OCR AS and a Level English Language and Literature Learner Resource 4 - Settings and Semantic

Lesson Element

Learner resource 4: Settings and semantic fields

For each setting, note the main semantic fields used in description of the place. Pick out quotations illustrating the lexis and imagery in these fields. Comment on the effect of such choice. One example has been done for you.

Gateshead House

Generally negative semantic fields of winter weather; cold v heat; light v dark.

The cold winter wind had brought with it clouds so sombre, and a rain so penetrating, that further out-door exercise, was now out of the question.

The said Eliza, John, and Georgiana were now clustered round their mama in the drawing room: she lay reclined on a sofa by the fireside… Me, she had dispensed from joining the group;

Hidden on window seat with a book

The red-room was a spare chamber …

The room was chill, because it seldom had a fire; it was silent

I found no pleasure in the silent trees, the falling fir cones, the congealed relics of autumn, russet leaves swept by past winds in heaps, and now stiffened together. I leaned against a gate, and looked into an empty field where no sheep were feeding, where the short grass was nipped and blanched.

Bessie brought a candle into my closet and found me already up and nearly dressed. I had risen half an hour before her entrance, and had washed my face, and put on my clothes by the light of a half-moon just setting, whose rays streamed through the narrow window by my crib. I was to leave Gateshead that day.

Effects: These evoke the coldness of the family’s treatment of Jane, her feelings of isolation and sadness, contrasted with their luxury and togetherness.

Lowood Institute

Thornfield Hall

Moor House

Ferndean