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In this part, you are invited to comment on the ending of the story “Dancing to Nat King Cole” by James Wall – lines 142-162.

At the end of the story, Katherine finds Charles in his study, angrily searching for one of his books. His anger scares Katherine, who is taken by surprise by the harshness in her husband’s voice. Suddenly, Charles does not seem to recognise her anymore:

He looks up at her, the packet in his hand. ‘Who are you?’ She feels aware of her arms, how they dangle stupidly by her sides. ‘It’s me,’ she whispers. ‘How did you get in here? Where’s Katherine?’ His eyes are narrow and darker than normal. They can’t seem to focus on her properly. ‘Well?’ he shouts. ‘What’ve you done with my wife?’ (ll. 152-157)

After Charles shoos her away and goes to look for her, Katherine hides in the study,...