• Posted on July 21, 2023
• Suchismita Sanyal

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is widely recognized for its demanding academic curriculum, and at the heart of this program lies the Extended Essay (EE). Serving as an independent research paper, the EE pushes students to investigate a subject of their choosing within the program’s six subject areas. For those studying English in the IBDP, the EE presents an exhilarating chance to delve into the realms of literature, language, and communication. 

Throughout this blog, we aim to present a diverse array of captivating IBDP English EE topics that will both inspire and assist you in selecting your own intriguing research question.

1. The portrayal of mental illness in classic literature: A comparative analysis of characters’ mental health in works like “Hamlet,” “Jane Eyre,” and “The Catcher in the Rye”

The portrayal of mental illness in classic literature offers a fascinating and rich topic for an Extended Essay, particularly through a comparative analysis of characters’ mental health in works such as “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare, “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë, and “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger. This research would involve a detailed examination of the protagonists’ psychological states, exploring their symptoms, struggles, and the impact of their mental health conditions on their lives and relationships. By comparing and contrasting the experiences of Hamlet, Jane Eyre, and Holden Caulfield, the student can gain insight into the diverse ways mental illness is depicted across different literary periods, genres, and cultural contexts. This topic also allows for an exploration of the social and cultural factors influencing the characters’ mental health, as well as the potential for challenging prevailing societal attitudes towards mental illness during the time the works were written. Additionally, the essay can delve into the techniques employed by the authors to portray mental illness, such as symbolism, narrative structure, and characterization. Overall, this topic offers an opportunity for in-depth literary analysis and a deeper understanding of the complexities of mental illness within the context of classic literature. 

The student can: 

• — Analyze how authors depict mental health issues in literary works.
• — Discuss the impact such depictions have on the reader’s perception and understanding of mental illness.
• — Examine the role of literature in destigmatizing mental health.

2. The influence of social media on language

The influence of social media on language is a captivating and pertinent topic for an Extended Essay. With the widespread adoption of platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, the way we communicate has undergone significant transformations. This research would delve into the impact of social media on language use, examining how these platforms have shaped linguistic norms, vocabulary, grammar, and even the way we construct and convey meaning. By analyzing user-generated content, such as posts, comments, and hashtags, the student can explore the unique linguistic features and conventions that have emerged within the realm of social media. Additionally, the essay can investigate the effects of social media on written and spoken language outside of digital platforms, considering how online communication practices have influenced everyday conversations, informal writing styles, and even professional discourse. This topic would involve a blend of linguistic analysis, sociolinguistics, and media studies, providing an opportunity for interdisciplinary research and a comprehensive understanding of the evolving nature of language in the digital age.

The student can: 

• — Investigate the effect of social media platforms on the English language.
• — Explore changes in grammar, vocabulary, and communication patterns.
• — Analyze the impact of social media on language acquisition and communication skills.

3. How we see the resistance to the abolishment of slavery in America through the slaves when we read Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Fin”

The portrayal of resistance to the abolishment of slavery in America can be observed through the experiences of slaves in Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” making it an intriguing and meaningful topic for an Extended Essay. Twain’s novel provides a unique lens to explore the complex dynamics of slavery and the ways in which enslaved individuals navigated their circumstances. By analyzing characters like Jim, a runaway slave, the student can examine their acts of resistance, both overt and subtle, and their agency in challenging the institution of slavery. This topic offers an opportunity to study Twain’s nuanced depiction of the moral conflict faced by Huck, the novel’s protagonist, as he grapples with societal expectations and his evolving friendship with Jim. Additionally, the essay can explore the broader historical context of the abolitionist movement and how Twain’s portrayal of resistance aligns with or challenges prevalent attitudes of the time. This topic allows for a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of slaves and the various forms of resistance they employed, shedding light on their resilience and the struggle for freedom in the face of oppressive systems.

4. The representation of gender roles in Shakespearean plays

The representation of gender roles in Shakespearean plays offers a captivating and multifaceted topic for an Extended Essay. Shakespeare’s works, such as “Macbeth,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Twelfth Night,” provide a rich tapestry of characters that challenge and reinforce societal expectations surrounding gender. This topic invites an in-depth analysis of the portrayal of male and female characters, examining their agency, power dynamics, and the ways in which they navigate social constraints. By exploring the complexities of characters like Lady Macbeth, Juliet, and Viola, the student can investigate how Shakespearean plays both conform to and subvert traditional gender norms. Furthermore, the essay can delve into the language and rhetoric used to depict gender, including instances of cross-dressing, disguise, and gender ambiguity, shedding light on the performative aspects of gender identity. Additionally, this topic allows for an exploration of the historical context of Shakespeare’s time, considering how societal expectations and cultural norms influenced the representation of gender roles on the Elizabethan stage. Overall, studying the representation of gender roles in Shakespearean plays provides a rich opportunity for literary analysis and a deeper understanding of the complexities of gender dynamics in early modern society. 

The student can: 

• — Explore the portrayal of gender roles in selected plays by William Shakespeare.
• — Analyze how these portrayals reflect the social norms and expectations of the time.
• — Discuss the relevance of these gender roles in contemporary society.

5. Postcolonial literature and identity

Postcolonial literature and identity serve as a compelling and relevant topic for an Extended Essay. Postcolonial literature encompasses a vast range of literary works produced by authors from countries formerly colonized by European powers. This topic offers an opportunity to explore the complex relationship between literature, culture, and identity in postcolonial contexts. By examining texts from various regions and time periods, such as the works of Chinua Achebe, Salman Rushdie, or Jamaica Kincaid, the student can analyze how postcolonial writers navigate issues of race, ethnicity, language, and heritage. This topic invites a critical examination of the ways in which postcolonial literature challenges and subverts colonial narratives, questions dominant power structures, and explores the formation and negotiation of individual and collective identities in the aftermath of colonization. Furthermore, this essay can delve into the influence of cultural hybridity, diaspora, and historical trauma on postcolonial identity formation. By studying postcolonial literature and identity, the student can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of decolonization, cultural diversity, and the ongoing legacy of colonialism in the contemporary world.

The student can: 

• — Study the theme of identity in postcolonial literature.
• — Examine how writers explore the complexities of identity formation in the aftermath of colonialism.
• — Analyze the impact of colonial history and cultural heritage on individual and collective identities.

6. What are the reasons behind the failure of the American dream and how it is shown in texts like “The Old Man and The Sea” written by Ernest Hemmingway?

The examination of the reasons behind the failure of the American Dream and its depiction in texts like Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea” presents a thought-provoking and relevant topic for an Extended Essay. The American Dream, often associated with ideals of opportunity, success, and upward mobility, is often portrayed as elusive or unattainable in literature. Through a close analysis of Hemingway’s novella, the student can explore the challenges, setbacks, and disillusionment faced by characters as they pursue their dreams. This topic allows for an investigation into the underlying factors that contribute to the failure of the American Dream, such as societal pressures, economic inequalities, the pursuit of unrealistic aspirations, or the impact of external circumstances. Furthermore, the essay can delve into the ways in which Hemingway’s narrative style and symbolism reflect the disintegration or unattainability of the American Dream, highlighting themes of struggle, resilience, and the loss of idealism. By studying the failure of the American Dream in texts like “The Old Man and the Sea,” the student can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and limitations of the American Dream narrative and its broader implications in society.

7. Why T.S Eliot’s “Wasteland” is a modernist text and how it shows the anarchy in the world through the text

T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land” is a prime example of modernist literature, making it an intriguing and suitable topic for an Extended Essay. This poem, published in 1922, reflects the fragmented and disillusioned mindset of post-World War I society. Through its fragmented structure, diverse voices, and intertextual references, “The Waste Land” captures the disorienting and chaotic nature of the modern world. The poem explores themes of alienation, despair, and the loss of traditional values, depicting a world plagued by anarchy and spiritual decay. By closely analyzing Eliot’s use of imagery, symbolism, and allusions, the student can uncover the portrayal of societal breakdown, moral emptiness, and the search for meaning in a desolate landscape. This topic invites an exploration of the influence of modernist literary techniques on the representation of anarchy in the text, shedding light on the broader social and cultural context of the early 20th century. By studying “The Waste Land” as a modernist text that reflects the anarchy in the world, the student can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which literature engages with the complexities of the modern condition.

8. How Metaphysical poetry and modern man can be related to the Renaissance period. Can we understand it through John Donne’s poetry and Christopher Marlow’s play “Dr. Faustus”?

The relationship between Metaphysical poetry, the concept of the modern man, and the Renaissance period presents an intriguing and interconnected topic for an Extended Essay. The Metaphysical poets, including John Donne, flourished during the Renaissance, reflecting the intellectual and cultural shifts of the era. These poets engaged with complex metaphysical themes, exploring the nature of existence, spirituality, and the relationship between the individual and the world. This topic offers an opportunity to examine how the Metaphysical poets, through their innovative use of language and imagery, grappled with the challenges and uncertainties of the changing Renaissance world. Additionally, Christopher Marlowe’s play “Dr. Faustus” can provide further insights into the understanding of the modern man during the Renaissance. By analyzing the characters, themes, and philosophical underpinnings of both Donne’s poetry and Marlowe’s play, the student can explore the connection between the metaphysical concerns of the poets and the concept of the modern man emerging in the Renaissance period. This topic invites a deep exploration of the intellectual, cultural, and philosophical currents of the Renaissance, shedding light on the complex relationship between literature, humanism, and the shifting paradigms of the time.

9. What are the reasons which increase the faith of people in God during the age of the Victorian period and how we can prove it through the “David Copperfield” novel written by Charles Dickens?

The investigation of the reasons that increased people’s faith in God during the Victorian period, as depicted in Charles Dickens’ novel “David Copperfield,” presents a compelling topic for an Extended Essay. The Victorian era was marked by significant social and economic changes, including industrialization, urbanization, and scientific advancements. Amidst these transformations, individuals sought solace and meaning, often turning to religion for comfort and guidance. By closely analyzing Dickens’ portrayal of characters’ religious beliefs and experiences in “David Copperfield,” the student can explore the factors that influenced the deepening of faith during this time. This topic invites an examination of the societal pressures, moral dilemmas, and personal struggles faced by characters like David Copperfield, as well as the role of religious institutions and practices in providing stability and a sense of purpose. Furthermore, the essay can explore how Dickens’ narrative techniques, such as symbolism and characterization, reflect the Victorian era’s religious climate and the quest for spiritual redemption. By studying the increase in faith during the Victorian period through “David Copperfield,” the student can gain a deeper understanding of the intersection of religion, literature, and society in a time of profound change.

10. Eco-criticism and nature in literature

Eco-criticism and the exploration of nature in literature offer a compelling and timely topic for an Extended Essay. Eco-criticism, an interdisciplinary approach, examines the relationship between literature and the environment, emphasizing the representation of nature in literary works. This topic allows for an in-depth analysis of how authors across different time periods and genres depict and engage with the natural world. By studying texts that prominently feature nature, such as Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden,” Emily Dickinson’s nature poetry, or Barbara Kingsolver’s “Prodigal Summer,” the student can explore the ways in which nature is portrayed, its significance within the narrative, and the broader environmental implications. This topic invites an investigation into how literature reflects and responds to environmental concerns, such as climate change, deforestation, and the loss of biodiversity. Additionally, the essay can explore the power of nature as a source of inspiration, solace, or ecological activism within literary works. By delving into eco-criticism and the representation of nature in literature, the student can gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between human culture, literature, and the natural world, fostering a greater appreciation for environmental stewardship and sustainability. 

The student can:

• — Investigate how nature is portrayed in literature.
• — Focus on the representation of the environment and its relationship with human societies, values, and ethics.
• — Analyze the role of literature in raising environmental awareness and promoting ecological sustainability.

The topics mentioned above encompass a wide array of areas within English studies, ranging from literature and language to cultural analysis and societal issues. When choosing your EE topic, it is crucial to consider your personal interests and strengths, while also assessing the feasibility of conducting research within the given parameters. Careful planning of the research and writing process, including seeking guidance from your supervisor and utilizing available resources, is essential. With dedication and enthusiasm, your English EE can evolve into a rewarding and enlightening exploration of a subject that genuinely captivates you.

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