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In this short story, Angelica Gibb skillfully illustrates the complex relationships between her characters through nuanced characterization. We see Marian's interactions with Mrs. Ericson and the driving inspector reveal their dynamics, where assumptions and societal expectations clash. The inspector’s condescending approach contrasts with Marian's education, highlighting power imbalances in their relationship. Meanwhile, the bond between Marian and Mrs. Ericson shows support despite underlying tension. This analysis emphasizes how character portrayal shapes interpersonal relationships.
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The Test Angelica Gibb Prose: Short story Relationships
We are learning to: • Identify how the use of characterisation can affect the relationships between characters. • I must: work independently in order to build up my bank of notes. • I should: select information from the text to show how characterisation can affect the relationships between the characters. • I could: justify my choice of evidence via feedback.
Relationships • Another way writers build up and create their characters is by showing what they are like in relation to others. • In this story, we see Marian interacting with Mrs Ericson and the driving inspector.
Feedback • The demon and the angel in this scenario don’t talk to each other, just the person whose shoulders they are sitting on. • The demon tries to encourage evil while the angel does the opposite – acting as a moral compass. • In some ways, Mrs. Ericson and the driving inspector are like the angel and the demon. They are there in the story to relate to and influence Marion. We never see them unless they are with her.
Marion & the driving inspector • Throughout the story, the inspector continually talks to Marion as if she is from the South. • He also chooses to call her by several different names. By deciding to call her by a different name, he is trying to take control of her.
Individual Task • Read through the story. • Each time you find an example of the inspector making an assumption, quote what he says. • Explain in your own words what he assumes or thinks about Marion. 2) Then copy down an example where Marian speaks to the inspector using only a fact. 3) Answer the following questions: • Why do you think she answers in facts? • Is there ever an example of her speaking to him in a different way? Quote it in your answer. • What happens the only time she speaks in a different way?
The different ways they speak are just part of a whole collection of differences between the inspector and Marian. • One you may have spotted is her education. Marian has a degree and it is not her fault but society’s fault that she has been unable to use it to get a good job. • Being in the job he is in, the inspector certainly doesn’t have a degree. Marian must be better educated than him.
Marian v.s. The Inspector • As a group, think of all the ways that these two characters differ from one another.
Marian and Mrs Ericson • Marian is with the driving inspector for a huge part of the story, but at the start we see her with her employer, Mrs Ericson.
Despite the differences between them, and despite the fact that Marian works for Mrs Ericson, the two women seem to have a close relationship.
Individual Task - For the following statements, find a quote that supports it. • Mrs Ericson thinks Marian deserves to pass her test. • Mrs Ericson is able to accept that Marian may know best. • Mrs Ericson wants to help Marian stay calm. • Mrs Ericson encourages Marian. • Mrs Ericson relies on Marian. • Mrs Ericson appreciates Marian. • The two women are fond of each other.
Group Discussion • That all sounds very good, but it doesn’t mean the relationship between the two women is perfect. • In your groups, read P1 – 3 again. • Look especially at what Marian says. • DISCUSS: Can you find any suggestions that Marian might think her employer is just slightly taking advantage of her?
