The presentation of trauma in Ian Beck's short story, 'Propping Up the Line'

English

In 'A World at War: Short Stories', pupils explore the reasons for writing war literature and how it seeks to convey the suffering of soldiers and civilians, in times of conflict. In 'Power and Conflict Poetry', students explore the many types of conflict that arise through war, with themes including patriotism, propaganda, fear, guilt and duty.

In 'The Tempest', pupils are encouraged to write from the viewpoint of Caliban and Ariel, adopting character voices in creative writing. In 'A World at War', pupils emulate the writing styles of the authors that they encounter, to create an authentic voice in their writing. 

In this unit, pupils explore and compare texts written about the First World War. They first read Beck's 'Propping up the line', Mansfield's 'The Fly' and Wilfred Owen's 1917 letter home to his mum. They finally read Brittain's 'Testament of Youth', and then plan and write a comparative response.

Literary perspectives from the First World War

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

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

Depiction or discussion of serious mental health issues including eating disorders, self-harm, suicide or attempted suicide, or the aftermath of such an event.

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

In 'Propping Up The Line', Beck explores a psychological illness called PTSD. PTSD stands for {{}}.

In 'Propping Up The Line', what does the sound of Alice's washing remind Alfred of?

In 'Propping Up The Line', how does Alfred's psychological trauma manifest?

acronym for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a mental health condition

There are some key words which help us explore and analyse 'Propping Up The Line'. Match the words to their definitions.

that it needed immediate medical care and attention

that it was as awful a condition as a physical wound

that only those who experienced gas attacks could have it

In 'Propping Up The Line', Beck explores PTSD. What were some common views about this psychological condition in the early 20th century?

In the poem 'Mental Cases' by Wilfred Owen, the speaker writes that for those who have PTSD, the experience of seeing the sun rising is the same as seeing a "{{}} that bleeds afresh".

In 'Propping Up The Line', what are some of the lasting physical effects from World War One that Alfred has to live with?

In 'Propping Up The Line', what are some of the lasting psychological effects from World War One that Alfred has to live with?

In 'Propping Up The Line', Alfred decides not to share his experiences from the front line with his family, saying he will keep these experiences for his "{{}}".

Alfred returns home but keeps his experiences of war to himself.

Alfred's lungs cause him pain and stop him from working.

Alfred is haunted by memories of Jonesey and the dead.

Alfred's lungs begin to fail him in the summer, as well as winter.

Alfred attends a cricket match and is reminded of Jonesey.

Starting with the first plot point, order these events from 'Propping Up The Line' in chronological order.

In 'Propping Up The Line', how does Alice respond when Alfred compares the cart filled with junk to a cart filled with the bodies of young men?

{{}} is a well-known soldier from World War One. He is remembered for his bravery, but also his poetry which powerfully portrays the agonies and trauma of trench warfare. He died in 1918.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Adult supervision required

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

The presentation of trauma in Ian Beck's short story, 'Propping Up the Line'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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