YOW+Essay+Topics

By this stage you are encouraged to practise with as many essay topics as you can. Try to simulate SAC conditions at home and practise timed essays (two hours). Send me essay drafts at any time.

Essay topics for //Year of Wonders//

‘The plague was a vehicle for unleashing the hidden fears and suspicions that governed the lives of the village.’ Do you agree?

“Anna Frith, a woman who had faced more terrors than many warriors…” It is the women in the text that prove to be stronger in the face of adversity. To what extent do you agree?

‘While many characters in //Year of Wonders// display admirable qualities, Anna Frith is the true heroine of the novel.’ Do you agree?

‘In //Year of Wonders// it is the female characters who display the greatest strength and resilience.’ Do you agree?

‘More than anything else, it is Anna’s courage and determination that results in her eventual emancipation.’ Do you agree?

‘In //Year of Wonders// all characters who survive the plague emerge transformed.’ Discuss.

‘The true heroes in //Year of Wonders// are those who put others’ needs ahead of their own.’ Discuss.

‘//Year of Wonders// demonstrates the sinister side of religious fervour.’ Discuss.

‘//Year of Wonders// demonstrates that times of crisis bring out the darker side of human nature.’ Discuss.

‘//Year of Wonders// suggests that nature and religion will always be opposing forces.’ Discuss.

‘From death and destruction inevitably comes rebirth.’ Discuss in relation to //Year of Wonders//.

‘//Year of Wonders// is a story of great courage in the face of extreme adversity.’ Discuss. //‘//It is the first-person narration of Anna Frith that makes //Year of Wonders// so emotionally engaging for readers.’ Do you agree?

‘Anna Frith’s narration of events in //Year of Wonders// conveys the idea that humanity is at the mercy of the natural world.’ Discuss.

‘Geraldine Brooks’ //Year of Wonders// is a bleak exploration of human suffering and cruelty.’ Discuss.

‘In //Year of Wonders// Anna Frith is presented as “too good to be true”.’ To what extent do you agree?

‘The decision made by Mompellion to isolate the village in //Year of Wonders// is motivated by his own selfish reasons.’ Discuss.

The male characters in //Year of Wonders// are all weak.’ Is this how you see the novel?

Brooks shows that tragedy brings out the worst in human nature. Discuss.

‘Although Anna is presented as a strong woman, she is still constrained by the expectations of her time.’ Discuss.

Who is the real heroine of the novel: Elinor or Anna? Discuss.

‘Anna is the embodiment of goodness while Mompellion is the embodiment of selfishness.’ Is this how these characters seem to you?

‘This novel illustrates the conflict between medieval values and enlightened thinking.’ Discuss.

‘//Year of Wonders// explores how fear can tear apart the lives of individuals and society as a whole.’ To what extent do you agree?

//‘Year of Wonders// illustrates that some individuals will react irrationally to people and occurrences that they do not understand.’ Discuss.

‘While the novel seems to be preoccupied with the horrors of the plague, more important issues seem to interest the reader.’ Discuss.