Using ‘Jane Eyre’ to inspire our use of gothic vocabulary

English

In 'A Monster Within', pupils explore extracts from Gothic fiction. In 'Gothic Poetry', pupils apply this learning to the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe.

In 'The Twisted Tree', pupils are introduced to the Gothic genre. In 'A Monster Within', pupils explore Gothic motifs in a range of more challenging texts.

In this unit, pupils explore the Gothic. They start by learning what the Gothic is, before reading extracts from 'Frankenstein' and 'Jane Eyre', practising descriptive writing and reading 'The Tell-Tale Heart'. They finally learn how to write opinion articles and then write their own.

A monster within: reading and writing Gothic fiction

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Which of these is a synonym for 'desolate'?

It is light and airy because the light can filter through the trees.

The setting feels claustrophobic because the trees are "close-ranked".

It is very dark because the trees grow close together and block out the light.

The setting feels comforting and safe because Jane feels surrounded by tree.

What do we learn about the setting in 'Jane Eyre' from this quotation: "I found myself at once in the twilight of close-ranked trees"?

Which words would characterise a setting as claustrophobic and trapping?

What is the weather like when Jane arrives at Ferndean in chapter 37 of 'Jane Eyre'?

Match the vocabulary to its correct definition.

It shows us how homely and comforting the manor-house is.

It shows us how run-down the building is, thereby giving it a Gothic appearance.

It illustrates the vast and spacious nature of the house.

It reflects Rochester, who is uncared for in this moment.

It reflects Jane's optimism as she prepares to reunite with Rochester.

What is the effect of Bronte's use of the word "insalubrious" in the following quotation from 'Jane Eyre': "[Ferndean's] ineligible and insalubrious site"?

Which of the following characteristics would we expect to see in a Gothic setting?

What do we associate with the moon that would make a description of the it useful in Gothic writing?

unloved, unhappy, uncared for, unbelievable

Which of the following is an example of a semantic field you might find in Gothic literature?

Which word has the most negative connotations?

Which of the following words might you use to describe a Gothic setting?

Read this description: "so dank and green were its decaying walls". What impression do you get of this setting?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

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

Using ‘Jane Eyre’ to inspire our use of gothic vocabulary

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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