The Lanterns

Text 1: The Winter Fair, by Mara Ellison

An original short story extract.

By six o’clock, Nia had hung eight paper lanterns across the village hall. She checked each knot before moving on. Mrs Bell had told her that the decorations were the first thing visitors would see, and Nia had promised to make them look special.

She climbed the step ladder to fasten the last string. The hall was quiet except for the clock above the kitchen door. Then the ladder shifted. Nia grabbed for the table, but her sleeve caught the string. Three lanterns came down together, folding against the floor with a dry crackle. Their bright paper petals lay flat and lifeless.

Nia stepped down and held the loose string in both hands. She could hear voices outside now. The door latch clicked. “I was just…” she began, but the words stopped. She gathered the fallen lanterns into her arms, hiding their crushed shapes against her coat.

How does Mara Ellison use language and structure to present Nia’s response to the accident?

In your answer, consider how her mood changes from the beginning to the end.

You should use relevant subject terminology to support your answer.