a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story

to communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly

to examine something in detail in order to understand it

to show or prove something using evidence

Exploring the themes of 'Hansel and Gretel'

English

In 'Hansel and Gretel’, children discussed the key features of a fairy tale and had rich discussions about the plot and characters within. In ’Blackberry Blue’, pupils will read a modern fairy tale, which draws upon traditional fairy tales and cultural influences.

In 'Anansi and the Antelope Baby’, pupils discussed the features of a traditional tale. In ’Hansel and Gretel’, pupils will read or listen to a fairy tale. They will discuss the features of a fairy tale and have rich discussions about the plot and characters within.

In this unit, pupils read and explore the classic fairy tale 'Hansel and Gretel'. They use inference to develop their comprehension of the text and characters. Finally, pupils will explore the key themes and engage in rich discussions.

'Hansel and Gretel': reading

Match the keywords to the correct definition. 

an idea, topic or message that appears once

 Which of the following are themes from the story 'Hansel and Gretel'?

the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate

putting another person’s needs before your own

Match the theme from 'Hansel and Gretel' to the correct definition. 

The father shows courage by following the stepmother's evil plan.

Gretel shows courage when she tricks and kills the witch.

The witch shows courage by trapping Hansel in a "cage".

How does the author convey the theme of courage in the story?

It can help us consider human morality and the kind of person we want to be.

It can help us to understand the plot and the story better.

Why can it be useful to analyse themes in a story? 

Starvation leads the stepmother to abandon the children to save herself

Hansel, having overheard the plan, uses "pebbles" to guide him and Gretel home.

Starvation returns and the children are abandoned in the forest again

Hansel is unable to guide them home this time and they find an edible house.

The witch, who lives in the house, tricks the children so she can eat them.

Hansel and Gretel outsmart the witch and Gretel manages to kill her.

The children arrive home, discover their stepmother is dead and live happily.

Order the key events in Anthony Browne's adaptation of 'Hansel and Gretel'.

a children's story about magical/imaginary beings and lands

a genre in which oral stories are passed down over time

a lesson that can be learnt from a story or experience

the way a character is portrayed in a story

to communicate a message directly or indirectly

Match the vocabulary to the correct definition.

Select all of the **good** qualities shown by characters in 'Hansel and Gretel'.

Select all of the **evil** characteristics shown by characters in 'Hansel and Gretel'.

He makes them colourful and vibrant to attract the reader.

He communicates hidden messages to the reader.

He keeps them simple so the reader focuses on the words.

How does the author Anthony Browne use illustrations to enhance the meaning of his adaptation of 'Hansel and Gretel'?

They are both unkind people who don't like children.

There are similarities in their appearance and possessions.

After Gretel kills the witch, they discover the stepmother is dead too.

They display similar characteristics and use the same language.

What evidence is there to suggest that the stepmother and the witch are the same person?

Starter Quiz