HOW TO SET KCSE 101/3 SET BOOKS LITERATURE QUESTIONS

HOW TO SET KCSE 101/3 LITERATURE QUESTIONS

The only predictable thing in the world is change. We must change with changing times. The setting of KCSE English Paper 3 essay questions changed in 2006 when the syllabus changed. 

Since the goal of teaching literature is the inculcation of universal moral values, the questions have taken a predictable pattern whereby the focus is on the identification of virtues and vices. Virtues attract rewards whereas vices lead to retribution. 

Before, the setting focused on mastery of the plot, characters and characterization, themes and language use. While these factors are still indispensable in the teaching and learning of literature, the cardinal focus should be on the take-home messages students can pick from the set text. 

When preparing candidates to sit English Paper 3, set accessible questions. The questions should be straight forward and relatable to the learners’ experiences. The phrasing of the questions must be clear so that the learner can understand its demands easily. After all, this is form four level literature. Avoid setting ambiguous questions. 

Literature rewards virtues and punishes vices. In the 2016 question from Bertolt Brecht's Caucasian Chalk Circle, Grusha is rewarded for her acts of selflessness after she rescues and raises Natella's son Michael. Judge Azdak decides to give the baby to Grusha and not Natella who is his biological mother, since Grusha is more motherly. In the evaluation, the learners can conclude that compassionate and altruistic acts attract approbation and rewards. 

In the 2019 question from John Steinbeck’s The Pearl, Kino causes agony to himself and his family members due to his excessive desires to escape the shackles of poverty and colonial oppression. He ends up losing his prized possessions and his son. As much as it is good to have ambitions, they may cause misery to us and our loved ones when unchecked.

The 2019 question on Blossoms of the Savannah dwelt on the repugnant ramifications of making unwise choices. On page 114 of the heavily patriarchal tale, the author says “... it was the man who made decisions as to which direction their lives took. When he took a wrong decision, the family was the one to bear the brunt of its unpalatable consequences.” Ole Kaelo loses his daughters when he makes two irresponsible decisions-doing business with a rogue businessman and refusing his daughters a chance of pursuing university education.  He insists on getting Resian circumcised and married off to a man who is almost his age mate yet she has ambitions of joining Egerton University to study veterinary medicine. He loses his daughter’s trust and filial affection when she runs away from home. To avoid adverse consequences such as these, we must heed wise counsel and make prudent decisions. 

In all these questions, an action leading to an outcome is par for the course. The good deeds by Grusha are rewarded while the evil deeds by Ole Kaelo lead to punishment. This is a universal idea. 

As we set literature questions based on set texts, our primary focus should be on the author’s intended message. Characterization, themes and styles are not tested in isolation, at least not for paper three. We can use themes to teach the moral values. For example the 2018 and 2019 questions from The Pearl highlighted the theme of the destructive nature of greed. We don’t focus on greed singly but on its evil nature and its power to cause affliction. Students are given to understand that being greedy may cause adversity to them. 

Questions on styles rarely see the light of day but language use can still be taught as part of literary appreciation. 

We ought to encourage learners to read the actual set text themselves so that they can acquire an unqualified mastery of the events in the novels, plays and short stories. They should do their own piercing analysis under the keen supervision of teachers. Imposing our own understanding on them only serves to hamper critical thinking. Also, the marking of English Literature demands that the students support every assertion with unerring textual illustrations. 

Once the student grasps the author’s intended message and the actions of the characters and their upshot, they can comfortably respond to the exam questions. They should single out the fruits of Nora's selflessness in A Doll's House, the impotence of Oloisudori’s callousness and pomposity in Blossoms Of Savannah, the futility of blind religious piety and joy of contentment in Folded Leaf, the danger of failure to listen to wise advice in The Pearl or the importance of having steely determination or willpower like Resian in Blossoms of the Savannah or Rolf Schmidt in No Need To Lie. 

The questions generally revolve around pertinent issues like effects of war, the importance of environmental and nature conservation, different levels of conflict in the society, illegal immigration, remorsefulness etc.

Teachers must therefore set questions in line with the demands of the syllabus and that meet the requirements of the Kenya National Examination Council. 

How to answer KCSE English Essay Questions

A DOLL'S HOUSE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR KCSE STUDENTS

A DOLL’S HOUSE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

These are short study questions on A Doll's House to help KCSE students understand the set book better.

Note: You should read the actual set book several times in order to have a mastery of the text and be in a position to respond to A Doll's House essay questions. 

1.What is the message in a dolls house?

The main message in A Doll's House is the need for equal partnership in relationships and marriages.

Nora and Helmer's marriage is shrouded in lies and secrets. Eventually Nora leaves Helmer because she’s not happy. 

Human relationships that are based on lies or pretense are always bound to crumble.

 

2. What does A Doll’s House say about society.

The society in A Doll's House has a conventional set of norms that tend to stifle an individual into behaving the way the society dictates as opposed to how they really feel. Such a repressive atmosphere may cause suffering.

Characters like Torvald, Nora, Mrs. Linde and Krogstad bear the brunt of the unforgiving society.

Women in this society have restricted freedom. They are not allowed to carry out certain roles that are preserved for men. A woman can neither borrow money nor carry out serious financial transactions without their husband’s permission.

Mrs. Linde tells Nora, “A wife cannot borrow without her husband’s consent” (pg. 18)

Torvald is also swayed by the society’s expectation. He treats his wife like a doll. He forbids her from petty issues such as eating macaroons to serious matters like raising her own children. (pg. 105)

He says, “But I shall not allow you to bring up the children “(pg. 105)

His repressive nature causes his wife untold misery.

Nora says, “I am a resonable human being just as you are” (pg. 114)

She has never been happy in Torvald house. (pg. 111)

On pg. 112 Nora says “I must try and educate myself”

The society’s suffocating codes also control and shape Krogstad and Mrs. Linde’s life.

 

3. Does Nora really love Torvald? 

Yes, she does. She makes great sacrifices to save Torvald’s life. She tells Krogstad, “I did it for love's sake” (pg. 42)

When Torvald overworks himself and falls ill (pg. 12), Nora is forced to borrow £250 from Krogstad (Pg. 31). They needed money for a trip to Italy as recommended by the doctor (pg. 19). She is forced to forge her father’s signature since women are not allowed to borrow. Nora keeps the whole affair secret from Torvald in order to protect his manly independence (pg. 20). She also makes a great sacrifice by repaying the loan secretly.

She does all this for the sake of love. She loves Torvald.

On pg. 40 she tells Krogstad, “That trip was to save my husband’s life, I couldn’t give that up.”

Nora tells Torvald that she loved him above everything else in the world (pg. 103)

Even Torvald understands that Nora committed fraud and kept secrets from him out of love (pg. 107)

 

4. Does Nora kill herself in A Doll's House?

No, she does not follow through with the plan. Nora does not commit suicide. 

 

5. What is wrong with Nora and Torvald's marriage?

Nora and Torvald’s marriage is full of lies, secrets and pretense. Also the marriage is devoid of love and equality (pg. 111). This causes lack of happiness. Nora tells Torvald “I have never been happy”. (pg. 111)

The secrets ruin the marriage when Torvald finds out about Nora’s secrets, he becomes furious and this leads to an unsalvageable rift in their marriage. (Pg. 103-120)

Torvald does not treat Nora like an equal partner in marriage, rather like a subordinate.

He calls her pet names like squirrel, skylark and little spendthrift. (pg. 2-3)

They never have a serious meaning full conversion and he talks to her playfully (pg. 3) (pg.110)

Torvald does not know who Nora really is. He calls her a spendthrift. He thinks she’s wasteful when it comes to money (pg. 5).

He feels that everything she does is silly and insignificant (pg. 44).

 He controls every aspect of Nora’s life. He chooses Nora’s character at the Stenborg’s fancy dress bull and even makes her dress (pg. 52). He’s jealous and narcissist (pg. 54). He makes promises he cannot keep(pg.61-62). His promises turn out to be empty when he finds out Nora’s secret (pg. 103)

Torvald turns out to be a weak, selfish man.

Nora is unhappy in the marriage (pg. 111). She says Torvald never loved her (pg. 110)

When Nora decides to leave, Torvald has the audacity to forbid her (pg. 113)

Nora knows that she’s is a reasonable human being just like Torvald. This means that men and women are equal (pg. 114)

Nora knows that Torvald only cares about his reputation.

“And it was not fear for what threatened me, but what might happen to you” (pg. 117)

She leaves Torvald in pursuit of “perfect freedom” (pg. 119)

In summary, Torvald and Nora’s marriage is riddled with falsehood, simulation and selfishness. 

 

6. What is the main conflict in A Doll's House? 

The main conflict in A Doll's House is selfishness and falsehood in Nora and Torvald's marriage. The marriage breaks because of secrets and pretense on Nora’s side and pride, ego and selfishness on Torvald’s side. The conflict arises from friction between individual and society. The society’s repressive nature causes a strain in human relationships. 

 

7. What does A Doll's House title mean? 

The society treats women like dolls: silly insignificant beings. Torvald treats Nora like a child. Their house is like a doll's house or a bird’s cage. She has no liberty to do as her mind pleases. The title captures the society’s controlling nature. A human being can never thrive under a repressive environment. 

 

8. How many acts is A Dolls House? 

A Doll’s House has three acts. Act One-Christmas Eve. Act Two-Christmas day. Act Three-A day after Christmas. 

 

9. What does money symbolize in A Doll’s house? 

Money is a symbol of power in A Doll’s House. Torvald considers Nora a spendthrift. Last Christmas Nora had to lock herself up for 3 weeks to make handmade ornaments. Now that Torvald has a new job, she doesn’t have to struggle anymore (pg. 8). Since Torvald has money he can make decisions like whom to fire and whom to hire. Krogstad’s job is at his mercy. Since men are in authority in this society, they are the ones allowed to carry out serious transactions, work and help women. Women are not allowed to work or borrow money. 

Krogstad can control Nora and threaten to blackmail her because he was in position to lend her money. Krogstad lends Nora money without her husband’s knowledge yet women are not allowed to borrow.

In brief, money symbolizes power.

10. Does Dr. Rank die in A Doll’s house?

Dr. Rank suffers from a terminal illness called consumption of the spine which he inherited from his father. (pg. 53)

He tells Nora that he will send her a card, when he’s dying “I shall send you a card with a black cross on it and then you will know that a loathsome end has begun" (pg. 34) 

He sends the card. Torvald says it as if he is announcing his own death “there is a black cross over the name. It looks as if he were announcing his own death” (pg. 101)

THE PEARL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR KCSE STUDENTS

THE PEARL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

In this article we explain frequently asked questions in The Pearl by John Steinbeck. The questions are meant to guide KCSE candidates.

These notes should serve as a complementary resource to students who have read and mastered on events in the pearl.

 

1.  What is the main theme in the pearl by John Steinbeck?

The main theme in The Pearl is the theme of greed. Kino lives a humble life of contentment before he finds the pearl.

 When he finds the pearl, he envisions a better life for his family, which has wallowed in abject poverty for many years. His ambitions include marrying Juana in church, buying new clothes, a harpoon, a Winchester Carbine rifle and above all education for his son Coyotito (pg44-46).

Kino’s ambitions grow wildly into uncontrollable greed that yields misfortune for him and his family. He ends up losing his valued canoe and his brushwood hut. He is also attacked several times. The deceptive nature of the pearl causes a strain in the happy marriage when he attacks Juana after she attempts to throw away the pearl. The family suffers untold grief when they lose their son Coyotito who is shot by a tracker who was after the pearl.

Greed is also exhibited by characters such as the priest, the, the pearl buyers, the doctor and some veiled figures that attacked Kino with the view of getting the pearl.

Clearly, a poor man who is contended is happier than a man of means who harbours excessive ambitions. Nothing good comes out of greed.

Desire without limit causes agony.

2.  What is the message in the pearl?

John Steinbeck’s The pearl is a parable. It discourages greed and encourages contentment.

3.  What is the moral lesson in The Pearl?

Excessive ambitions lead to pain/agony. Kino’s unchecked desire results in loss of property, anguish and death.

Contentment is the key to a happy life. Kino chases elusive happiness ostensibly brought by owning material wealth and formal education but instead sinks deeper into poverty and agony. 

We may lack money but still be happy. Peace of mind is more important than riches.

Also, all that glitters is not gold.

4.  Who did Kino kill?

Kino kills a man who attacks him at the beach. This is after Juana tries to throw away the pearl because it’s evil (pg. 35). She does so because several people have tried to attack Kino in order to get the pearl. Kino catches Juana and beats her badly (pg. 34). While returning to his house, he meets attackers on the path and the altercation that ensues leaves one man dead. Juana tells Kino, “You have killed a man.”

He also kills three trackers at the mountains. (Pg 115)

5.  Does Kino die in the pearl?

Kino does not die in the pearl. The story ends when he flings the pearl back into the sea when Coyotito dies. (Pg.118)

6.  What does the doctor give Coyotito?

The doctor gives Coyotito a white powder enclosed in a capsule of gelatine. He washes it down with pulque (pg. 52). This results in untold pain for Coyotito (pg.54).

He poisons Coyotito in order to reap maximum gains from the pearl.(pg. 56)

 He tries to trick Kino into giving him the pearl.  

"Perhaps you would like me to put it in my safe." (pg. 56) 

7.  Why does Juana want to get rid of the pearl?

Juana wants to throw away the pearl because it’s evil (pg.59). She wants them to throw it back to the sea before it destroys them. She says this after a thief tries to steal the pearl and Kino is hurt while trying to protect it.

Kino is attacked the second time and slashed. Juana tells him (pg. 79) “Kino this pearl is evil; let me destroy it before it destroys us”.

She tries to throw it away but Kino manages to catch her and stop her (pg. 83).

8.  What is the main conflict in the pearl? 

The protagonist Kino fights many evil forces. When he finds the pearl, he thinks that everyone is happy for him. When the news of his magnificent pearl spreads, everyone starts scheming how to benefit from the pearl (pg. 43). Everyone is interested in Kino’s pearl; the priest, the shopkeeper, the doctor, the beggars and the sellers. 

There is a conflict between good and evil. Kino fights against himself. He is overwhelmed by the evil nature of greed. He is blinded by unchecked ambitions and as fate would have it, he ends up losing everything he valued including his peaceful life and his son. (pg.115)

9.  Who killed the baby in The Pearl? 

Coyotito is shot and killed by one of the three trackers. The trackers were startled by a little murmuring cry that sounded like a human baby. They thought it was a coyote. The man shot in the direction of the cry and killed Coyotito. (pg. 114-115)

    “If it’s a coyote this will stop it” (Pg. 115)

NB: Coyotito does not die from scorpion sting or the white powder administered by the doctor. 

He was not killed by Kino. 

10. How does the pearl end? 

The Pearl ends when Kino flings back the pearl into the sea. 

“And the music of the pearl shifted to a whisper and disappeared.” (pg. 118)

Let's attempt these essay questions based on the Pearl.

KCSE SET BOOKS & ESSAY QUESTIONS: ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATION

ANALYZING KCSE SET BOOKS AND INTERPRATING KCSE ESSAY QUESTIONS  

KCSE English paper 3 is vital for any candidate aiming to score highly in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education.

This article explores tips of analysis of KCSE set books and interpretation of KCSE essay questions.

We have 5 set books in English. A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen and Blossoms of the Savannah by Henry Ole Kulet are compulsory while Memories we Lost, Inheritance by David Mulwa and The Pearl by John Steinbeck are optional.

HOW TO ANALYZE KCSE SET BOOKS

 Excelling in English Paper 3

What are the secrets? 

There is no secret but there is one thing you need to do in order to excel.

Read and reread the set book until you have a firm grasp of the content (plot, characters-characterization and themes). It’s also important to understand how the author uses literary devices and language to explore his or her subject matter.

Critical analysis of any given set book demands that you make evaluations that help you come up with moral lessons based on the characters’ actions.

Literature punishes bad deeds and rewards good deeds.

What is critical analysis?

• Read the set books with a view of going beyond the surface meaning.
• Consider the author’s intention in relation to the physical and time setting of the play, novel and short story.
• Relate the events in the book with contemporary issues in society today. Is there any correlation?
• Identify the good characters and the bad characters and their actions. What are the outcomes of these actions?
• What moral values do you draw from the book? 

You can only analyze a set book critically when you read it and grasp the actual events and their outcomes.

This means you should avoid reading and cramming notes on themes and character traits or memorizing guidebooks.

After analysis, synthesis and evaluation of the set book, the next step is to understand how to interpret KCSE essay questions and answering them.

KCSE essay questions are pretty straightforward. They simply test the candidates’ ability to think critically and make evaluation with reference to the set book in question.

 They also test the candidate’s grasp of the content in the set book.  

ANSWERING A KCSE ESSAY QUESTIONS

• Read the question carefully.
• Identify the key words in the question.
• Come up with points of interpretation.
• Come up with supporting evidence from the text to qualify each claim you make.
• Remember the objective is to bring out the moral lesson.
• When writing the essay, keep glancing at the question to remind you of the objective.

Let us use some sample questions from past KCSEpapers.

 

KCSE ENGLISH PAPER 3 2019 ESSAY QUESTIONS

Drama

David Mulwa Inheritance

The key words are ill-gotten wealth and true happiness.

Show how Lacuna Kasoo acquires wealth by illegal or unfair means for personal satisfaction or pleasure and how he ends up being miserable instead.

Each point you give must have “ill-gotten wealth” and how it leads to “misery or suffering” or lack of happiness.

In order to score full marks in the introduction, simply support the assertion that happiness can never be derived from dishonestly obtained riches making reference to David Mulwa's Inheritance. 

In order to score full marks in each point, show how Lacuna Kasoo acquires wealth dishonestly e.g. by borrowing heavily for his own selfish needs and squandering the money and how he wallows in misery e.g. when the citizens organize an uprising/insurrection.

You should give at least one illustration from the book for each point. You will score full marks only if you fully/exhaustively illustrate your point.

Both the illicit acquisition of wealth and the resultant misery must come out clearly in order for you to earn full marks in KCSE essay questions.

You should also link these two situations. The misery should be seen as a result of acquiring riches dishonestly.

Awarding marks

1 mark-You mentioned either of the key phrases. You simply explored one of the sides of the two-sided question. You merely mentioned the point.

2 marks-You made a valid attempt to illustrate but left out some vital points. You captured both sides of the questions. You showed how ill-gotten wealth causes Lacuna misery.

3 marks-The two sides of the question were brought out clearly. You identified a situation, gave the background and gave the outcome of Lacuna’s action. You also brought out the moral lesson seamlessly. 

The conclusion sums up the argument.

You can read an Inheritance sample essay question here.

 

Novel

John Steinbeck The Pearl

The key words are desires without limit and source of agony.

The only character that has limitless ambitions (desires) and brings misery to him and his family is Kino so naturally the points should revolve around him.

Each point must show the different situations where Kino suffers due to his excessive desire.

You must describe the suffering fully in order to earn a full mark. A mere mention of the agony will attract the least marks in the event that the point is valid.

For instance, if you identify one point as “Kino loses his boat (canoe)” you should go ahead and identify specific examples from the text that show Kino’s pain as a result of this particular loss.

E.g. You must talk about the searing rage, evil music, the canoe of his grandfather (which gives a sentimental attachment to it), Kino thinks that the killing of a man is less evil; this turns Kino into an animal … etc.(pg 87)

The moral lesson here is we should have limits to our desires or ambitions or else we will suffer or hurt those we love.

Come up with at least four points that have both the desire and Kino’s grief.

What about the other greedy character’s like the doctor and the priest? 

Unlike Kino, their families do not suffer and the outcome of the excessive ambition is not profound. We do not see their agony. Therefore, all points must be based on Kino’s actions.

In brief, the key to passing English paper 3 is reading the actual texts on your own until you become confident enough to sit the exam. You may read bits of the book over and over again. Read the episodes as many times as you can.

The interpretation of the questions rests on the key words.

Scarcely illustrated points do not score any marks. In order to get a full score in any given point, you must richly add evidence from the text in question.

See an example of an essay based on The Pearl here.

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If you have any questions or comments on analysis of set books and answering KCSE essay questions you may ask in the comments section below.