a group of words that all share similar meanings

the associations we make with a word - what the word reminds us of

producing strong, clear images in the mind

if something is oppressive, it makes people feel uncomfortable or it is cruel and unfair

Using semantic fields to create an atmosphere

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 of scary, confusing or unsettling events or characters placed in danger, including creation of a scary atmosphere through the use of music and sound.

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

a group of words that all begin with the same letter

a group of words that all share similar meaning

a group of words that all mean different things

Which of the following words would you use to create a restrictive atmosphere?

A {{ }} is the association we make with a word - what the word reminds us of.

Which of the following words has connotations of mystery?

Which word has the most aggressive connotations?

dark brown branches sat, one on top of the other

there were branches everywhere, poking out

spiky branches poked through the gaps in the leaves

spiked, dagger-like branches pierced through any, and all space 

Which of the following descriptions creates the most vivid imagery? 

{{ }} is the mood or feeling of a piece of writing.

when two or more words begin with the same letter

when the writer begins each paragraph with the same phrase

when the word sounds like the noise it represents

when a comparison is made between two things that are similar, but not the same

a comparison of two things are that not the same using 'like' or 'as'

a comparison of two things are that not the same

a comparison of two things that are not the same that runs throughout a text

a comparison of two different characters and their contrasting views

the moon is white, and white is a Gothic colour

the moon is the opposite to the sun, which makes it represent evil

it comes out at night, which is a dark time when mysterious things can happen

we often associate the moon with supernatural occurrences

Why is the moon often present in Gothic settings? 

Bright, white snow lined the roofs ahead...

Hard, bullet-like rain pelted the pavements...

Beaming, the sun smiled down on the village...

The thick, black night cloaked the ruins...

Which of the following story openings creates the most ominous atmosphere?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

Adult supervision recommended

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

Using semantic fields to create an atmosphere

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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