You now need to think about the whole of the source.

This text is taken from the middle of a novel.

How has the writer structured the text to interest you as a reader?

You could write about:

• what the writer focuses your attention on at the beginning of the source
• how and why the writer changes this focus as the source develops
• any other structural features that interest you.

The writer structures the text to build a growing sense of oppression and tension, moving from a wide, internal focus to a sharp, dramatic confrontation. At the beginning of the source, the writer focuses our attention entirely on Mary's internal state and her personal struggle against the heat. We are introduced to her thoughts and feelings, such as how she 'longed for the damp chill of an English winter'. This establishes her as a character who is isolated and out of place, creating immediate sympathy and intrigue. The focus is narrow and psychological. The writer then shifts the focus outwards to the physical environment. The description of the 'heat-waves' that 'beat up' from the boulders and the 'sapping, undermining waves' from the roof creates a sense of the heat as a relentless, attacking force. This development in structure broadens the reader's perspective, showing that the threat is not just in Mary's mind but is a tangible, external reality that affects everything, including the 'usually active dogs'. This shift intensifies the oppressive atmosphere. Finally, the structure dramatically narrows again with the sudden introduction of Dick. This shift from description to dialogue and action ('kicking the door shut') injects pace and conflict into the narrative. The focus moves from a human vs. nature conflict to a human vs. human conflict. By ending on the image of Mary's powerlessness and silence in the face of Dick's roaring anger, the writer creates a powerful cliffhanger. This structural choice leaves the reader with questions about their relationship and what will happen next, ensuring they are interested to read on.