How to Address Questions 4, 5, 6

Question 4 “If one of the roles of literature is to provide insight into human nature, by what techniques and to what degree did your texts offer you such insight? Discuss with reference to two or three works you have studied.”

Step 1 Define “Human Nature” as YOU will use it on the exam i.e. In Heart of Darkness, Conrad critiques man’s nature to strive to attain power and wealth. Assuming this is true, I will need to spend my essay exploring Conrad’s insight of this idea.

Step 2 What is meant by “insight”? The capacity to discern the true nature of a situation a penetrating and often sudden understanding, as of a complex situation or problem So, your job is to show how and why Conrad comes to understand man’s desire to attain power and wealth.

Step 3 Find examples of man striving to attain wealth and power. Direct Quotes Literary Devices (still in rubric) Specific characters

Step 4 Analyze What evidence does Conrad use to support his assertion? How does Conrad feel about this aspect of human nature? Why does Conrad think man is like this? Does Conrad offer ideas in terms of reform, if he criticizes this behavior? If he condones it, does he offer methods of cultivating this nature? Has Conrad adequately shown man’s nature to be this way? (Possible conclusion)

Question 5 “A writer may speak in his or her own voice or take on the voice of a character or persona. Comparing two or three works you have studied in the light of this statement, discuss what effects those choices have on each work as a whole.”

Step 1 Define “Voice”. The authors style of writing Influenced by, but not limited to, the following: Diction/syntax Narration First/Third person Persona Tone/Mood

Step 2 Define the author’s voice in YOUR books For example: The Stranger – Voice is very curt and matter-of-fact. Very little attention to detail for most of the book. Few words that evoke emotional response. Most diction is neutrally connotated. Heart of Darkness – Voice is reflective, pensive and wandering. Close attention to detail. Detailed imagery with emotionally charged diction. Both Voices are inquisitive (in my opinion)

Step 3 Find examples of this voice Direct Quotes Literary techniques (still in rubric) Specific characters Through whom does the author convey their voice?

Step 4 Analyze How is the Voice conveyed? What effect does this Voice have on the work? How do the Voices of each work compare? Why does each author choose their particular Voice?

Question 6 “In the end is my beginning.” This is a statement made by an author to describe how he organizes his works. What do you understand by the sentence, and how does it cast light on the literary strategies employed in two or three works you have studied?

Step 1 Define “In the end is my beginning.” Possible GOOD interpretations The author’s purpose is revealed in the end, but the purpose is a priori (sorry, philosophy students, couldn’t resist), so the purpose is ever-present in the novel. There are links between the beginning and the end of the work that are vital to understanding.  IB likes this one the best Possible BAD interpretation Character’s revelation changes him such that his/her life begins again Question is about the organization of the essay; this interpretation does not address how the author organized the novel. This interpretation addresses characterization.

Step 2 Explore the links between beginning and end Possible keys to this: Frame Story – links made between Marlow at beginning and end. Meursault’s reflections link his new outlook to the past

Step 3 Find examples of the links in organization Direct Quotes Literary Devices (still in rubric) Specific characters that link beginning and end

Step 4 Analyze How are these links made apparent to the reader? What effect do these links have on thematic ideas? Why does each author choose to organize their work in this manner? What is the significance of these links to the works as a whole? How do the links of each work compare?

Your Reflection What understanding do you now have about the IB Exam? What have you learned about the manner in which you will approach the questions in the IB Exam? What are key aspects to answering an IB Exam question?

Fin