IB English Paper 2 Series: A Family Supper

Introduction

• Presenters: Andrew and Dave, IB English instructors.
• Purpose: To provide insights into Paper 2 of the IB English exam through a series of videos.
• Focus of Video: Analyzing the short story "A Family Supper" by Kazuo Ishiguro.

About "A Family Supper"

• Author: Kazuo Ishiguro, a British Asian and Nobel Prize-winning author.
• Setting: Post-war Japan, in Kamakura, Japan.
  • A young man returns to his traditional family home after his mother's death.
  • Father is emotionally reserved; the protagonist has a Western experience.
• Themes: Generational tension, cultural conflict, loss, and grief.

Using Graphic Organizers

• Purpose: To break down rich texts into manageable parts using a graphic organizer.
• Steps:
  1. Understand and analyze one text thoroughly before comparison.
  2. Use the organizer to identify broad authorial choices and themes.
  3. Use this groundwork for comparative analysis in Paper 2.

Elements of Analysis

Author Information

• Kazuo Ishiguro's background and its influence on his writing.
• Importance of the author's biographical context in text analysis.

Context and Setting

• Time and Place: Modern post-WWII Japan.
• Significance: Reflects cultural tensions and familial themes.

Narrative Point of View

• First-person viewpoint: Seen through the son’s eyes.
• Implications: Potentially missing perspectives of other characters like the father.

Plot Structure

• Importance of plot understanding: Know key plot points to relate to themes.
• Plot Components: Exposition, rising action, climax, resolution.

Narrative Structure

• Chronological Analysis: How the text's structure influences interpretation.
• Time Management: Real-time story spanning a day, contrasting with generational narratives.

Characterization

• Father: Unnamed, formidable, adheres to traditional values.
• Son and Sister: Reflect Western influence and generational differences.
• Character Analysis: Using the STEAL acronym (Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions, Looks).

Conflict

• Generational Conflicts: Between father and son, and father-daughter.
• Internal Conflict: Father struggling with Japan's changing cultural landscape.

Themes and Topics

• Cultural Heritage: Influence of westernization.
• Grief and Loss: Overcoming loss of the mother.

Symbols

• Fugu Fish, Battleship, Ghosts: Key symbols highlighting themes.

Notable Craft and Authorial Choices

• Motifs: Darkness and light symbolism.
• Dialogue: Tension and unspoken elements between characters.
• Beginning and Ending: Non-traditional, ambiguous, inviting critical thinking.

Notable Quotes

• "Formidable looking man": Son's view of his father.
• "There are other things besides work": Important thematic line.
• Utility of Quotes: Memorize key "nuggets" for adding depth to responses.

Conclusion

• Next Steps: Use the linked graphic organizer to thoroughly analyze texts.
• Upcoming Videos: Further analysis and comparative work in future sessions.