The BIG Essay

Topics:
1. During the course of the play, Juliet changes from a docile child to a brave
and passionate woman.
2. Argue that Romeo does OR does not fit the definition of a tragic hero.
Remember your note of tragedy: to be a tragic hero, he must have a tragic
flaw.
3. Argue that Juliet does OR does not fit the definition of a tragic heroine.
Remember your note of tragedy: to be a tragic heroine, she must have a
tragic flaw.
4. Romeo and Juliet suffer because they reject tradition and do not conform
to an accepted pattern of behaviour. They are dictated to by the rules and
regulations of a world not of their creation.
5. In the opening lines, the Prologue refers to Romeo and Juliet as a pair of
star-crossed lovers, which suggests that their fate is beyond their control.
Explain how Shakespeare develops the theme of Fate, or Fortune, as a
controlling force in the play.
6. The family feud is a powerful factor in the play, but there are many
indications that the quarrel is not of primary importance to anyone but
Tybalt and the servants. Explain the significance of these indications.
7. Discuss the use of three important symbols in conveying theme in The
Poisonwood Bible.
8. Discuss how the author uses different perspectives to convey important
ideas in the novel.
9. Discuss the novel The Poisonwood Bible as a commentary on how to
respond to oppression.
10. Discuss how one character in The Poisonwood Bible responds to injustice.
Analyse his/her understanding of justice, the degree to which his/her
search for justice is successful, and the significance of this search to the
novel as a whole.
11. Describe how the three daughters view the Congo and the people there
before Ruth May's death. What do their views reveal about each of their
personalities?
12. Which character in the novel changed the most? Discuss this change,
and which important event(s) bring it about.