ELLB1 Question 2 Model Answer
(written under examination conditions)
In texts 10 and 18 both Michael Palin and Samuel Johnson experience feelings of isolation and loneliness whilst travelling. Written centuries apart, the writers present their feelings in different ways; Palin uses humour and direct personal opinions whilst Johnson uses a more literary form to subtly do so.
Michael Palin is a well established comedian and writer and as a public figure would be well received by newspaper readers. Due to his well known status he is able to be more direct towards the reader than Johnson and through the frequent use of rhetorical questions such as, ‘so why do I bother to lie?’, he interacts with them and this allows him to put across his feelings. This relationship he creates between himself and the reader through a speech–style narrator presents clearly his feelings of isolation he feels at times when travelling.
In text 18 however, Johnson’s feelings are not as obvious due to constraints of personal expression during the 18th century. He therefore uses literary techniques to present his feelings of isolation and misery whilst being away from home. For example the adjectives ‘weary and peevish’ reflect his personal feelings of despair and loneliness whilst being away from home.
Both writers use a formal style in which to...
