Study Notes
The text 'Between a Rock and a Hard Place' by Aron Ralston is a first-hand account of a climbing accident where Ralston becomes trapped by a boulder. The narrative uses vivid descriptions and technical language to convey the tension and danger of the situation.
- First-person narrative — a story told from the perspective of the narrator. Example: 'I come to another drop-off' introduces the extract using first-person.
- Chockstone — a rock wedged between two walls in a canyon. Example: 'The chockstone is the size of a large bus tire'.
- Tension — a feeling of suspense and anxiety. Example: 'Fear shoots my hands over my head'.
- Foreshadowing — a hint of what is to come in the story. Example: 'The claustrophobic feel of a short tunnel' might foreshadow the accident.
- Simile — a figure of speech comparing one thing with another using 'like' or 'as'. Example: 'Akin to climbing down from the roof of a house'.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- First-person narrative
- Chockstone
- Tension
- Foreshadowing
- Simile
Common Confusions
- Confusing first-person narrative with third-person narrative
- Misunderstanding the technical climbing terms
Typical Exam Questions
- How does the writer create tension in the narrative? By using short sentences and vivid descriptions.
- What is the significance of the chockstone in the text? It represents the obstacle that traps the narrator.
- How does the use of first-person perspective affect the reader? It makes the reader feel closer to the narrator's experience.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of narrative techniques
- Ability to identify and explain literary devices
- Interpretation of the writer's purpose and effect