””Tone &Tone &Sentence structure Sentence structure ––repetition of repetition of ““moremore””Setting/Word choice Setting/Word choice ––effect of effect of ““softsoft””Word choice Word choice –– ““meltedmelted””

MetaphorMetaphorWord choice Word choice –– effect of effect of ““occasionaloccasional”” and of and of ““momentsmoments””..

Sentence structure Sentence structure ––repetition of phrases repetition of phrases containing containing ““andand””..

Word choice Word choice ––““gloriousglorious””

1. What feelings do the new parents 1. What feelings do the new parents have.have.2. What do their feelings help cope 2. What do their feelings help cope with? with?

1. What tone is created in the apartment1. What tone is created in the apartment2. What has the birth of his son 2. What has the birth of his son brought Keane?brought Keane?1. What does the writer mean in his 1. What does the writer mean in his use of use of ““days have melted into nightdays have melted into night””??

1. Keane compares his new life to a 1. Keane compares his new life to a long sentence long sentence –– why is this why is this appropriate given his occupation and appropriate given his occupation and how does he develop the idea?how does he develop the idea?

1. Look at this sentence. Comment 1. Look at this sentence. Comment on the structure of this sentence.on the structure of this sentence.2. Comment on the phrase 2. Comment on the phrase ““Wanted Wanted you and waited for youyou and waited for you””..

1. What feeling does Keane have for 1. What feeling does Keane have for his son and the future?his son and the future?

1. Why does the writer have to learn 1. Why does the writer have to learn ““oneonehanded typinghanded typing””??2. The writer2. The writer’’s aim in this paragraph is tos aim in this paragraph is tocreate a tone of calm and tranquillity create a tone of calm and tranquillity –– what what does the word does the word ““cradledcradled”” suggest to you?suggest to you?

AnecdoteAnecdote 1. The optimism Keane feels about his 1. The optimism Keane feels about his son is obvious. Why does he include son is obvious. Why does he include the information about his neighbours?the information about his neighbours?

““the staff of our apartmentthe staff of our apartment””

““This This gloriousglorious dawn sky makes dawn sky makes me think weme think we’’ll call you Son of ll call you Son of the Eastern Star.the Eastern Star.””

““We had We had wanted youwanted you andandwaited for youwaited for you, , imagined youimagined youandand dreamed about youdreamed about you…”…”

““a long sentence whose a long sentence whose punctuation marks are feeding punctuation marks are feeding and winding and nappy and winding and nappy changing and these changing and these occasionaloccasionalmomentsmoments of quiet.of quiet.””

““days have days have meltedmelted into night into night and back again.and back again.””

““a a softsoft quiet quiet in our apartmentin our apartment..””

““More tiredMore tired, yet , yet more happymore happythan I have ever known herthan I have ever known her…”…”

““You You are asleep are asleep cradledcradled in my in my left arm and I am learning the left arm and I am learning the art of oneart of one--handed typing.handed typing.””

Analysis/EvaluationAnalysis/EvaluationFocus of AnalysisFocus of AnalysisQuote/EvidenceQuote/EvidenceNarrative Stance Narrative Stance –– ‘‘YouYou’’Tone &Tone &Word choice Word choice –– ““cradledcradled””Tone &Tone &Sentence structure Sentence structure ––repetition of repetition of ““moremore””

Setting/Word choice Setting/Word choice ––effect of effect of ““softsoft””Word choice Word choice –– ““meltedmelted””

MetaphorMetaphorWord choice Word choice –– effect of effect of ““occasionaloccasional”” and of and of ““momentsmoments””..

Sentence structure Sentence structure ––repetition of phrases repetition of phrases containing containing ““andand””..

Word choice Word choice ––““gloriousglorious””

Suggests that the feeling of Suggests that the feeling of happiness is so great it outweighs happiness is so great it outweighs the tiredness which accompanies the the tiredness which accompanies the birth of a child.birth of a child.Setting Setting -- The word suggests the The word suggests the comfort and peace brought into his comfort and peace brought into his life by the son.life by the son.

The divides between periods of time The divides between periods of time are blurred or removed and time are blurred or removed and time means nothing.means nothing.The writerThe writer’’s profession and his daily s profession and his daily routine are both entwined and routine are both entwined and connected: successful work depends connected: successful work depends on the quiet.on the quiet.

Keane indicates how badly they Keane indicates how badly they wanted a child and how much this wanted a child and how much this was on their minds.was on their minds.

The new day, and the sight of dawn The new day, and the sight of dawn breaking, are symbolic of hope and breaking, are symbolic of hope and optimism.optimism.

The writers aim is to create a tone of The writers aim is to create a tone of calm and tranquillity. His baby is calm and tranquillity. His baby is comfortable and safe comfortable and safe

AnecdoteAnecdoteTheme of hope and optimism is Theme of hope and optimism is shared by strangers/better future shared by strangers/better future expectedexpected

Section 2Section 2(Paragraphs 6 (Paragraphs 6 ––

opening of opening of parapara 11)11)

FergalFergal-- Life as war correspondent Life as war correspondent ––

How this makes him protective of How this makes him protective of his sonhis son

Read paragraphs 6 Read paragraphs 6 –– 1111•• Paragraph 6 Paragraph 6 marks a new direction in the marks a new direction in the ““letterletter””. .

•• Keane takes a Keane takes a critical look at himselfcritical look at himself and and his his views on lifeviews on life before Danielbefore Daniel ’’s arrival. s arrival.

•• As a war correspondent As a war correspondent his values were his values were radically different to what they are nowradically different to what they are now that he that he is a father. is a father.

•• In this section he also considers In this section he also considers the suffering he the suffering he has witnessed in his job.has witnessed in his job.

•• This This sufferingsuffering is experienced by is experienced by children alonechildren aloneand Keane is acutely aware of and Keane is acutely aware of DanielDaniel’’s s vulnerabilityvulnerability..

TASK 1TASK 1

ParagraphsParagraphs6 & 76 & 7

TASK 1TASK 1•• Read paragraphs 6 & 7Read paragraphs 6 & 7

carefully.carefully.

•• As you do so, make notes on As you do so, make notes on the following:the following:--

•• Imagery, Imagery, •• Word choice, Word choice, •• Ideas presentedIdeas presented

•• By close reference to the By close reference to the aboveabove , explain how Keane , explain how Keane indicates that his indicates that his view on view on livingliving has changed.has changed.

‘‘I wonder how I could I wonder how I could ever have thought that ever have thought that glory and prizesglory and prizes and and praise were sweeter praise were sweeter than than lifelife..’’

‘‘What people say about What people say about us is reason enough t o us is reason enough t o gamble with deathgamble with death..’’

‘‘II know, know, II have lived a have lived a life that, on occasion, life that, on occasion, has has veeredveered close to the close to the edge: war zones, edge: war zones, natural disasters, natural disasters, darkness in all its darkness in all its shapes and forms.shapes and forms. ’’

‘‘Your coming has Your coming has turned turned meme upside upside downdown..’’

Analysis/EvaluationAnalysis/EvaluationFocus of AnalysisFocus of AnalysisQuote/EvidenceQuote/EvidenceNarrative Stance Narrative Stance –– ‘‘meme’’&&MetaphorMetaphor

Narrative stance Narrative stance –– ‘‘II’’Word choice Word choice -- ‘‘veeredveered ’’&&Sentence StructureSentence Structure

MetaphorMetaphor

Word choiceWord choice --’’veeredveered’’ gives the gives the sense he has been inches away sense he has been inches away from death due to the risks he from death due to the risks he takes, like a car on the edge of a takes, like a car on the edge of a cliff cliff

StructureStructure –– lists most dangerous lists most dangerous places he has been to emphasise places he has been to emphasise the risks he once tookthe risks he once took

His ego and need to please and His ego and need to please and receive praise outweighed his receive praise outweighed his own safety previously. He now own safety previously. He now finds this ridiculous notionfinds this ridiculous notion

No longer recognises the person No longer recognises the person he was. Realises the need to put he was. Realises the need to put his son before everything else. his son before everything else. Will this impact on how he does Will this impact on how he does his job?his job?

NarrativeNarrative –– Focus changed from Focus changed from Daniel to father.Daniel to father.MetaphorMetaphor –– Idea that his view of Idea that his view of life has totally changed. Is this life has totally changed. Is this wholly positive?wholly positive?

Theme Theme –– sense of sense of responsibi lityresponsibi lity

T ASK 2 TASK 2

ParagraphsParagraphs8 , 9 & 10 8, 9 & 10

TASK 2TASK 2•• Read paragraphs 8, 9 & 10Read paragraphs 8, 9 & 10

carefully.carefully.

•• As you do so, make notes on the As you do so, make notes on the following:following:--

•• Setting, Setting, •• Word choice, Word choice, •• Ideas presentedIdeas presented

•• By close reference to the aboveBy close reference to the above, , explain how he also considers explain how he also considers the the suffering he has witnessed in his suffering he has witnessed in his job.job.

•• This This sufferingsuffering is experienced by is experienced by children alonechildren alone and Keane is and Keane is acutely aware of acutely aware of DanielDaniel’’s s vulnerabilityvulnerability..

‘‘The children had died holding on The children had died holding on to their mother, that instinct we to their mother, that instinct we all learn from birth and in one all learn from birth and in one way or another cling to until we way or another cling to until we die.die.’’

‘‘There is one last memory of There is one last memory of Rwanda Rwanda …… beaten to death.beaten to death.’’

‘‘He was nice before but now he He was nice before but now he has the hunger.has the hunger.’’

‘‘Growing ever more faint as the Growing ever more faint as the wind blew dust on to his woundswind blew dust on to his wounds’’

‘‘I am I am painedpained, perhaps , perhaps hauntedhaunted is is a better word, by the memory a better word, by the memory ……of each suffering child I have of each suffering child I have come across.come across.’’

Analysis/EvaluationAnalysis/EvaluationFocus of AnalysisFocus of AnalysisQuote/EvidenceQuote/Evidence

Sentence Structure Sentence Structure ––Climactic/Climactic/emotive languageemotive language

Anecdote/Anecdote/Imagery Imagery -- ShockingShocking

Word Choice Word Choice ––‘‘Pained/HauntedPained/Haunted ’’Setting Setting -- contrastcontrast

ToneTone - sufferingsuffering

Suddenly the birth of child has made Suddenly the birth of child has made his memories much more painful as his memories much more painful as he can now imagine the same pain he can now imagine the same pain being inflicted on his own son. His being inflicted on his own son. His detachment as a professional detachment as a professional reporter has been lostreporter has been lost

Emphasises pain and suffering in Emphasises pain and suffering in the world. Helps explain the world. Helps explain protectiveness of his son protectiveness of his son

Sentence structureSentence structure –– building to building to shocking climaxshocking climaxThe use of The use of emotive languageemotive languageransacked/ beaten/ huddled emphasise ransacked/ beaten/ huddled emphasise shocking violence/affect readershocking violence/affect reader

This reflects KeaneThis reflects Keane’’s own life. His s own life. His mother was left alone to bring him up mother was left alone to bring him up as his father became victim to as his father became victim to alcoholism.alcoholism.

Here Keane gives detail about the Here Keane gives detail about the wounds and hardships the children wounds and hardships the children in war torn countries are suffering. in war torn countries are suffering. The detail of this anecdote and image The detail of this anecdote and image makes the text more emotive and makes the text more emotive and engaging.engaging.

Theme Theme –– Prelude to Prelude to next paragraphnext paragraph

‘‘The children had died holding on The children had died holding on to their mother, that instinct we to their mother, that instinct we all learn from birth and in one all learn from birth and in one way or another cling to until we way or another cling to until we die.die.’’

‘‘There is one last memory of There is one last memory of Rwanda Rwanda …… beaten to death.beaten to death.’’

‘‘He was nice before but now he He was nice before but now he has the hunger.has the hunger.’’

‘‘Growing ever more faint as the Growing ever more faint as the wind blew dust on to his woundswind blew dust on to his wounds’’

‘‘I am I am painedpained, perhaps , perhaps hauntedhaunted is is a better word, by the memory a better word, by the memory ……of each suffering child I have of each suffering child I have come across.come across.’’

Analysis/EvaluationAnalysis/EvaluationFocus of AnalysisFocus of AnalysisQuote/EvidenceQuote/Evidence

‘‘Daniel, these memori es Daniel, these memori es explain some of the fierce explain some of the fierce protectiveness I feel for protectiveness I feel for you, the tenderness and you, the tenderness and the occasional moments the occasional moments of blind terror when I of blind terror when I imagine anything imagine anything happening to you.happening to you.’’

Analysis/EvaluationAnalysis/EvaluationFocus of AnalysisFocus of AnalysisQuote/EvidenceQuote/Evidence

How does the fi rst sentence How does the fi rst sentence act as a l ink between the act as a l ink between the two paragraphs 10&11? two paragraphs 10&11?

Tone, narrati ve voice, Tone, narrati ve voice, personal anecdote.personal anecdote.

Section 3aSection 3a(Paragraphs 11 (Paragraphs 11 ––

Paragraph 15)Paragraph 15)

FergalFergal ’’s Fathers Father-- AlcoholicAlcoholic ––

How this makes him even more How this makes him even more protective protective

Read paragraphs 11 Read paragraphs 11 -- 1515•• (Paragraph 11 continues) (Paragraph 11 continues) ‘‘But there is something But there is something

more, a story from long ago that I w ill tell you face to more, a story from long ago that I w ill tell you face to face, father and son, when you are older.face, father and son, when you are older. ’’

•• This sentence acts as a This sentence acts as a turning pointturning point, with Keane , with Keane telling Daniel that another reason why he feels so telling Daniel that another reason why he feels so protective towards his son is that he never reall y knew protective towards his son is that he never reall y knew his his ownown father who had died, an alcoholic, separated father who had died, an alcoholic, separated from his wife and family.from his wife and family.

•• This section should allow you to consider the issue This section should allow you to consider the issue of the of the realreal and the and the imaginedimagined in nonin non--fiction, perhaps fiction, perhaps agreeing that, in nonagreeing that, in non --fiction it is the facts th at are fiction it is the facts th at are conveyed which matter, regardless of how the conveyed which matter, regardless of how the descriptive or narrative detail might have been descriptive or narrative detail might have been manipulated to creative effect. manipulated to creative effect.

TASK 1TASK 1

P aragraphs Paragraphs11 11 -- 1515

TASK 1TASK 1•• Read paragraphs 11 Read paragraphs 11 -- 1515

carefully.carefully.

•• As you do so, make notes on As you do so, make notes on the following:the following:--

•• Narrative Stance Narrative Stance •• Word choice, Word choice, •• Ideas presentedIdeas presented

•• By close reference to the By close reference to the aboveabove , explain how Keane , explain how Keane fears his son having a similar fears his son having a similar childhood to his own and his childhood to his own and his determination to never let determination to never let this happen.this happen.

‘‘A big city on a January morning A big city on a January morning with snow on the ground.with snow on the ground.’’

““But there is something more But there is something more …”…”

Analysis/EvaluationAnalysis/EvaluationFocus of Focus of AnalysisAnalysis

Quote/EvidenceQuote/Evidence

SettingSetting

Fiction/Fiction/NonNon--Fiction?Fiction?

Change in Change in Narrative StanceNarrative Stance

The narrative changes from second to third The narrative changes from second to third person. The change removes or distances person. The change removes or distances him from the action initially. We expect a him from the action initially. We expect a story told in third person by a neutral and story told in third person by a neutral and omniscient author; but it becomes clear omniscient author; but it becomes clear ––through convincing detail through convincing detail -- that he is telling that he is telling his own storyhis own story

This sentence acts as a turning point, with This sentence acts as a turning point, with Keane telling Daniel that another reason why Keane telling Daniel that another reason why he feels so protective towards his son is that he feels so protective towards his son is that he never really knew his own father who had he never really knew his own father who had died, an alcoholic, separated from his wife died, an alcoholic, separated from his wife and family.and family.

People criticise Keane for being People criticise Keane for being melodramatic in these paragraphs. He melodramatic in these paragraphs. He ““overdoesoverdoes”” the drama and emotion of the the drama and emotion of the moment. Keane was not there and has moment. Keane was not there and has made some of his narrative up (based on made some of his narrative up (based on facts) for dramatic effect. So is the setting facts) for dramatic effect. So is the setting made to seem worse to emphasise his made to seem worse to emphasise his mothermother ’’s struggles and hardships?s struggles and hardships?

If the facts are accurate but the detail faulty, If the facts are accurate but the detail faulty, does this make these paragraphs less does this make these paragraphs less reliable as a nonreliable as a non--fiction account?fiction account?

‘‘The cancer of alcoholism ate The cancer of alcoholism ate away at the man and he lost his away at the man and he lost his family. This was not something family. This was not something he meant to do or wanted to do, it he meant to do or wanted to do, it just was.just was.’’

‘‘On his own, in a one roomed flat, On his own, in a one roomed flat, living and dying for the bottle.living and dying for the bottle.’’

‘‘Her husband comes that night Her husband comes that night and weeps with joy.and weeps with joy.’’

Analysis/EvaluationAnalysis/EvaluationFocus of Focus of AnalysisAnalysis

Quote/EvidenceQuote/Evidence

Tone Tone -- LossLoss

Change in Change in Narrative StanceNarrative Stance

He describes his mother as "a woman", to He describes his mother as "a woman", to distance himself from his own background distance himself from his own background as he now sees how similar his parents are as he now sees how similar his parents are to him and his wife.to him and his wife.Here he refers to his father as Here he refers to his father as ““her her husband". This is because the father's husband". This is because the father's experience mirrors Fergal Keane's own life experience mirrors Fergal Keane's own life and the fears that he has about how good a and the fears that he has about how good a parent he will be.parent he will be.

Sadness Sadness –– never got to speak to his never got to speak to his father before he died. Feelings of father before he died. Feelings of regretregret

By distancing himself from his father, he also By distancing himself from his father, he also makes it easier for him to forgive as his dad makes it easier for him to forgive as his dad has been made out like any other man and his has been made out like any other man and his unfortunate circumstances could have unfortunate circumstances could have happened to anyone.happened to anyone.

Imagery, word Imagery, word choice, sentence choice, sentence structure.structure.

Section 3bSection 3b(Paragraphs 16) (Paragraphs 16) Final ParagraphFinal Paragraph

-- Link back to DanielLink back to Daniel --Return to love, joy but also gives Return to love, joy but also gives

tone of hopetone of hope

Read the final paragraph.Read the final paragraph.

•• The tone is one of joy and love, which The tone is one of joy and love, which pervaded the earl y paragraphs. pervaded the earl y paragraphs.

•• You are now going to note down any You are now going to note down any examples of language employed by examples of language employed by Keane (and name the techni que) to Keane (and name the techni que) to achieve this effect.achieve this effect.

I ntroduction Introduction•• Paragraph 16. Paragraph 16. •• 24. Keane finishes off in a positive and optimistic fashion. How24. Keane finishes off in a positive and optimistic fashion. How

does he achieve this? What does he write in the final paragraph does he achieve this? What does he write in the final paragraph to suggest optimism?to suggest optimism?

•• Look at the final paragraph.Look at the final paragraph.•• The tone is one of joy and love , which pervaded the early The tone is one of joy and love , which pervaded the early

paragraphs. paragraphs. •• Note down any examples of language employed by Keane (and Note down any examples of language employed by Keane (and

name the technique) to achieve this effect.name the technique) to achieve this effect.

•• Keane ends his letter with a more hopeful tone. He is looking Keane ends his letter with a more hopeful tone. He is looking forward more to the future as he thinks about how his own fatherforward more to the future as he thinks about how his own fatherwould be proud to hear his grandson.would be proud to hear his grandson. "The sound of hope and "The sound of hope and new beginnings that you and all your innocence and freshness new beginnings that you and all your innocence and freshness have brought to the world"have brought to the world"

"The sound of "The sound of hope and new hope and new beginnings that beginnings that you and all your you and all your innocence and innocence and freshness have freshness have brought to the brought to the world"world"

‘‘I thought of your I thought of your grandfathergrandfather ’’

Analysis/EvaluationAnalysis/EvaluationFocus of Focus of AnalysisAnalysis

Quote/EvidenceQuote/Evidence

Keane ends hi s letter with a more Keane ends hi s letter with a more hopeful tone. He is looking forward hopeful tone. He is looking forward more to the future as he thi nks more to the future as he thi nks about how his own father would be about how his own father would be proud to hear hi s grandson.proud to hear hi s grandson.

Because Fergal Keane has used Because Fergal Keane has used very precise detail in his letter to very precise detail in his letter to his son, the reader i s given much his son, the reader i s given much more powerful imagery and a real more powerful imagery and a real sense of what Keane writes about.sense of what Keane writes about.

Tone Tone –– HopeHopeEffective ending, Effective ending,

Narrative Narrative Structure Structure --Father (l ink back Father (l ink back to Daniel)to Daniel)-- Imagery,Imagery,word choice.word choice.

ff

••PREPARING FOR PREPARING FOR ANSWERING ANSWERING

QUESTIONS IN THE QUESTIONS IN THE EXAMEXAM

•• This part of the programme i s intended This part of the programme i s intended to focus on answering EXAM to focus on answering EXAM QUESTIONS on the QUESTIONS on the NON NON -- FICTIONFICTIONtext you have just studied.text you have just studied.

•• This questions on the fol lowing slide are This questions on the fol lowing slide are eminently suitable for an answer on eminently suitable for an answer on ‘‘A A Letter to DanielLetter to Daniel’’::

Suitable INTERMEDIATE 2 Questions for non Suitable INTERMEDIATE 2 Questions for non –– fiction fiction text: text:

‘‘A Letter to DanielA Letter to Daniel’’ by Arthur Fergal Keaneby Arthur Fergal Keane

2011Choose a prose w ork (fiction or non ficti on) in which the writerChoose a prose w ork (fiction or non ficti on) in which the writer usesusesa memorable style/voice/narrative technique.a memorable style/voice/narrative technique.

Explain in detail how features of the w riting style/voice/narratExplain in detail how features of the w riting style/voice/narrat iveivetechnique contribute to the effecti veness of the text.technique contribute to the effecti veness of the text.

2010Choose a prose w ork (fiction or non ficti on) in which setting isChoose a prose w ork (fiction or non ficti on) in which setting is ananImportant feature.Important feature.

Explain how the writer creates the setti ng, and then go on to shExplain how the writer creates the setti ng, and then go on to sh owowhow this feature contri butes to your understandi ng of the text ahow this feature contri butes to your understandi ng of the text a s as awhole.whole.

2009Choose a nonChoose a non --fiction text or group of texts w hich interests youfiction text or group of texts w hich interests youbecause of i ts detailed and vivid description of scenes, events,because of i ts detailed and vivid description of scenes, events,people.people.

Show how the detailed description makes the scenes, events,Show how the detailed description makes the scenes, events,people vivid for you and increases your understandi ng of what ispeople vivid for you and increases your understandi ng of what ishappening.happening.

Suitable HIGHER Questions for non Suitable HIGHER Questions for non –– fiction text: fiction text: ‘‘A Letter to DanielA Letter to Daniel’’ by Arthur Fergal Keaneby Arthur Fergal Keane

201110. Choose a non10. Choose a non--fiction text in which the writer expresses outrage or shock aboufiction text in which the writer expresses outrage or shock about an issuet an issuewhich you feel is important.which you feel is important.Show how the writer conveys the emotion and discuss to what exteShow how the writer conveys the emotion and discuss to what extent this emotional approachnt this emotional approachenhances your understanding of the issue.enhances your understanding of the issue.

12. Choose a non12. Choose a non--fiction text whose tone is either very optimistic or very pessimfiction text whose tone is either very optimistic or very pessimistic.istic.Show how the tone is created and discuss to what extent it is efShow how the tone is created and discuss to what extent it is effective in developing the themefective in developing the themeof the text.of the text.

201011. Choose a non11. Choose a non--fiction text in which the writerfiction text in which the writer’’s use of structure makes a significant impact.s use of structure makes a significant impact.Describe the important structural features of the text and show Describe the important structural features of the text and show how these enhance the impacthow these enhance the impactof the writerof the writer’’s message.s message.

12. Choose a non12. Choose a non--fiction text in which vivid description is an important feature.fiction text in which vivid description is an important feature.Discuss in detail how the vivid description is created and go onDiscuss in detail how the vivid description is created and go on to explain how itto explain how itcontributes to your appreciation of the text as a whole.contributes to your appreciation of the text as a whole.

20099. Choose an essay or a piece of journalism in which you feel th9. Choose an essay or a piece of journalism in which you feel that the writerat the writer’’s style is a keys style is a keyfactor in developing a persuasive argument.factor in developing a persuasive argument.Show how the writerShow how the writer’’s presentation of the argument is made persuasive by his or hers presentation of the argument is made persuasive by his or heruse of techniques of nonuse of techniques of non--fiction.fiction.

11. Choose a non11. Choose a non--fiction text which exploits the humour of particular situations fiction text which exploits the humour of particular situations and/orand/orincidents.incidents.Show how the writerShow how the writer’’s use of humour creates interest in the subject matter.s use of humour creates interest in the subject matter.

W riting a CEL Writing a CEL•• As the letter is organised into 4 sections As the letter is organised into 4 sections

(including the final paragraph), i t makes (including the final paragraph), i t makes sense to organise your essay in a similar sense to organise your essay in a similar way.way.

•• You will be planning your essay in You will be planning your essay in groups and will have to come up wi th groups and will have to come up wi th your own topic sentences, quotations, your own topic sentences, quotations, analysis and personal response.analysis and personal response.

•• It is crucial that you focus on the It is crucial that you focus on the essay task throughout.essay task throughout.

••Writing a planWriting a plan

IntroductionIntroduction•• Your plan should be v ery detailed and should indic ateYour plan should be v ery detailed and should indic ate……

•• A)A) what you will write about in the what you will write about in the IntroductionIntroduction•• B) B) Topic SentencesTopic Sentences for each paragraph for each paragraph •• C)C) Main Body:Main Body: What you will deal with in each paragraph (There What you will deal with in each paragraph (There

is no need to copy out all the information from the tables as lois no need to copy out all the information from the tables as long ng as you have indicated that this is where you will find the as you have indicated that this is where you will find the information). information).

•• D)D) what you will write about in the what you will write about in the ConclusionConclusion

•• Remember you mustRemember you must……

•• 1)1) show show Understanding (Understanding ( of the central concerns/themes of the of the central concerns/themes of the text text

•• 2) Analyse2) Analyse and and EvaluateEvaluate the the techniquestechniques used by the writerused by the writer•• 3)3) make your make your Personal ResponsePersonal Response to the features of writing very to the features of writing very

obvious in each paragraphobvious in each paragraph

Topic SentenceTopic Sentence ––

Look back at Look back at Section 1 Section 1 –– What quotes will you use?What quotes will you use?Para 2Para 2

The subjectThe subject –– Summary Summary -- hope/optimism (for a better future), love, responsibilityhope/optimism (for a better future), love, responsibility -- the the central idea central idea

How How ……?? -- uses techniques ofuses techniques of…………………… to showto show…………....

Refer back to questi onRefer back to questi on

Title of text and writer Title of text and writer

Opening line?Opening line?

IntroIntro

Plan Plan

•• Sum up what you have written in your essay. (Use words of task Sum up what you have written in your essay. (Use words of task and Topic and Topic Sentences from the body of your essay.)Sentences from the body of your essay.)

•• Personal Response should be restated Personal Response should be restated •• There should be no There should be no ‘‘newnew’’ ideas in the conclusion.ideas in the conclusion.•• Quotes should not be used in the conclusion.Quotes should not be used in the conclusion.

ConclusionConclusion

Topic Sentence Topic Sentence ––

Look back at Look back at Section 3 and Conclusion Section 3 and Conclusion –– What quotes will you use?What quotes will you use?Para 4Para 4

Topic SentenceTopic Sentence ––

Look back at Look back at Section 2 Section 2 –– What quotes will you use?What quotes will you use?Para 3Para 3

••Writing an Writing an IntroductionIntroduction

IntroductionIntroduction

• Introduction – a useful structure to use when writing an introduction is TAGLT.

• T – text/title• A – author/poet• G – genre (Summary of what the text i s trying to do)

• L – link to task + key points

• P.S Remember to use the wording of the question in the opening line.

Ex Based on 2009 questionEx Based on 2009 question

•• "Letter to Daniel" "Letter to Daniel" by Fergal Keaneby Fergal Keane is a nonis a non--fiction text that fiction text that interests me because of its detailed and v ivid description of interests me because of its detailed and v ivid description of scenes, events, people.scenes, events, people. The text takes the format of a letter The text takes the format of a letter from a new father to his newly born son. K eane uses this to from a new father to his newly born son. K eane uses this to reflect on his life experience as not only a new father but reflect on his life experience as not only a new father but also a war correspondent . It also reflects on the horrors of also a war correspondent . It also reflects on the horrors of child suffering he has w itnessed, his relat ionship with his child suffering he has w itnessed, his relat ionship with his alcoholic father and how fatherhood clea rly changes his alcoholic father and how fatherhood clea rly changes his outlook on life.outlook on life. Keane uses effective language, w ord choice, Keane uses effective language, w ord choice, structure, setting and tone to reflect on his own personal structure, setting and tone to reflect on his own personal experience which he uses to address the wider themes of the experience which he uses to address the wider themes of the importance of family, forgiveness and the weakness of man.importance of family, forgiveness and the weakness of man.Keane effectively uses language and structure in the Keane effectively uses language and structure in the opening parag raphs to interest the reader.opening parag raphs to interest the reader.••T T –– text/titletext/title

•• A A –– author/poetauthor/poet•• G G –– genre (Summar y of what the text is trying to do)genre (Summar y of what the text is trying to do)•• L L –– link to task + ke y points/ link to task + ke y points/ Link to opening Link to opening parapara of essayof essay

Wording of questionWording of question

••Writing the Main Body Writing the Main Body of your Essay of your Essay

Main Body of EssayMain Body of Essay

•• Following on from that, you should continue to develop your Following on from that, you should continue to develop your response. response. REMEMBER STRUCTUREREMEMBER STRUCTURE –– for each point you make, for each point you make, you should have:you should have:

•• Topic sentenceTopic sentence –– what is this particular paragraph going to be what is this particular paragraph going to be about? about? Remember the wording of the original ques tionRemember the wording of the original ques tion

•• ContextContext:: IntroduceIntroduce the quotation. the quotation.

•• EvidenceEvidence –– how can you support the point you have made?how can you support the point you have made?

•• ExplanationExplanation –– analysisanalysis -- HOW does the writer reveal theme? HOW does the writer reveal theme? Techniques and effectsTechniques and effects

•• CommentComment –– evaluationevaluation –– how has the theme/ character / conflict how has the theme/ character / conflict / setting etc been introduced / developed? Relate to task / setting etc been introduced / developed? Relate to task

•• The fact that the text is written in letter format highlights thThe fact that the text is written in letter format highlights that it is something personal at it is something personal which helps interest the reader.which helps interest the reader. Keane gives a vivid description of events by writing Keane gives a vivid description of events by writing in the first person in the opening paragraphs , giving a unique iin the first person in the opening paragraphs , giving a unique insight into his thoughts nsight into his thoughts and feelings which are usually meant for the pers on the letter iand feelings which are usually meant for the pers on the letter is addressed to only. s addressed to only. Keane's use of the vocati veKeane's use of the vocati ve " My Dear Son"" My Dear Son" at the beginning of the first paragraph at the beginning of the first paragraph immediately emphasises the feelings he has towards his son and iimmediately emphasises the feelings he has towards his son and i t makes the reader t makes the reader think that the letter i s written from the heart.think that the letter i s written from the heart. Throughout the letter Keane uses Throughout the letter Keane uses repetition. He says,repetition. He says,

"We had wanted you, and wai ted for you, imagi ned you and "We had wanted you, and wai ted for you, imagi ned you and dreamed about you" .dreamed about you" .

Repetition of the word " you" reinforces the personal aspect of tRepetition of the word " you" reinforces the personal aspect of the letter and i t also he letter and i t also highlights Keanehighlights Keane ’’s feelings of joy and pri de towards his son.s feelings of joy and pri de towards his son. The impact of his son's The impact of his son's arrival is clearly shown when he s ays,arrival is clearly shown when he s ays,

"your coming has turned me ups ide down and insi de out ... So"your coming has turned me ups ide down and insi de out ... Somuch that seemed ess ential to me has ... taken on a different comuch that seemed ess ential to me has ... taken on a different colour."lour."

Keane now sees his life from a new pers pective and things that hKeane now sees his life from a new pers pective and things that he used to think e used to think were important to him, aren't as important to him now. The tone were important to him, aren't as important to him now. The tone of happiness and joy of happiness and joy reinforces the universal theme of fatherhood effec tively and thereinforces the universal theme of fatherhood effec tively and the closeness of the closeness of the bond between father and son is clearly established in the openinbond between father and son is clearly established in the opening paragraphs.g paragraphs. The The detailed description of setting al so has a significant role to pdetailed description of setting al so has a significant role to play in interesting and lay in interesting and triggering an emotional response from the reader i n the opening triggering an emotional response from the reader i n the opening paragraphs.paragraphs. Keane Keane creates a peaceful and tranquil setting in the opening paragraphcreates a peaceful and tranquil setting in the opening paragraph s through his word s through his word choice. He sayschoice. He says "there is a soft quiet in our"there is a soft quiet in our …………

••Writing a conclusionWriting a conclusion

ConclusionConclusion

• To conclude/ I n conclusion. . . .• Summarise each point you made (Topic

Sentences) and how it relates to the question.

• Personal respo nse to each point and the text overal l.

• Evaluate effectiveness and relate this to the task.