Paper+Two+questions+based+on+Novels

**Nov 1999** · A novelist has spoken of writing “ a sad story, but a story that ought to leave readers feeling better.” In what ways and with what outcomes for the reader have novelists managed to exploit two such apparent opposites, “sadder” and “better”? · “When I write a novel, I want readers to reflect on the various characters and maybe recognize some aspect of those characters in themselves.” How effectively have novelists created characters which may reflect some aspect of yourself and how far has that been important to your response to or your evaluation of the novels? · Births and deaths are human, often social, events which allow novelists some of their best opportunities for characterizing both individuals and the social environment in which they exist. Examine character presentation in relation to these events, describing the effects of such portrayals on the novels. · As humans move geographically, whether through daily journeys, travel or through relocation, they have a chance to develop improved critical perspectives on social issues and behavior. How have novelists employed such movements to develop their novels and to what effect? · Compare the narrators’ roles. · Explore the ways in which the presentation of the family, or its absence, has shaped your understanding.
 * Paper Two Questions for Novels **
 * STANDARD LEVEL **
 * May 2003 **

· Many characters experience changes in fortune that are central to the story. How far, and in what ways, have such changes contributed to the interest and development of the novels? · In what ways and for what purposes have writers made use of the fantastic or unusual?
 * May 2006**

· Discuss to what extent the opening pages establish the nature and development of the remainder of the work. · Writers are often concerned with problems of inequality. How and to what extent is this topic treated?
 * May 2007**

· Many novels present familiar character types or themes. By what means have novels managed to use familiar elements and still create successful works. · “What //happens// in fiction is what distinguishes it…” Show how far your interest in novels has been based on the events and how much of your interest has been in other aspects?
 * Nov 2007**

· To what extent and in what ways have the solutions of difficult problems and/or the resolution of dilemmas been an important aspect? · In what ways and with what success have writers sought to make their works memorable for their readers?
 * May 2008**