The dog in the alley
An original fiction passage set in the nineteenth century.
Edmund took the alley behind the market because it was the quickest way home. The shops were closing, but the passage itself seemed harmless: rainwater dripped from the roofs and an empty basket rested against a wall. Halfway along, a dark shape separated itself from a doorway. A large dog stepped into the weak light. It lowered its head and stared at him. Its growl travelled between the brick walls and came back larger.
Edmund moved one foot backwards. The dog followed with one silent step. When he moved again, it did the same. Then a bark shattered the quiet. The parcel slipped from beneath Edmund’s arm. As the dog sprang forwards, he turned and ran towards a narrow gate. He reached it, pulled it shut and heard the animal’s teeth strike the wood. Edmund remained there with both hands upon the gate while the dog scratched at the other side.
Analyse the writer’s presentation of fear during Edmund’s encounter with the dog. In your response, consider the effects of both the language chosen and the way the passage develops, using well-selected details from the passage.
You may write about:
456 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE English Language 1.3 Content: prose fiction study requirements, covering 1.3.1 Read challenging prose fiction for the unseen 19th-century extract. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.