STUDENT WORKSHEET

1. In the first paragraph, compare the style of the first two sentences with that of
the rest of the paragraph. In which way are they different? What can justify
these different styles?

2. Analyse the relationship between the deceased and Miss Ruddock. Note the
contradictions between feeling close and not feeling close. What effect does this
produce on the audience?

3. Analyse Miss Ruddock’s reasons for going to the funeral.

4. What does she think of the funeral service?

5. What does she think of the letter from the funeral company?
6. In the third paragraph, make out the colloquial words and phrases that jar
against the formality of the reported letter. Find equivalents in formal English.
What do you think of the intrusion of colloquialisms in the middle of a formal
letter?

7. Last paragraph: why do you think Miss Ruddock writes so many letters?

8. Comment on the title of the piece, “A lady of Letters”.

9. What is the function of the last sentences of this extract: “I see we’ve got a new
couple moved in opposite. Don’t look very promising. The kiddy looks filthy.”

10. Creative writing: Imagine another “Talking Head” piece as seen from the point
of view of the deceased’s daughter:

- Give a stage direction describing the setting, the props and costume, the actor’s
attitude and tone.
- The daughter, using the first person, tells the audience about the funeral and how she
perceived it, seeing Miss Ruddock at the funeral. She comments about Miss
Ruddock’s presence. She mentions receiving Miss Ruddock’s letter and her reaction to
the letter… Remember to use the information about the deceased given in the extract
you’ve just studied.