One of the most revealing types of conflict occurs when a character’s inner struggles are resolved at great personal price. Often, the character learns a lesson, but too late to help himself or another character. Explain how, in any piece we have read, how a character struggles but fails to learn a lesson in time, and thus, serves as an example for the reader. In your essay, focus on the conflict within the character. Be sure to include the price paid as part of the resolution and the lesson to be learned.

Often in literary works, authors choose a physical object which takes on a special significance in the work and becomes a symbol of something beyond itself. Show how, in Oryx and Crake, the author uses a symbol to convey an important meaning. In your essay, focus on the symbol and what it symbolizes. Be sure to discuss how the author uses it to convey a message to readers. You may choose three important symbols from the novel, or you may choose to elaborate on one symbol.

Authors often use descriptive details to develop a setting for several purposes. In an essay, explain how the setting of Oryx and Crake is related to events from the plot, related to characters, or builds suspense. You may write one body paragraph about each aspect of setting, or you may chose to elaborate on one particular aspect (plot, character, suspense) in all three body paragraphs.

What is the theme any of the short stories or novels we have read? In your introduction, state the theme. In your thesis, explain how the theme is developed (remember, sometimes HOW it is said is as important as WHAT is said). In your body paragraphs, give specific examples of scenes from the novel or short story in which the author developed the theme.