127 hours

How does the extract explore the theme of man vs nature?

Ralston begins with confidence and caution, testing the terrain and his descent. But despite his expertise, nature proves more powerful - the rock becomes an active, dangerous force that “smashed”, “crushes’ and “ensnares” him.

How is nature personified in 127 hours?

The boulder is given agency and menace, acting like a predator : “it consumes the sky” and then attacks with violent verbs like “ricochets”, “crushes” and “tearing”

What is the theme of confidence v desperation and how is it shown?

At first he is composed - using technical language and a confident tone. As panic beings, his language shifts to active voice and exclamations portraying emotional turmoil.

How does the first - person narrative affect our understanding of the theme of fear?

The autobiographical first - person voice makes Ralston fear feel immediate and authentic. His personal emotions are raw and unfiltered, especially as the accident unfolds.

What is the effect of the zoomorphic language used for Ralston?

Highlights animalistic desperation and loss of rational control, contrasting with his earlier calculated behaviour

What metaphors does Ralston use and why?

He uses everyday metaphors like “chimney” for the narrow canyon and “roof of a house” to describe his descent - this simplifies complex movements and adds realism while also conveying the claustrophobic setting.

How is exclamation and alliteration used to convey pain and shock?

“Good, god, my hand” breaks calm tone.

“Come on..move” —> show panic and urgency

What does the phrase “Time dilates” suggest about the accident?

Shows Ralston’s heightened awareness, as if everything is happening in slow motion. It creates tension and mic is how traumatic events feel elongated in our minds

How does Ralston strucutre the passage to build tension?

He starts with technical, calm description, the uses faster pacing with words like instantly.

During the fall, he slows time before ending abruptly with “Then silence”

What is the effect of the short sentence “Then silence.”?

It delivers a shocking pause - a moment of reflection and the emotional weight of the incident. It marks the transition from action to realisation

What is the significance of the short sentence “then silence”?

It delivers a shocking pause — a moment of reflection and the emotional weight of the incident. It marks the transition from action to realisation.

What is the significance of the title 127 Hours?

The title is ironic and literal. It’s an idiom — “between a rock and a hard place” — but Ralston is literally stuck, highlighting the extreme nature of his situation.

Why does Ralston refer to apocryphal stories about adrenaline?

: It shows his desperation and irrational hope, grasping at the idea of superhuman strength. It’s a brief escape from panic, but also reflects the mental strain he is under.