How Does Dickens Present the Signalman

in This Extract?
Success Criteria
• Identify a quotation that answers the question.
• Explain how the quotation answers the question.
• Explore another meaning of the quotation.
• Link either one of your ideas (explain or explore) with another quotation or idea in
the text.

Example
Dickens presents the signalman as vigilant when he says ‘exactness and watchfulness were
what was required of him’. This makes it sound like his job required a lot of concentration.
It also makes it sound like he needs to be very alert and a perfectionist because of the noun
‘exactness’. This is also shown when he has a conversation using ‘well-chosen words’ as if he
is very precise in all he does.

Identify Explain Explore Link

Dickens presents the This makes it It also makes This is also shown
signalman as alert when sound like his job it sound like when it says he
it says ‘exactness and required a lot of he is someone uses ‘well-chosen
watchfulness were what concentration. who needs words’ as if he is
was required of him.’ everything to very accurate all
be perfect. the time.

The signalman is presented This shows that… It could suggest This is also show
as lonely when it says he that he feels… when…
has a ‘lonesome post’.

He seems to be cleverer This shows that… This could However, it says

than is needed for the suggest that… he was a ‘poor
job when it says he is hand at figures’
‘educated above that which suggests…
station’.

Dickens suggests the This shows that… It could also This is also shown
signalman is scared of the suggest that… when…
narrator when it says he
was ‘intently watchful.’

Word Bank

cautious trust hardworking unsettling fearful

alert exact worried well-educated unsure