ENG2614
ASSIGNMENT 1 2025 (ANSWERS)
DISTINCTION GUARANTEED
UNIQUE NO:
, ENG2614
Assignment 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 1 May 2025
Applied English Literature for Intermediate Phase Home Language
1. Narrative and Stylistic Elements in “Don’t Laugh in Bungelos Street”
Introduction
Andrea Kaczmarek’s “Don’t Laugh in Bungelos Street” is a delightful yet thought-
provoking short story aimed at young readers. Through a playful yet layered narrative,
the story explores the importance of empathy, respect, and understanding others’
circumstances. Kaczmarek employs simple but effective narrative techniques and a
vibrant, figurative style that enriches the storytelling. This essay will explore the
narrative elements such as setting, characterisation, point of view, plot, and theme, and
will also examine the stylistic choices, especially the use of figurative language. Brief
commentary on the illustrations will also be included where relevant.
Narrative Elements
Setting
The story is set in a whimsical and peculiar street called Bungelos Street, which
immediately creates a sense of curiosity and adventure. The setting feels slightly
exaggerated or fantastical, filled with odd houses and quirky characters. However,
despite its imaginative tone, the setting serves a realistic function: it represents a small
community where everyone knows each other’s business, much like real-world close-
knit neighborhoods. The street becomes a microcosm for broader societal behaviors,
emphasizing how community dynamics work.
, Characterisation
Kaczmarek’s characters are colorful and slightly exaggerated to fit the story’s whimsical
style, yet they remain relatable. The main characters — a group of children — are
curious, lively, and mischievous, typical traits of their age group. Their natural inclination
to laugh at things they find strange forms the crux of the story’s conflict. Other
characters, such as Mr. and Mrs. Bungelos, are portrayed with a mixture of humor and
sympathy. Mrs. Bungelos, who inadvertently becomes the subject of the children’s
laughter, is shown not as a villain or a figure of ridicule but as someone deserving of
understanding and kindness. The characterisation subtly encourages readers to look
beyond first impressions.
Point of View
The story is told from a third-person limited point of view, mainly focusing on the
children's perspective. This choice allows readers to experience the story with the same
innocence, curiosity, and eventual growth as the young protagonists. By limiting the
narrative to what the children observe and feel, Kaczmarek effectively builds empathy
within the reader, helping them to understand the mistake of judging based on
appearances.
Plot
The plot follows a simple, linear progression typical of children's literature:
• Exposition: Introduction of Bungelos Street and its strange reputation.
• Rising Action: The children’s growing curiosity about Mrs. Bungelos and their
subsequent decision to spy on her.
• Climax: The children laugh at Mrs. Bungelos when they see her doing something
they find odd.
• Falling Action: They are caught and made to understand the consequences of
their actions.
• Resolution: The children learn a valuable lesson about empathy and respect.
ASSIGNMENT 1 2025 (ANSWERS)
DISTINCTION GUARANTEED
UNIQUE NO:
, ENG2614
Assignment 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 1 May 2025
Applied English Literature for Intermediate Phase Home Language
1. Narrative and Stylistic Elements in “Don’t Laugh in Bungelos Street”
Introduction
Andrea Kaczmarek’s “Don’t Laugh in Bungelos Street” is a delightful yet thought-
provoking short story aimed at young readers. Through a playful yet layered narrative,
the story explores the importance of empathy, respect, and understanding others’
circumstances. Kaczmarek employs simple but effective narrative techniques and a
vibrant, figurative style that enriches the storytelling. This essay will explore the
narrative elements such as setting, characterisation, point of view, plot, and theme, and
will also examine the stylistic choices, especially the use of figurative language. Brief
commentary on the illustrations will also be included where relevant.
Narrative Elements
Setting
The story is set in a whimsical and peculiar street called Bungelos Street, which
immediately creates a sense of curiosity and adventure. The setting feels slightly
exaggerated or fantastical, filled with odd houses and quirky characters. However,
despite its imaginative tone, the setting serves a realistic function: it represents a small
community where everyone knows each other’s business, much like real-world close-
knit neighborhoods. The street becomes a microcosm for broader societal behaviors,
emphasizing how community dynamics work.
, Characterisation
Kaczmarek’s characters are colorful and slightly exaggerated to fit the story’s whimsical
style, yet they remain relatable. The main characters — a group of children — are
curious, lively, and mischievous, typical traits of their age group. Their natural inclination
to laugh at things they find strange forms the crux of the story’s conflict. Other
characters, such as Mr. and Mrs. Bungelos, are portrayed with a mixture of humor and
sympathy. Mrs. Bungelos, who inadvertently becomes the subject of the children’s
laughter, is shown not as a villain or a figure of ridicule but as someone deserving of
understanding and kindness. The characterisation subtly encourages readers to look
beyond first impressions.
Point of View
The story is told from a third-person limited point of view, mainly focusing on the
children's perspective. This choice allows readers to experience the story with the same
innocence, curiosity, and eventual growth as the young protagonists. By limiting the
narrative to what the children observe and feel, Kaczmarek effectively builds empathy
within the reader, helping them to understand the mistake of judging based on
appearances.
Plot
The plot follows a simple, linear progression typical of children's literature:
• Exposition: Introduction of Bungelos Street and its strange reputation.
• Rising Action: The children’s growing curiosity about Mrs. Bungelos and their
subsequent decision to spy on her.
• Climax: The children laugh at Mrs. Bungelos when they see her doing something
they find odd.
• Falling Action: They are caught and made to understand the consequences of
their actions.
• Resolution: The children learn a valuable lesson about empathy and respect.
