English B

Paper 2 Questions

The Tempest by William Shakespeare

1. The Tempest is an exploration of different types of relationships. Write an essay in which

you describe TWO different types of relationships in the play. In this essay, you must
also discuss ONE theme that is portrayed in ONE of the relationships described and
examine ONE dramatic technique Shakespeare uses to present relationships in the play as
a whole.

2. Shakespeare’s Prospero is given the spotlight in the “Epilogue” of the play. Write an
essay in which you outline Prospero’s requests in the “epilogue” of the play. In this
essay, you must also discuss how Prospero’s requests contradict his role as a powerful
central figure and examine the extent to which the epilogue brings closure to the play for
the main characters and audience.

3. Consider Shakespeare’s presentation of Caliban in The Tempest as both vulnerable and

savage. Write an essay in which you give an example of Caliban’s vulnerability and then
his savagery. In this essay, you must also discuss ONE theme that is highlighted in the
relationship between Caliban and Prospero and examine ONE dramatic technique that
Shakespeare uses to capture the essence of Caliban’s character in the play.

4. Shakespeare’s The Tempest is preoccupied with loss and revenge, despite the comic
nature of the play.”
Write an essay in which you describe ONE incident of loss and ONE incident of revenge
in the essay. You must also select ONE of these incidents and explore how the loss or act
of revenge is given a comic twist and examine ONE dramatic technique that Shakespeare
uses to facilitate justice and reconciliation for the characters involved in the incident that
you have selected.
5. Magic is central to both the theme and the plot of The Tempest. In this essay you must
describe two acts of magic from the play. You must also discuss the effect of the magic
on the characters involved in one of the incidents described above and comment on the
use of one dramatic technique associated with the use of magic.

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6. The Tempest contains many interesting subplots. Write an essay in which you describe
one of the subplots in the play. You must also discuss what is revealed about one of the
characters in this subplot and examine the dramatic significance of the subplot.

7. Apart from Prospero, there are other characters in the play who have a quest for power or
control of a domain. Write an essay in which you describe TWO instances in which
TWO other characters explore the need for power or control of a domain. In this essay,
you must also comment on the outcome of ONE of these attempts to gain power/control
and examine the use of one dramatic device to portray characters in the play.

8. “In The Tempest the storm is used as a symbol to introduce and explore conflicts”
Write an essay in which you describe TWO incidents in which the storm features. For
ONE of these incidents you must discuss the effects of the storm on a character and
examine how Shakespeare uses the storm as a symbol in the play (Jan. 2019)

9. “You taught me language; and my profit on’t / Is I know how to curse.”

Write an essay in which you describe ONE incident in which a character uses language to
subdue and ONE incident in which a character uses language to rebel. You must also
discuss ONE character’s response to ONE of the incidents you describe and examine
ONE dramatic technique Shakespeare uses to portray language as a tool of power.
(May 2019)

10. Shakespeare’s presentation of Caliban evokes strong feelings. Audiences either like him
or they don’t.”
Write an essay in which you describe TWO instances in which Caliban is featured. For
ONE of the instances described, you must discuss why you agree or disagree with his
actions. Finally, you must examine how Shakespeare uses characterization to make the
play appealing. (Jan 2020)

11. “Although they do not always take centre stage, Ferdinand and Miranda play a significant
role in the drama.”
Write an essay in which you describe one instance when Miranda is present and one in
which Ferdinand is present. You must also discuss how ONE character in the play
responds to either Ferdinand or Miranda in one of the instances you describe. Finally,
you must examine ONE dramatic technique Shakespeare uses to make the play appealing
to audiences. (Jan 2021)

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12. “Although the audience does not see the mothers of Miranda and Caliban, their presence
remains powerful on stage.”
Write an essay in which you describe the presentation of the TWO mothers in The
Tempest. You must also discuss how ONE of the mothers influences the development of
the play. Finally, you must examine how Shakespeare uses ONE dramatic device to
portray women in the play. (June 2021)

13. “Power is one of the major themes in The Tempest”

Write an essay in which you describe Prospero’s power on the island. You must discuss
how Prospero’s use of power impacts any ONE character in the play and examine how
Shakespeare uses symbolism to portray the theme of power. (May 2018)

Ti-Jean and His Brothers by Derek Walcott

14. Ti-Jean and His Brothers explores the actions and fate of a mother’s three sons. Write
an essay in which you identify three pieces of advice given by the mother to Gros-Jean
and contrast this with his behaviour. You must also discuss the strategies used by the
planter to defeat Gro-Jean and examine the dramatic purpose of Gros-Jean’s monologue.

15. Ti Jean and His Brothers teaches important life lessons. Describe TWO life lessons
taught in the play. Comment on how a MAJOR character responds to one of the lessons
you have described and discuss how the playwright has used ONE dramatic device to
convey life lessons.

16. “The brothers Gros-Jean and Mi-Jean lack the character virtues for success in life that
T-Jean possesses.” Write an essay in which you describe TWO incidents which show a
lack of two important virtues, one for Gros-Jean and another for Mi-Jean. In this essay
you must also discuss ONE virtue that ensures Ti-Jean’s success and examine the use of
ONE dramatic technique used to portray the first two boys as being different from their
younger brother.

17. Ti Jean and His Brothers is a play that is tragic, comedic, and musical. Write an essay
in which you describe ONE tragic and ONE comedic incident in the play. You must

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 also discuss the effect of ONE of these incidents on ONE character and examine the use
of music as a dramatic device by referring to one example as used by Walcott.

18** In the play Ti-Jean and His Brothers, what does EACH of the following songs reveal
about the character who sings it.
● The devil’s drunken song
● Mi-Jean’s Song of Silence
● Ti-Jean’s song when he sees his mother dying
In EACH case, say how the devil reacts to or is affected by the song.

19** If you read the play as a fable, who or what can the forest creature be taken to represent?
Briefly describe the encounter between the forest creatures and EACH brother. How
does EACH encounter help determine the eventual fate of the brother?

20. “Ti- Jean represents the spirit of survival. This is evident when he say, “And I never
learn from book , / But like the small boy, David…I go bring down Goliath’.”
Write an essay in which you describe TWO incidents in which Ti-Jean demonstrates that he is a
survivor, You must also use ONE of the incidents described to discuss how Ti-Jean’s actions
affect ONE character in the play and examine how the playwright uses ONE dramatic technique
to portray the spirit of survival. (Jan. 2019)

21. “Audiences find the play Ti-Jean and his Brothers appealing because it portrays
Caribbean history.”
Write an essay in which you describe TWO incidents that are connected to or influenced by
Caribbean history. You must also discuss the impact of ONE of these incidents on ONE
character. Finally, you must examine ONE dramatic technique that the playwright uses to
explore Caribbean history. (Jan. 2020)

22. “Audiences find the play Ti-Jean and His Brothers appealing because it reflects the
Caribbean experience.”
Write an essay in which you describe TWO incidents that can be considered Caribbean. You
must also discuss why you find ONE of these incidents appealing or not appealing, and examine
ONE dramatic technique the playwright uses to explore Caribbean culture. (May 2019)

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23. “Telling a story in poetic form can make it especially memorable.” Write an essay in
which you choose TWO poems that tell stories and outline the story in EACH poem. In
your essay you must also say why each poet finds it important to tell a story and discuss
ONE poetic device that EACH poet uses to make the story memorable.

24, “The forest is a fitting symbol for Walcott to tell his story.”
Write an essay in which you describe TWO incidents that occur in the forest. For ONE
of the incidents described, you must discuss the impact on ONE character. Finally, you
must examine how the playwright uses the forest to portray ONE theme in the play.
(Jan 2021)

25. “On one level, the play Ti-Jean and His Brothers, cautions the audience about pride.”
Write an essay in which you describe TWO instances in which a character appears to be
proud. You must also discuss how a character reacts to ONE of the instances described.
Finally, you must examine how the playwright uses ONE dramatic technique to develop
characters.
(June 2021)

26. “Ti-Jean and His Brothers may be seen as a dramatic portrayal of the value of patience
and humility.”
Write an essay in which you describe TWO situations where a character demonstrates
whether or not he is patient or humble. You must also discuss the consequences of the
character’s actions in ONE of the situations and examine ONE technique used in the play
to portray the value of patience OR humility. (May 2018)

A World of Poetry

27. Choose two poems from the prescribed list in which a social issue is presented. Write an
essay in which you describe the social issue presented in each poem. You must also
discuss ONE speaker’s attitude to the social issue and examine the use of one poetic
device used to portray the issue.

28. The poems- “It is the Constant Image of Your Face” and “Dulce Et Decorum Est” are
poems which look at patriotism. In this essay, you must describe the experience of each

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 persona. You must also discuss ONE speaker’s attitude towards patriotism and comment
on the use of one poetic device used to portray this theme.

29. The poems “God’s Grandeur” and “Sonnet Composed Upon Westminster Bridge” are
poems with the theme of nature. Write an essay in which you describe nature as
presented by both poems. You must also discuss each speaker’s reaction to nature and
comment on the effective use of ONE poetic device that conveys each speaker’s feeling.

30. The poems “Dreaming Black Boy and “Theme for English B” present black minority
males living in a white world. In this essay you must describe the experience of each
persona. You must also discuss how each persona feels about himself considering his
situation and examine the use of one poetic device used to explore the feelings.

31. Choose two poems which focus on parent/child relationship or situation. Write an essay
in which you describe the parent/child relationship or situation. You must also comment
on how the child or parent feels about the situation and comment on the use of one poetic
device from each poem used to portray this feeling.

32. “Little Boy Crying” and “The Woman Speaks to the Man Who Has Employed Her Son”
deal with issues of parenting.
Write an essay in which you focus on this theme in these TWO poems.
For EACH poem, describe a decision EACH parent has to make about his/her child. You
must also discuss how ONE of the decisions described impacts the parent. Finally, for
EACH poem you must examine ONE device the poet uses to portray the challenges of
parenting. (Jan 2019)

33. “Suffering, whether emotional or physical, is a common theme in literature.”

From the prescribed list, choose TWO poems you have studied which focus on suffering.
Write an essay in which you focus on this theme in TWO poems selected
For EACH poem, describe the situation that causes the speaker to suffer. You must also
discuss the impact of the suffering on ONE speaker’s outlook on life. Finally for EACH
poem, you must examine ONE device the poet uses to present the theme of suffering.
(Jan. 2019)

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34. “‘Mirror’ and ‘Once Upon A Time” feature speakers who are dealing with uncomfortable
situations.”
Write an essay in which you focus on this theme in these TWO poems. For EACH poem,
describe the uncomfortable situation with which the speaker is dealing. You must also
discuss how ONE speaker comes to terms with the situation. Finally, for EACH poem,
you must examine ONE device EACH poet uses to explore how the speaker grapples
with uncomfortable situations. (Jan. 2020)

35. .“‘God’s Grandeur’ and ‘An African Thunderstorm’ deal with man’s experiences with the
natural world.”
Write an essay in which you focus on this theme in these TWO poems. For EACH poem,
describe EACH speaker’s experience with nature. You must also discuss ONE speaker’s
attitude to the experience. Finally, for EACH poem, you must examine ONE device
EACH poet uses in the presentation of the natural world (May 2019)

36. “People sometimes have a desire to escape from their circumstances.”

From the prescribed list, choose TWO poems you have studied which focus on the desire
to escape. Write an essay in which you focus on this theme in the two poems. For
EACH poem, describe the situation from which the speaker desires to escape You must
also discuss the conclusion ONE speaker arrives at concerning the situation. Finally, for
EACH poem you must examine ONE device EACH poet uses to explore the desire to
escape. (May 2019)

37. “Survival is an important theme in ‘Dreaming Black Boy’ and ‘Ol’ Higue.”
Write an essay in which you focus on the theme of survival in the two poems.
For EACH poem, describe the situation in which EACH speaker attempts to survive.
You must also discuss ONE speaker’s attitude to the situation in which he or she has to
survive. Finally, you must examine ONE device EACH poet uses to portray the theme of
survival. (June 2021)

38. “Progress or growth may be hindered by seen or unseen forces.”

From the prescribed list, choose TWO poems you have studied which focus on this theme
and for EACH poem, describe the progress the speaker is seeking. You must also discuss
how ONE speaker responds to the seen or unseen force that hinders his/her progress.
Finally, for EACH poem, you must examine ONE device EACH poet uses to present the
quest for progress. (Jan. 2020)

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 39. “The poems ‘It is the Constant Image of Your Face’ and ‘South’ explore ideas
about patriotism.”
Write an essay in which you focus on this theme in these TWO poems. For EACH poem,
describe how the speaker displays patriotism. You must also discuss how ONE speaker’s
patriotism influences his/her choices. Finally, for EACH poem, you must examine ONE
device EACH poem uses to explore the theme of patriotism. (Jan. 2021)

40. People react differently to challenges. “

Write an essay in which you focus on this theme.
From the prescribed list, choose TWO poems you have studied and for EACH poem,
describe ONE challenge the speaker faces. You must also discuss how ONE of the
speakers reacts to the challenge faced. Finally, for EACH poem, you must examine ONE
device EACH poet uses to explore challenges. (Jan 2021)

41. “Issues in society can have negative effects on individuals”

Choose TWO poems from your prescribed syllabus and for EACH poem, describe ONE
issue that has a negative effect on the speaker. You must also discuss how ONE speaker deals
with the issue. Finally, you must examine ONE device EACH poet uses to portray the impact of
societal issues on individuals. (June 2021)

42. “‘My Parents’ and ‘Dreaming Black Boy’ are poems in which the speakers yearn to be
accepted.”
Write an essay in which you focus on this theme in these TWO poems. For EACH poem,
you must describe ONE instance in which the speaker’s yearning to be accepted is evident. You
must also discuss how EACH speaker responds to this feeling. Finally, for EACH poem, you
must examine ONE device used to portray the speaker’s yearning for acceptance.
(May 2018)

To Kill A Mockingbird - Harper Lee

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43. “A child who is only educated at school is an uneducated child.” Write an essay in which
you describe two incidents in To Kill a Mockingbird which serve as educational
experiences for the children. In this essay, you must also discuss the impact of the
experience on ONE of them and examine the use of ONE narrative technique to present
the experience as a form of education.

44. The first half of the novel focuses on the ‘so called’ monster-like character, Boo Radley.
Write an essay in which you describe Boo’s character as presented by traditional
Maycomb. In this essay you must also comment on ONE character who tries to dispel
the false image of Boo Radley as Maycomb’s monster and discuss the author’s use of
ONE narrative technique associated with humanizing him.

45. “Family Relationship is an important theme in To Kill a Mockingbird.” Write an essay,

in which you describe TWO different families presented in the novel. In this essay you
must discuss ONE thing that is striking about EACH family and comment on the writer’s
use of contrast in presenting these families.

46. Mayella Ewell is as much a victim as Tom Robinson is. Write an essay in which you
describe Mayella Ewell. You must also discuss the author’s presentation of her as a
victim and comment on the use of symbolism or contrast to portray Mayella.

47. “Harper Lee presents Maycomb as being a racist society with people who cling to their
backward, traditionalist beliefs.” Write an essay in which you describe TWO characters
besides Atticus who are not like traditional Maycomb people. In this essay you must also
discuss what is likeable about ONE of these characters and comment on the writer’s use
of ONE narrative technique to portray characters.

48. Atticus says, “You never really understand a person…until you climb into his skin and
walk around in it.”
Write an essay in which you describe TWO characters who are misunderstood by people
in Maycomb society. You must also discuss how the truth about ONE of the persons you
describe impacts another character and examine how the writer uses irony to highlight the
truth about characters. (Jan. 2019)

49. “Aunt Alexandra and Calpurnia have important roles in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird.

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 Write an essay in which you explain ONE role that EACH woman plays in the novel.
You must also discuss how ONE of the women affects another character. Finally, you
must examine ONE technique the writer uses to present the role of women in the novel.
(Jan. 2020)

50. “Courage is…when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and
see it through no matter what.”
Write an essay in which you describe TWO incidents in which a character displays
courage. You must also discuss how the character’s display of courage impacts on Jem
OR Scout and examine ONE technique the writer uses to present the theme of courage.
(May 2019)

51. “Prejudice is a prominent theme in To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Write an essay in which you describe ONE example of prejudice Boo Radley experiences
and ONE example of prejudice Tom Robinson experiences. You must also discuss how
ONE of the examples of prejudice impacts another character. Finally, you must examine
ONE technique the writer uses to explore the theme of prejudice. (Jan 2021)

52. “In To Kill a Mockingbird Jem and Scout learn lessons about life from many characters.”
Describe any TWO of the following characters:
● Heck Tate
● Dolphus Raymond
● Bob Ewell
● Ms Maudie
You must also discuss the lessons Jem OR Scout learn from ONE of the characters described.
Finally, you must examine ONE narrative technique the writer uses to portray characters.
(June 2021)

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Breath, Eyes, Memory - Edwidge Danticat
53. Setting plays an important role in the lives of the characters in Breath, Eyes,
Memory. Write an essay in which you describe the setting in Haiti and its impact on
one of the characters. In this essay you must also discuss how a change in setting
affects another character and show how the writer uses symbolism to convey the
impact of the setting.

54. As a young girl, Martine’s favourite colour is daffodil yellow. At middle age, she is
obsessed with the colour red. Discuss the significance of these colours have on her. You
must also examine how the change from yellow to red symbolizes the change in
Martine’s own character and comment on how Danticat uses colour as a symbol at
another point in the novel.

55. “Mother/daughter relationships are often complicated.” Write an essay in which you
describe ONE mother-daughter relationship in Breath, Eyes, Memory. In this essay you
must also discuss how a traditional practice complicates that relationship and examine
how ONE narrative technique is used to present the mother-daughter relationship.

56. “Tradition is an explanation for acting without thinking.” Write an essay in which you
explain how this quote is applicable to the novel, Breath, Eyes, Memory. In this essay
you must also comment on how ONE character attempts to break free from a traditional
practice and examine the use of ONE narrative technique to break with tradition.

57. “I felt broken at the end of the meeting, but a little closer to being free.” Write an essay
in which you compare and contrast TWO characters who try to deal with life’s scars on
their own. You must also comment on how the introduction of professional help allows
ONE of these characters to heal from the scars and comment on the use of ONE narrative
technique by the author to represent breaking free from the scars.
59. “The setting in Breath, Eyes, Memory changes as Sophie changes into maturity.”
Write an essay in which you describe the setting in Haiti when Sophie is a child and the
setting in America when she is an adult. You must also discuss the impact of ONE of the
settings on Sophie and examine ONE technique the writer uses to present the setting in
the novel. (Jan. 2019)

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60. “The motivation of the female characters in Breath, Eyes, Memory is abundantly clear.”
Write an essay in which you explain the motivation which drives TWO female
characters. You must also discuss the effect of this motivation on ONE character.
Finally, you must examine ONE technique the writer uses to explore the characters’
motivations.
(Jan, 2020)
61. “Breath, Eyes, Memory focuses on longings or desires that are never met.”
Write an essay in which you describe ONE example in which Sophie’s longings or
desires are not met and ONE example in which another character's longings or desires are
not met. You must also discuss the impact of unmet longing or desire on ONE character
and examine the writer’s use of ONE technique to present longings and desires in the
novel. (May 2019)

62. “Breath, Eyes, Memory focuses on journeys and their consequences.”

Choose TWO characters and describe ONE journey taken by EACH. You must also
discuss ONE consequence of ONE of the character’s journeys. Finally, you must
examine ONE technique the writer uses to portray journeys in the novel.
(Jan. 2021)

63. “The Caco sisters, Martine and Atie in Breath, Eyes, Memory are both trapped in pain,
Neither can heal.”
Write an essay in which you describe the nature of the pain experienced by EACH of
these characters. You must also discuss the outcome of that pain from ONE of these characters.
Finally, you must examine ONE technique the writer uses to portray pain in the novel.
(June 2021)

A World of Prose

64. Select two stories in which the narrators spend a great deal of time with their
grandmothers. In this essay, you must describe the experience of each narrator with ONE
grandmother. You must also compare and contrast the impact that each grandmother has
on the granddaughters and examine the use of setting to explore the relationship.

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65. Consider the stories “The Day the World Almost Came to an End” and “To Dah Duh in
Memoriam” in which the narrators reach some level of maturity by the end of the story.
Write an essay in which you describe what happens in each story. In this essay you must
also compare and contrast the initial innocence with the eventual maturity level of each
character and examine one narrative technique from each story to show the change.

66. Select two stories in which the importance of fathers is presented. For EACH story you
must describe ONE father presented. You must also comment on how each child is
affected by the father’s presence or absence and examine the writer’s use of one narrative
technique in presenting these fathers.

67. Choose two stories from the prescribed list in which a major character experiences
disappointment. Write an essay in which you describe the disappointment experienced
by each character. Compare how each character responds to the disappointment faced
and discuss how point of view is used to communicate each character’s feelings.

68. Parent/child relationship is at the heart of some of the stories in A World of Prose. Write
an essay in which you describe ONE parent/child relationship that is presented in TWO
stories. You must also say how this relationship either affects a child in a positive or a
negative way in ONE of the relationships described and comment on the writer’s use of
one narrative technique to present the relationship in EACH story.

69. The individual and his environment is an important theme in “Blackout and “To Da Duh
in Memoriam.” Write an essay in which you describe the new environment that a major
character from EACH novel finds him/herself in. In this essay, you must also say how
ONE character is affected by this new environment and examine the writer’s use of
contrast to portray this theme.

70. The stories “Blood Brothers” and “The Two Grandmothers” present young characters
who face internal struggles. In this essay you must describe ONE incident from EACH
story that highlights this issue. You must also comment on how ONE of these characters
tries to cope with the internal issue and examine the writers’ use of one narrative
technique from EACH story to focus on the issue.

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