The kitchen range

An original fiction passage set in the nineteenth century.

Ruth knelt before the iron range. She had watched Cook light it dozens of times, yet the grate seemed different now that the kitchen was empty. It waited, black and cold. Ruth arranged the paper and sticks, then struck a match. Her hand hovered at the open grate until the flame reached her fingers. She dropped the match and sat back. Above her, the clock continued its steady ticking. Then she remembered Cook's instruction: 'Air first, coal after.'

Ruth opened the vent and built the paper into a small, loose heap. Her next match made a sharp little star in the darkness. The flame travelled along the paper; one stick caught, and then another crackled into life. When the first coal glowed, Ruth added more, not hurriedly now, but one piece at a time. Hearing footsteps in the passage, she rose and brushed the soot from her hands. The range breathed out a steady heat. Ruth did not call for Cook.

Analyse the passage to explore how its language and structure present Ruth's growing confidence as she lights the kitchen range. Use references from the text to support your ideas.

You may find it helpful to consider:

• Ruth's first attempt
• the instruction she remembers
• her actions after the fire begins to burn