a feeling that something bad is going to happen

a sign or event that is believed to predict or indicate a future occurrence

an important idea or thread in a text that is explored in a number of different ways

Reading 'The Twisted Tree': identifying key themes

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

Which word can be described as 'a person’s family history or lineage'?

Which birds appear in Norse mythology as a messenger of the gods?

trees that are alive and prey on human souls

walking corpses who come back to kill the living

In 'The Twisted Tree', Martha references her Mormor's stories about "draugr". What are these?

an important character in a text which is explored in different ways

an important quotation in a text which could be explored

an important idea in a text which is explored in a number of different ways

an important plot point in a text which is explored in different ways

important language devices used by the writer in a text

There are a number of key themes in 'The Twisted Tree'. What is a theme?

Which of the following would **not** count as a key theme in 'The Twisted Tree'?

through the character of Martha and her role to water the tree

through Martha's powers in reading people through their clothes

through Martha's bravery and the tree's foreboding presence

Below are three key themes in 'The Twisted Tree'. Match each theme to one way it is explored in the novel. 

In 'The Twisted Tree', where does Martha travel to stay with her grandmother?

In 'The Twisted Tree', what physical feature makes Martha feel self-conscious and different?

touching clothes and knowing about the owner's life

knowing when something bad is going to happen

In 'The Twisted Tree', what unusual supernatural powers does Martha discover she has?

At the start of 'The Twisted Tree', the book is dedicated to Odin. What type of mythology does this refer to?

The protagonist who has supernatural powers.

A local boy in Norway who becomes an important friend to Martha.

Martha's grandmother, who is discovered to be dead.

Gives Martha a lift. Bearded and friendly.

Olav's wife, has concerns for Martha being alone in the cabin.

Match the characters from 'The Twisted Tree' to the correct description.

Which word can be described as 'a foul smell from rotting matter'?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

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

Reading 'The Twisted Tree': identifying key themes

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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