This document contains “The Tempest” essays which I wrote as well as additional character and quote notes at the end. I achieved 79% average for English in my 2023 Matric year. It provides an in depth analysis of past IEB Tempest questions, with additional essay examples, quotes and guidelines ...
IEB Example The Tempest Essay
Study the quotation below and then write a literary essay in response to the topic that
follows:
"Arundhati Roy is quoted as saying, 'There's really no such thing as the voiceless. There
are only the deliberately silenced, or the preferably unheard.' The reality of the
oppressed is not that they do not have a voice but that their voices are unheard and
their struggle for an equal world in an unfair world is ignored."
Critically discuss to what extent the 'voiceless' characters in The Tempest are not
voiceless but have been deliberately silenced and unheard causing their struggle to be
ignored.
Your argument must refer to at least TWO characters.
Please note:
- Your response must be in the form of a well-structured literary essay.
- The length of your response must be approximately 600 words.
- Your knowledge of Shakespeare's text, The Tempest, and your ability to structure
and substantiate your stance in order to develop a tightly constructed argument will
be assessed.
- Close and relevant reference to the play is essential.
- Do NOT provide a word count at the end of your essay.
English HL P2 – The Tempest
, Here's a step-by-step guide to help you structure and organize your essay effectively:
Step 1: Understand the Question
Begin by carefully reading and understanding the essay prompt. In this case, you are asked
to discuss how characters in "The Tempest" are silenced and unheard despite having voices
and struggles.
Step 2: Choose Your Characters
Identify the two characters you will focus on. In this case, you can choose Caliban and
Ariel as they are prominent 'voiceless' characters in the play.
Step 3: Introduction
Start your essay with an engaging introduction. Begin with a hook or a relevant quote (you
can use Arundhati Roy's quote provided in the prompt). Provide some background
information about "The Tempest" and the characters you've chosen. End your introduction
with a clear thesis statement that outlines your argument about the deliberate silencing
and ignorance of these characters' struggles.
Step 4: Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph should focus on one aspect of the characters being deliberately
silenced and unheard. Here's a suggested structure for each body paragraph:
a. Topic Sentence: Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the
main point you will discuss in that paragraph. For example, in the first body paragraph, you
can discuss how Caliban's voice is silenced.
b. Supporting Evidence: Provide quotes and specific examples from the play that
demonstrate how the character's voice is suppressed or their struggles are ignored.
Analyze these examples in detail.
c. Analysis: Explain the significance of the evidence you've provided. Discuss why their
voices are silenced, who is responsible for this, and what it reveals about the power
dynamics in the play.
d. Transition: Use a transitional sentence to connect the ideas in this paragraph to the next.
Step 5: Compare and Contrast
After discussing each character individually, you can write a paragraph or two comparing
and contrasting how Caliban and Ariel's experiences of being silenced differ. This can help
highlight the diverse ways in which characters' voices are marginalized in the play.
Step 6: Address Counterarguments
To make your essay more robust, consider addressing potential counterarguments. In this
case, you might explore whether these characters have any agency in their own silencing, or
if there are moments when their voices are heard.
Step 7: Conclusion
Summarize your main points and restate your thesis in the conclusion. Discuss the broader
implications of the deliberate silencing of 'voiceless' characters in "The Tempest." Consider
how this theme relates to issues of power, colonization, and oppression.
Step 8: Proofread and Edit
Before submitting your essay, carefully proofread it for grammatical and structural
errors. Make sure your argument is well-supported with evidence from the play
English HL P2 – The Tempest
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