traditional stories or legends that are part of a culture's belief system

the idea that events happen because they are meant to, beyond our control

a person who is related to you and who lives after you, such as your child or grandchild.

to be motivated to create, sometimes in response to something else

Exploring the use of mythology in 'The Twisted Tree'

English

In 'The Twisted Tree', pupils explore Gothic imagery in a contemporary text. In 'Dystopian Settings', pupils use their own dark imagery to write their own descriptive pieces.

In 'Sherlock Holmes: Short Stories', pupils begin to analyse the choices of an author. in 'The Twisted Tree', pupils develop their analytical writing skills. 

In this unit, pupils read, explore and respond to the modern fairytale novel 'The Twisted Tree'. They start by reading the novel before practising writing analytically about the novel's key characters and themes. They finally respond creatively to the novel by writing an article and short script.

'The Twisted Tree': fiction reading

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

The writer of 'The Twisted Tree', Rachel Burge, was inspired by which mythology?

Which word beginning with 'm', can be described as the: 'traditional stories or legends that are part of a culture's belief system.'?

'The Twisted Tree' is dedicated to which Norse god?

In Norse mythology, Odin has two messengers called Huginn and Muninn. What type of birds are these?

they can both read people through touching their clothes

In 'The Twisted Tree', what is a significant similarity between the Norse god Odin and Martha?

Which word from Norse mythology means refers the tree that connects the whole cosmos?

 In literature, ravens often symbolise which of the following?

when the weather reflects the mood (usually of the main character)

a suspenseful ending that leaves the audience eagerly awaiting 

In 'The Twisted Tree', the writer uses many devices to engage the reader. Can you match the device to its correct description?

In 'The Twisted Tree', the writer describes the tree as having limbs that can "snatch". This is an example of ...

In the 'The Twisted Tree' the writer describes the bleak and brutal weather conditions to reflect Martha's panic and uncertainty. This is an example of which literary device?

Which of the following could be considered a key theme in 'The Twisted Tree'?

We are introduced to progotanist Martha, who has supernatural powers.

Martha is at an airport and running away to Norway to see her Mormor.

After arriving in Skjebne, Martha discovers Stig in her Mormor's cabin.

The twisted tree becomes shrouded in mist and begins to give a putrid smell.

A letter from Mormor tells Martha she has powers and needs to water the tree.

Martha discovers a doll that looks like her.

Starting with the first, put these plot points from 'The Twisted Tree' in chronological order.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Exploring the use of mythology in 'The Twisted Tree'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.