POSSIBLE ESSAY TOPICS FOR ‘THE COLOR PURPLE’
N05SL (b) Referring to at least two literary works you have studied, show whether they have what you consider to be a good or satisfying ending. (c) A writer once described the family as “that dear octopus whose tentacles we never quite escape”. In the light of this statement, discuss the presentation of the family in at least two literary works you have studied. N05HL. (a) Discuss whether isolated characters are interesting to us and, if they are, explain why. Refer to at least two literary works in your answer. (b) Identify a moment of choice or decision in at least two literary works and explain whether the right choice was made, in terms of the outcome of events. (c) Referring to at least two literary works you have studied, explain what you think is meant by the phrase “a strong character”.
M05SL (a) “Hope springs eternal.” How is hope or the lack of hope important in at least two literary works you have studied? (b) Defend the author’s choice of a first-person narrative or omniscient narrator in at least two literary works you have studied.
M05HL (a) Show how issues of social class are important in at least two of the works studied. (b) Compare what “home” means for some of the characters in at least two of the works studied. (c) In at least two of the works you have studied identify a conversation between characters that is crucial to the development of the plot. What is particularly significant about this conversation?
N04S Discuss how important it is to be physically attractive or good-looking based on your study of literary characters. Refer to at least two literary works. M04H Many works of literature involve a journey, either short or long. With reference to at least two works you have studied discuss the importance of the journey to the plot and theme(s) of each text. M04S The writer is the conscience of his people. Discuss, using specific examples drawn from at least two literary works. N03H With reference to the literary works and/or Topic Options you have studied, show what consequences a breakdown in communication can have.
With reference to two literary works you have studied, discuss whether bad behaviour can be justified or excused. Compare how the relationships between brothers and/or sisters are presented in any two literary works you have studied. Discuss the impact of the form of a literary work on the reader. M03H Compare the theme of a young person growing up in two or more literary works you have studied. N03S With reference to two literary works you have studied, show how writers have captured your interest in the opening page of the work. What are the ingredients that make a character interesting? Refer to at least two literary works that you have studied. M03S It has been said that people today lack beliefs and values. Discuss this statement with reference to the literary texts and/or the topic options you have studied. It has been said that ordinary lives rather than ordinary extraordinary events form the basis of literature. Discuss the importance of the everyday activities of life in literary works you have studied. N02H Show how writers can use the form and/or structure of a text to emphasize the meaning or content. Comment on the concept of „Girl Power‟ or women taking, in the literary texts and/or topic options you have studied. What means have been used to try to resolve conflict in either the literary texts and/or topic options you have studied? How effective have they been? M02H Contrast the way in which the relationship between male and female characters is depicted in at least 2 of the literary works you have studied. “Communication is impossible.” Discuss with reference to the literary texts and/or topic options you have studied. Analyse specific examples of opposition to intolerance encountered in your study of literary texts and/or topic options.