Helm Cragg

Task: Text 21 (64)

• Many people find the experience of travel invigorating.

• Discuss the attitude of the writer of Text 21 in relation to this subject.

• Write about how the writer uses structure, form and language to convey his ideas and attitudes.

Helm Cragg: “an epitome of Lakeland”

The Victorian

traveller

Pictorial Guide To The Lakeland Fells

• “pictorial”: characterised by, composed of pictures; illustrated by pictures

• “guide”: a guide is a person who leads one through unknown territory;

• One who shows the way by leading, directing, or advising.

• One who serves as a model for others (eg in their conduct).

Structure

• 3 annotated pen and ink line drawings from varying perspectives:

• Over-head map (northerly bearing)• Landscape map / transectional (north-westerly

bearing)• Sketch of summit (in close-up)

• Accompanying brief commentary / notes

Use of Form: presentation

• Line drawings• Dimension• Contour lines• Pathways• Rivers• Distances• Heights• Directional arrows

• Gradients• Bearings• Conditions underfoot• Place names• Features of

landscape• Scale• Plant life

Use of Form: Purpose

• To convey knowledge to his readers

• To instruct his readers

• To advise his readers

• To illustrate the various walks to his readers

• To reassure future walkers

• To enthuse about / celebrate / worship Lakeland

• This is one of the few hills where ascent and descent by the same route is recommended, the popular path depicted being much the best way both up and down.

• An alternative route (shown on the map but not on this diagram) has nothing in its favour.

• If, however, Helm Cragg is to be a part only of the day’s programme (e.g the circuit, of Far Easedale or the Greenburn valley) it is better reserved for descent, for then the Vale of Grasmere will be directly in view ahead; and this fair scene is at its best when the shadows of evening are lengthening, with the Langdales silhouetted in rugqed outline against the sunset.

• Tarry long over this exquisite picture of serenity and peace, and memorise it for the long winter of exile!

• Looking northwest

• This is a splendid little climb; if it has a fault it is that it is too short.

• But for the evening of the day of arrival in Grasmere on a walking holiday it is just the thing: an epitome of Lakeland concentrated in the space of two hours - and an excellent foretaste of happy days to come.

Use of Form: method

• Pictorial representation of fact

• Opinion

• Humour

• Recommendation

• Advice

• Romance

Attitudes: the language of opinion

• “is recommended”

• “being much the best way up”

• “has nothing in its favour”

• “is better reserved for descent”

Attitudes: the language of devotion

• “fair scene”• “splendid little climb”• “the shadows of evening are lengthening”• “silhouetted in rugged outline against the

sunset”• “exquisite picture of serenity and peace”• “An epitome of Lakeland”• “an excellent foretaste”

Attitudes: juxtaposition

• “the long winter of exile!”

• “happy days to come”

Attitudes: understanding the man behind this

• Talented artist / pictorial “love letters”

• Dedicated / meticulous

• Uniquely helpful / opinionated

• In love with Lakeland / an enthusiast/ a traveller

• Wanting others to appreciate Lakeland