IBDP English A Paper 2 – Comparative Essays

Introduction to IBDP English A Paper 2

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) English A Paper 2 is a key component of the Literature course, designed to assess students’ ability to engage in critical analysis and interpretation of literary texts. This examination challenges students to articulate their understanding of thematic concerns, stylistic features, and the contextual significance of the works studied.

Key Features of Paper 2:

1. Comparative Essay: The primary task in Paper 2 is a comparative essay. Students are required to compare and contrast two works from the prescribed reading list, exploring their thematic and stylistic similarities and differences. This exercise demands a deep understanding of both texts and the ability to draw insightful connections between them.
2. Choice of Questions: The exam typically offers a choice of several questions, each focusing on different themes or aspects of literature, such as character development, narrative techniques, or the exploration of social and cultural issues. Students select one question to answer in their essay, allowing them to choose a topic that best suits their strengths and interests.
3. Assessment Criteria: The essays are evaluated based on specific criteria, including knowledge and understanding of the works, appreciation of literary techniques, organization and development of ideas, and use of language. This holistic assessment approach ensures that students are recognized for their analytical skills and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
4. Preparation and Study: Effective preparation for Paper 2 involves close reading and detailed analysis of the texts studied during the course. Students should practice writing comparative essays, focusing on constructing coherent arguments and integrating textual evidence seamlessly. Familiarity with various literary theories and critical perspectives can also enhance the depth of their analysis.
5. Timed Examination: Paper 2 is a timed examination, typically lasting 1.5 hours for Standard Level (SL) and 2 hours for Higher Level (HL) students. This requires efficient time management skills to ensure that essays are well-structured and complete within the allotted time.

Exam Structure:

• Standard Level (SL): SL students write one essay based on a comparison of two works studied in Part 3 of the course.
• Higher Level (HL): HL students also write one essay but are expected to demonstrate a more sophisticated level of analysis and a deeper engagement with the texts.

Assessment Criteria

Criterion A: Knowledge, Understanding, Interpretation, and Comparison

• Score: 8 out of 10
• Summary: The student shows a strong understanding of the two novels, including their contexts and authors’ intentions. They explore themes and compare the works, though occasionally struggle with tying these comparisons directly to the essay question on non-linear storylines.

Criterion B is divided into 2. Total: 10 Marks.

• Criterion B1: Analysis and evaluation of textual features and/or broader authorial choices (5 marks)
  • Descriptor: To what extent does the candidate analyse and evaluate how meaning is shaped by the choices of language, technique and style, and/ or broader authorial choices

• Criterion B2: Comparative analysis (5 marks)
  • Descriptor: How effectively does the candidate analyse similarities and/or differences between the two works studied?

Criterion C: Coherence, Balance, Focus, and Organization

• Score: 5 out of 5
• Summary: The essay is well-structured and balanced, alternating between the two works and comparing them effectively. The use of connective phrases and linking words contributes to a strong sense of structure.

Criterion D: Language

• Score: 5 out of 5
• Summary: The student’s language use is academic and articulate. Complex ideas are clearly expressed with accurate vocabulary and syntax throughout the essay.

Purpose and Skills Development:

The purpose of Paper 2 is to cultivate critical thinking and analytical skills in students, encouraging them to explore and appreciate the richness of literature. By engaging in comparative analysis, students learn to identify universal themes and unique stylistic features, enhancing their understanding of how literature reflects and influences the human experience.

In conclusion, IBDP English A Paper 2 is an intellectually demanding yet rewarding component of the course, offering students the opportunity to delve deeply into literary analysis and develop essential skills for academic and personal growth. Through rigorous preparation and thoughtful engagement with the texts, students can excel in this examination and gain a profound appreciation for literature.

Common Themes in IBDP English A Paper 2

1. Identity and Self-Perception

Exploration of characters’ identities and how they perceive themselves. The impact of society and culture on individual identity.

Examples:

• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Gatsby’s creation of a new identity to fit into the elite society.
• Beloved by Toni Morrison: Sethe’s struggle with her identity as a mother and a former slave.
• The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: Holden Caulfield’s search for identity and self-worth.
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: Scout Finch’s journey of self-discovery amidst societal prejudices.
• Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro: The clones’ quest for self-identity in a dystopian society.

Sample Opening Paragraph:

In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, both protagonists grapple with their identities amidst societal pressures. Gatsby, originally James Gatz, creates an entirely new persona to infiltrate the elite social circles of West Egg. This transformation, driven by his love for Daisy Buchanan, highlights the fluidity of identity and the lengths one might go to achieve acceptance and fulfill personal dreams. Conversely, Holden Caulfield’s struggle is more internal. As he wanders through New York City, Holden constantly battles with his perception of authenticity versus societal expectations, labeling almost everyone he meets as a “phony.” His journey is marked by a desperate search for sincerity and a resistance to the adult world’s superficiality. Both characters’ experiences underscore the profound impact of societal norms on individual self-perception and identity.

2. Power and Authority

Dynamics of power and control within relationships, communities, or societies. The influence of political, social, or familial authority on characters and events.

Examples:

• 1984 by George Orwell: The totalitarian regime’s control over individuals’ thoughts and actions.
• The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood: Theocratic authority and its oppressive impact on women.
• Macbeth by William Shakespeare: The corrupting influence of political ambition and power.
• Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe: Colonial power and its effects on traditional Igbo society.
• Lord of the Flies by William Golding: The struggle for power among boys stranded on an island.

Sample Opening Paragraph:

George Orwell’s 1984 and Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale vividly portray the dynamics of power and authority within dystopian societies. In 1984, the omnipresent Party exerts absolute control over every aspect of life, manipulating truth and rewriting history to maintain its dominance. The protagonist, Winston Smith, struggles against this oppressive regime, illustrating the devastating effects of totalitarianism on individual freedom. Similarly, The Handmaid’s Tale presents a theocratic society where women are subjugated and stripped of their rights. Offred’s narrative exposes the brutal enforcement of patriarchal authority and the use of religious doctrine as a tool for control. Both novels serve as chilling reminders of the potential for power to corrupt and dehumanize, highlighting the importance of vigilance in preserving individual freedoms.

3. Conflict and Reconciliation

Internal and external conflicts faced by characters. Processes of reconciliation and resolution of conflicts.

Examples:

• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini: Amir’s internal conflict and his journey towards redemption.
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy’s initial conflicts and eventual reconciliation.
• Atonement by Ian McEwan: The long-term consequences of a single misunderstanding and the quest for atonement.
• The Crucible by Arthur Miller: The societal conflict of the Salem witch trials and individual moral struggles.
• The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton: The gang rivalry and the eventual understanding and reconciliation between characters.

Sample Opening Paragraph:

Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice explore themes of conflict and reconciliation, albeit in vastly different contexts. In The Kite Runner, Amir’s betrayal of his friend Hassan creates a deep internal conflict that haunts him into adulthood. His journey back to a war-torn Afghanistan to rescue Hassan’s son becomes a path to redemption and self-forgiveness. In contrast, Pride and Prejudice deals with social and personal conflicts, particularly between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Their initial misunderstandings and prejudices give way to mutual respect and love, culminating in reconciliation and a deeper understanding of each other. Both stories emphasize that reconciliation, whether personal or relational, often requires confronting past mistakes and growing beyond initial judgments.

4. Love and Relationships

Different forms of love (romantic, familial, platonic) and their portrayal. The complexities and challenges within relationships.

Examples:

• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë: The tumultuous romantic relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine.
• Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy: The destructive nature of Anna’s adulterous love.
• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: The complex relationship between creator and creation.
• A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini: The bond between two women in an oppressive society.
• Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare: The tragic romantic love between two young individuals from feuding families.

Sample Opening Paragraph:

Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights and Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina delve into the complexities of love and relationships, showcasing both their passionate and destructive aspects. Wuthering Heights presents the intense, almost obsessive love between Heathcliff and Catherine, which transcends social norms and even death. Their relationship, while deeply passionate, brings about their downfall and affects those around them, illustrating the potential destructiveness of unchecked emotions. On the other hand, Anna Karenina portrays Anna’s illicit love affair with Count Vronsky, which defies societal expectations and leads to her eventual isolation and tragic end. Both novels highlight the conflict between individual desires and societal constraints, revealing the profound impact of love on human lives.

5. Justice and Injustice

Themes of fairness, morality, and ethical dilemmas. Depictions of societal and individual injustices and their consequences.

Examples:

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: The racial injustice faced by Tom Robinson in a prejudiced society.
• The Trial by Franz Kafka: The absurdity and lack of justice in the legal system.
• Les Misérables by Victor Hugo: Jean Valjean’s quest for justice in a society filled with inequality.
• A Passage to India by E.M. Forster: The racial and colonial injustices faced by Indian characters.
• Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose: The jury’s struggle with biases and the pursuit of justice.

Sample Opening Paragraph:

In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables, themes of justice and injustice are central to the narrative. To Kill a Mockingbird follows the trial of Tom Robinson, an African American man falsely accused of raping a white woman. Despite clear evidence of his innocence, the racially prejudiced jury convicts him, highlighting the deep-seated injustice within the legal system of the American South. Similarly, Les Misérables centers on Jean Valjean, a former convict pursued relentlessly by Inspector Javert for breaking parole. Valjean’s struggle for redemption and Javert’s rigid adherence to the law underscore the often-blurred lines between justice and mercy. Both works critique the flaws in their respective justice systems, advocating for empathy and fairness.

6. Change and Transformation

Personal growth and transformation of characters. Societal or cultural changes and their impacts.

Examples:

• The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka: Gregor Samsa’s literal transformation and its impact on his family.
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë: Jane’s journey from a mistreated orphan to a strong, independent woman.
• The Color Purple by Alice Walker: Celie’s transformation from a passive victim to an empowered individual.
• Great Expectations by Charles Dickens: Pip’s growth and moral development throughout the novel.
• Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston: Janie’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

7. Freedom and Confinement

The struggle for personal or political freedom. Themes of imprisonment, both literal and metaphorical.

Examples:

• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey: The battle for freedom within a mental institution.
• Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys: The confinement of Antoinette in both physical and psychological terms.
• The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath: Esther Greenwood’s struggle with mental illness and societal expectations.
• The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin: A woman’s brief experience of freedom upon hearing of her husband’s death.
• A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen: Nora’s realization of her confined life and her decision to seek freedom.

8. Human Nature and the Human Condition

Exploration of fundamental aspects of human nature. Reflections on the human condition, such as existential questions and human experiences.

Examples:

• Lord of the Flies by William Golding: The inherent savagery and primal instincts in humans.
• Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett: The existential plight and meaninglessness of human life.
• Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck: The themes of dreams, loneliness, and the human need for companionship.
• Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky: The moral dilemmas and psychological depth of the human condition.
• Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad: The exploration of the darkness within human nature.

9. Memory and the Past

The role of memory and history in shaping characters and narratives. The influence of past events on the present and future.

Examples:

• Beloved by Toni Morrison: The haunting memories of slavery and their impact on the characters’ lives.
• The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro: The protagonist’s reflections on his past decisions and their consequences.
• Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut: The fragmented memories of a soldier and the trauma of war.
• Atonement by Ian McEwan: The long-lasting impact of a false accusation on the lives of the characters.
• One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez: The cyclical nature of history and memory in the Buendía family.

10. Society and Class

Examination of social structures and class divisions. The impact of social class on characters’ lives and opportunities.

Examples:

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: The class distinctions and their influence on relationships and marriages.
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: The disparities between the old money and new money classes.
• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley: The rigid caste system and its control over society.
• The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton: The constraints of high society on a woman’s choices.
• Hard Times by Charles Dickens: The struggles of the working class and the injustices of industrial society.

11. Gender and Sexuality

Representation and exploration of gender roles and identities. Themes related to sexuality and sexual orientation.

Examples:

• Orlando by Virginia Woolf: The fluidity of gender and the protagonist’s transformation over centuries.
• The Awakening by Kate Chopin: A woman’s rebellion against gender norms and her quest for autonomy.
• Fun Home by Alison Bechdel: A graphic memoir exploring sexuality and family dynamics.
• Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides: The intersex protagonist’s journey of self-discovery and identity.
• A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf: The importance of financial independence and personal space for women’s creative freedom.

12. Isolation and Alienation

Experiences of isolation and alienation by characters. Causes and effects of feeling isolated or alienated.

Examples:

• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: The creature’s isolation and its consequences on his psyche.
• The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: Holden Caulfield’s alienation from society and his peers.
• 1984 by George Orwell: Winston Smith’s feeling of isolation within a totalitarian regime.
• The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath: Esther Greenwood’s psychological isolation and struggle with mental illness.
• The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka: Gregor Samsa’s physical transformation and subsequent alienation from his family.

12. Isolation and Alienation

Sample Opening Paragraph: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye address the themes of isolation and alienation through their protagonists. In Frankenstein, the creature’s rejection by society and his creator, Victor Frankenstein, leads to profound loneliness and a desire for revenge. His isolation underscores the consequences of unchecked ambition and the need for compassion and understanding. Similarly, in The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield’s alienation from those around him reflects his deep-seated dissatisfaction with the world and his struggle to find genuine connections. His journey through New York City is marked by attempts to reach out, yet he remains fundamentally isolated by his cynicism and grief. Both novels highlight the emotional and psychological toll of isolation and the human need for connection and acceptance.

These detailed sample paragraphs aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of the themes and offer insights into how they are explored in different literary works.

Essay Writing Tips

1. Thesis Statement
   • Formulate a clear and concise thesis statement that addresses the prompt and outlines your argument.
2. Comparative Analysis
   • Compare and contrast the treatment of the theme in the two works studied.
   • Use specific examples and quotations to support your analysis.
3. Contextual Understanding
   • Demonstrate an understanding of the cultural, historical, and social contexts of the works.
   • Explain how these contexts influence the portrayal of the theme.
4. Literary Devices
   • Identify and analyze the use of literary devices (e.g., symbolism, imagery, metaphor) and their contribution to the theme.
   • Discuss how the authors’ stylistic choices enhance the thematic exploration.
5. Organization
   • Structure your essay clearly with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
   • Ensure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and flows logically to the next.
6. Critical Perspective
   • Offer a critical perspective on the theme, considering different interpretations and viewpoints.
   • Engage with secondary sources if appropriate to deepen your analysis.

Practice Questions

1. Identity and Self-Perception
   • Compare the exploration of identity and self-perception in two works you have studied. How do the authors portray the journey of self-discovery?
2. Power and Authority
   • Discuss how power dynamics are depicted in the two literary works. What commentary do the authors make on the nature of authority?
3. Conflict and Reconciliation
   • Analyze the portrayal of conflict and the paths to reconciliation in the works you have studied. How do the characters resolve or fail to resolve their conflicts?
4. Love and Relationships
   • Examine the representation of love and relationships in two works. How do the authors depict the complexities of human connections?

By exploring these themes and using these tips, students can prepare effectively for IBDP English A Paper 2, demonstrating their analytical skills and understanding of literary works.

IBDP English A Paper 2 – Sample Essay (SL)

Line of Inquiry: Compare and contrast the portrayal of conflict in two works you have studied.

Texts Chosen:

1. “Chronicle of a Death Foretold” by Gabriel García Márquez
2. “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini

Conflict, whether internal or external, is a driving force in literature, shaping characters’ lives and propelling narratives forward. In Gabriel García Márquez’s “Chronicle of a Death Foretold” and Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner”, conflict serves as a central theme that both authors explore through different lenses. While Márquez focuses on societal and cultural conflicts in a small Latin American town, Hosseini delves into personal and political conflicts in Afghanistan. This essay will compare and contrast how these conflicts are portrayed, examining their causes, consequences, and the narrative techniques used to present them.

In “Chronicle of a Death Foretold”, the primary conflict arises from a deep-seated sense of honor and societal expectations. The murder of Santiago Nasar is predicated on the need to restore the honor of Angela Vicario’s family after she is returned to her home by her husband on their wedding night, claiming she was not a virgin. The town’s adherence to traditional codes of honor creates a collective conflict, as everyone knows about the impending murder but does nothing to stop it. Márquez uses this to critique the societal norms that value honor over human life.

In contrast, “The Kite Runner” portrays conflicts that stem from personal guilt and the complex socio-political landscape of Afghanistan. The protagonist, Amir, faces an internal conflict rooted in his betrayal of his friend Hassan. This personal guilt is compounded by the external conflict of the Soviet invasion and the rise of the Taliban. Hosseini uses these layers of conflict to explore themes of redemption and forgiveness, highlighting how personal and political histories intertwine.

The consequences of the conflict in “Chronicle of a Death Foretold” are tragic and far-reaching. Santiago Nasar’s death, which could have been prevented, becomes a symbol of the town’s collective guilt and moral failure. Márquez employs a non-linear narrative structure to emphasize the inevitability of the tragedy and the sense of fatalism that pervades the town. The retrospective narration allows readers to see the fragmented memories and perspectives of various characters, underscoring the communal complicity in the crime.

In “The Kite Runner”, the consequences of conflict are deeply personal and transformative for Amir. His journey from a privileged but cowardly boy to a man seeking redemption is marked by his return to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan to rescue Hassan’s son, Sohrab. Hosseini uses a linear narrative with flashbacks to reveal the long-lasting impact of Amir’s betrayal and the socio-political upheaval in Afghanistan. The resolution of Amir’s internal conflict through his acts of bravery and sacrifice signifies the possibility of personal redemption amidst broader societal chaos.

Márquez’s use of a journalistic, investigative style in “Chronicle of a Death Foretold” adds to the sense of realism and inevitability of the conflict. The disjointed timeline and multiple viewpoints create a mosaic of perspectives that reflect the complexity of the town’s moral landscape. The magical realism, a hallmark of Márquez’s writing, blurs the lines between reality and superstition, highlighting the cultural context of the conflict. Hosseini, on the other hand, employs a more straightforward, emotive narrative in “The Kite Runner”. His use of first-person narration allows readers to deeply empathize with Amir’s internal struggles. The vivid descriptions of Afghan culture and the political turmoil provide a rich backdrop for the personal conflicts. Hosseini’s ability to weave historical events with personal narratives creates a compelling story of redemption and atonement.

In conclusion, both “Chronicle of a Death Foretold” and “The Kite Runner” explore the theme of conflict, albeit in different contexts and through varied narrative techniques. Márquez’s portrayal of societal conflict rooted in honor and tradition contrasts with Hosseini’s depiction of personal and political conflicts intertwined with themes of guilt and redemption. Through their masterful storytelling, both authors illuminate the profound impact of conflict on individuals and communities, offering readers a deeper understanding of human nature and societal values.