billy elliot sample essay hsc

2x Essays on Billy Elliot

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Snippet from the first essay;

Stephen Daldry’s film Billy Elliot is a film that highlights the struggles and opportunities that arise in an individual’s everyday life. Billy is living in a society where ‘football, boxing or wrestling’ are the typical masculine activities a boy could participate in. Although Billy finds himself interested in ballet, but is faced with many obstacles including the society he lives in, his family’s lack of support and his family’s financial situation. Throughout the film Daldry uses music to support the meaning and mood of each scene.

The non-diegetic music played in the scenes with the police and strikers was ‘London Calling’ by The Clash as it represents anger and discontent. The fact that Billy’s father and brother were miners on a strike adds to the difficulty of gaining their support to attend the London Royal Ballet School. The music emphasizes the tension and aggravation of the situation and identifies how serious Billy’s family is struggling financially. This is a major obstacle for Billy as even with the struggle to gain his family support, it is not enough to make his dream come true.

Before Billy gained his father and brothers support he was faced with many confronting experiences. His father was paying 50 pence for him to attend boxing classes although he didn’t particularly thrive in boxing. Billy found himself being knocked to the ground by an opponent and as he lay on the ring floor, non-diegetic music played over the scene capturing his intriguing stare towards the ballet dancers. The sounds exaggerate the scene and cause the audience to stop and be captured, feeling the same experience as Billy did.

Although he was facing many adversities, especially in boxing class being called ‘a disgrace to them gloves, your father and the traditions of this boxing hall’, he was on the verge of a transformation. It was at this moment that Billy knew there was something special about the ballet and that he was intrigued by it. This is reinforced in the following scene where George gives him the keys to hand to Mrs Wilkinson and orders him to stay back and practice hitting the bag. As Billy was doing this he was once again attracted to the diegetic music of the dancers at practice and began to move in sync with the swinging boxing bag and the music. Although Billy was faced with an obstacle and a negative experience in boxing class, an opportunity flourished from his after class punishment and he began to join ballet classes instead of attending boxing with the 50 pence his father would give him.

As Billy begins to attend the ballet lessons the audience begin to see a transformation in his spirit and everyday mood. Billy begins to feel satisfaction, excitement and rebelliousness. The song ‘Get It On (Bang a Gong)’ by the T Rex begins to play and continues throughout the next few scenes of Billy at school, looking in the mirror with a new sense of self respect, and on the cross country run taking a detour into a tunnel under the bridge. The music and the scene reflect the rebelliousness and this transformational nature that Billy has experienced since joining the ballet lessons. This sense of rebelliousness and transformation is reinforced in the scene where Billy visits the Durham Country Library Bus. He steals a book about ballet by putting it down his pants as the librarian is distracted. This scene reinforces the change in Billy’s attitude as the thrill and rebelliousness he feels is highlighted in the background music.

It is then in the next scene that the audience notice that the song begins to fade out as Billy makes his way up the staircase to the practice hall. This warns the audience that his thrilling nature will not last long and that he will soon face an obstacle. The following scenes show Billy doubting his abilities and turning his positive and exhilarating attitude into a weak and negative one. Mrs Wilkinson pushes him to learn a difficult pirouette and he is doubtful as he is struggling to make the turn. It is here that the audience appreciate and understand the role that diegetic and non-diegetic music plays in complementing the themes of the film.

As in Billy Elliot, the text Midnight Train to Georgia identifies that there are obstacles and opportunities in every individual’s life. Everyone’s journey may be unique, but it is a universal thing to experience obstacles and transformations due to the experiences in your life. The song composed by Jim Weatherly has a voice of a woman whose partner experiences a negative transition. The composer has used symbolism through the title and main aspect of the song. The simple use of ‘midnight’ train itself expresses a sense of obstacle or adversity. The slouching time of midnight highlights that the transition or journey to Georgia is going to be a long and difficult one. It also shows that the transition may not be welcomed as it is being delayed to midnight. This also fits in well with the mood of the music as it has a smooth tempo and rhythm. The song does not have a rock or pop genre, it is quite calm which emphasises the unknown journey of what may come ahead.

The man that is being sung about was originally from Georgia and travelled to Los Angeles with a dream to become a ‘superstar’.  He finds himself looking grip of his dreams and facing reality where he is heading back home to a ‘simpler place and time’. His transition to Los Angeles was not a positive experience for him as things did not go to plan, although he met a devoted women ‘who’s gonna be right by his side”. Although this transition has been a negative one for the musician, it has transformed him. He met a woman who supports his dream and would ‘rather live in his world than live without him’. Although it has been a challenging transition for the two of them a positive opportunity has occurred. Now they are both on a journey to transition back to Georgia where she will stay by his side and they can build a life together in a place he knew not so long ago.

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Billy Elliot and the Human Experience: A Guide for HSC Students

Are you preparing for the HSC English exams and looking for a comprehensive guide to  Billy Elliot ? This article delves into the film’s exploration of the human experience, offering insights into connections, empathy, emotions, and storytelling. Perfect for HSC students and parents looking for good resources, this guide will help you understand key themes and prepare effectively for assessments. Below, you will discover how  Billy Elliot  explores the human experience in this HSC English guide. Learn about connections, empathy, emotions, and storytelling to ace your exams.

An Overview of the ‘Human Experience’

The ‘Human Experience’ encompasses the range of emotions, relationships, and events that define our existence. It includes our interactions with others, our personal growth, and the way we perceive and respond to the world around us. In the context of the HSC English syllabus, exploring the human experience involves analysing how texts reflect, challenge, and shape our understanding of what it means to be human.

Connections and Empathy

In Billy Elliot , connections and empathy are central themes. The film portrays the struggles and triumphs of Billy, a young boy who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer despite societal and familial expectations. Through his journey, we see the importance of empathy—understanding and sharing the feelings of others. Billy’s relationship with his family, particularly his father and brother, evolves as they begin to empathize with his passion for dance, leading to deeper connections and mutual support.

Emotions, Memory, and Inconsistencies of Experience

Billy Elliot delves into the complexities of emotions and memory. The film highlights how past experiences shape our present actions and feelings. Billy’s memories of his deceased mother and her encouragement play a significant role in his determination to pursue ballet. The inconsistencies in his father’s and brother’s initial reactions to his dancing dreams versus their eventual support illustrate how emotions and memories can evolve, leading to personal growth and change.

Assessment Preparation

When preparing for assessments on Billy Elliot , focus on understanding the film’s key themes, characters, and cinematic techniques. Practice analysing scenes for their use of symbolism, dialogue, and visual composition. Develop clear thesis statements and support them with evidence from the film. Engage in discussions with peers to broaden your perspectives and deepen your analysis.

Common Module Prescribed and Related Texts

The Common Module for the HSC English syllabus often includes a range of prescribed and related texts that explore the human experience.  Billy Elliot  is one such text, offering rich material for analysis. Consider how it connects with other texts you are studying, such as novels, poems, or plays, and identify common themes and contrasting perspectives. As you study  Billy Elliot , pay close attention to the prescribed text’s specific requirements. Analyse how the film’s narrative structure, character development, and thematic elements align with the syllabus outcomes. Reflect on how the film’s portrayal of the human experience enhances your understanding of the module’s key concepts.

Storytelling

Storytelling in Billy Elliot is a powerful tool for conveying the human experience. The film uses a combination of visual and auditory elements to immerse the audience in Billy’s world. Pay attention to the director’s choices in framing, lighting, and music, and consider how these elements contribute to the overall narrative and emotional impact of the story.

Paper One Sample Thesis Statement and Introduction

Question: How does Billy Elliot explore the concept of the human experience?

Response: In Billy Elliot , the human experience is explored through the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery and the challenges he faces in pursuing his passion for ballet. The film highlights themes of resilience, empathy, and personal growth. Through the use of cinematic techniques such as close-up shots and diegetic music, the director effectively conveys Billy’s emotional struggles and triumphs, inviting the audience to empathise with his journey.

Hopefully this guide has given you a good idea about how to approach this module. Of course, if you’re still feeling stuck, a tutor can be instrumental in helping you maximize your marks in the HSC English syllabus. They can provide personalized feedback, help you develop strong analytical skills, and offer strategies for effective essay writing. With a tutor’s guidance, you can deepen your understanding of texts like  Billy Elliot  and enhance your ability to articulate your insights clearly and confidently.

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HSC Texts and Human Experience Sample Essay & Essay Analysis: Billy Elliot

Subject: English

Age range: 16+

Resource type: Other

Last updated

21 September 2021

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This is a three-part resource for students undertaking the NSW HSC Common Module Texts and Human Experience.

A generic essay plan shows students how to compose an essay suitable for Stage 6, progressing them from the simpler PEEL/TEAL models of Stage 4 and 5.

A sample essay for the prescribed text, Stephen Daldry’s film Billy Elliot, answers the 2019 HSC question: To what extent does the exploration of human experience in Daldry’s film invite you to reconsider your understanding of commitment?

There is also a second copy of the essay, marked up to show how it follows the plan, and with five short questions which require students to engage critically with the essay and its form.

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HSC Common Module: Billy Elliot essay AND Talking Points

TALKING POINTS: Memorized essays betray a lack of confidence and an unwillingness to commit to authentic answers. Examiners have always advised students to prepare 'talking points' instead - a selection of ideas that they can draw on and which convey solid analysis and interpretation of the text. These talking points can be used by teachers, to focus discussion on higher-level or less-noticed features of the text and context. They also form effective student revision materials for formal assessment. Each point is supported by a piece of evidence from the text, and there are sufficient points to generate solid responses to almost any essay question. The Talking Points also model how students can articulate more complex thoughts about the text, and adduce evidence in natural and well-integrated writing. ESSAY: This is a three-part resource for students undertaking the NSW HSC Common Module Texts and Human Experience. 1. A generic essay plan shows students how to compose an essay suitable for Stage 6, progressing them from the simpler PEEL/TEAL models of Stage 4 and 5. 2. A sample essay for the prescribed text, Stephen Daldry's film Billy Elliot, answers the 2019 HSC question: To what extent does the exploration of human experience in Daldry's film invite you to reconsider your understanding of commitment? 3. There is also a second copy of the essay, marked up to show how it follows the plan, and with five short questions which require students to engage critically with the essay and its form.

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Billy Elliot Essay Final

English standard, the pittwater house shool - collaroy.

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HSC English Standard - Billy Elliot Private Notes The complexity of the human condition is illustrated by the interplay between individual experiences and societal norms shaped by collective narratives. Stephen Daldry’s fictionalised memoir, Billy Elliot explores this complex correspondence through its depiction of the protagonists personal and public experiences through the film’s paradoxical nature of human emotions, qualities, and context. The film portrays Billy as an anomaly in a reliant and fabricated community in the period of contextual hardship during the year of 1984 in the fictional town of Everington. Overall, throughout the film, Daldry explores the way that Billy, despite his hypermasculine and penury social context, challenges his social stratification and expectations to develop a true sense of self-actualisation. Stephen Daldry’s bildungsroman, Billy Elliot, explores the pervasive nature of human experiences, in which an individual develops their personal narrative through fluctuating social contexts. The protagonist, Billy , is introduced through the form of a close-up shot accompanied with non-diegetic sound via the song “Cosmic Dancer”. The lyrics of “I was dancing when I was twelve”, foreshadows the protagonist’s sense of belonging when dancing. This is proven by the mis en scene portraying the colour yellow, symbolising themes of joy and happiness. In contrast, the symbol and recurring nature of masculine- associated items, such as the boxing ring, becomes an omnipresent reminder of the contextual stigmas that challenge Billy’s personal aspirations. Additionally, the use of diegetic ballet music whilst fighting in the ring foretells his true passion and displacement within this aggressive masculine sport. Moreover, the violent imperatives of Mr Watson, “You’re a disgrace to them gloves, your father and the traditions of this boxing hall!” reflects the societal pressure Billy constantly faces within his peer circle. In contrast the following scene showcasing the low-close-up shot of Billy’s boxing shoes within the ballet class, authoritatively juxtaposes Billy’s aspirations with the harsh industrial setting of County Durham. In effect, emphasising his individuality in an ambience steeped with societal gender normalities, separating him from a collective expectation, painting him as an anomaly. In conclusion, Billy Elliot, illustrates how an individual’s defiance to societal constraints can lead to an inundation of redefining personal identity. Daldry powerfully portrays the protagonist’s individual journey as a compelling defiance of established gender roles, effectively highlighting the conflict between personal identity and societal expectations. Through the recurring visual motif of close-up shots on Billy’s boxing gloves and ballet shoes, viewers consistently focus on the depth of the juxtaposing objects. In effect leading to the contrast of the traditional masculine pursuits and his authentic desire and talent for ballet, resulting in a dismantling of the gender norms. The quote “Those were my dad’s gloves” encapsulates the central tension between Billy honouring his intergenerational cultural expectations and his ventures of ballet dancing. Thus, highlighting the importance of Billy and Jacky needing to navigate a mutual point of acceptance to progress in this conflict. The mis-en scene of the Elliot household intensifies this conflict with the high angle shot of Billy standing on the table, foreshadowing the personal growth. Billy presents his frustration through the “Children of the revolution montage”, where a

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Subject : English standard

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