Understanding why people write about war

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. 

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.

To {{}} with someone means to share the feelings of someone else. 

One of the short stories in this unit, 'Literary perspectives from the First World War' is called 'Propping Up the Line' by Ian Beck. Its first line is, "{{}} felt something move."

to show that the focus of the story is Alfred and his experiences

all short stories begin with establishing character

to create a connection between reader and protagonist

Alfred was a common name for a soldier, so we empathise with the character more

to show Alfred is at the heart of the story

'Propping Up the Line' is by Ian Beck. Why might Beck have chosen for the first word in his story to be "Alfred"?

'Propping Up the Line' is by Ian Beck. In his Author's Note, Beck explains that he wishes to "{{}}" his grandfather, Alfred, in this story.

Andy Owen (writer and former soldier) argues that war literature is important because it creates a "{{}}" between those who have experienced war and those who haven't. 

'World at War' will often consider literature about WW1. Wilfred Owen is considered one of the best poets about this war. He said he wrote his poems to "{{}}" people about the horrors of war.

In this unit 'Literary perspectives from the First World War', we will look at a number of conflicts but an important one will be World War One. When did World War One begin?

In this unit 'Literary perspectives from the First World War', we will look at a number of conflicts but an important one will be World War One. When did World War One end?

a fictional text that can often be read in full in one sitting

a story which, unlike a full length novel, doesn't include themes

In the unit 'Literary perspectives from the First World War', we will read a number of short stories. What is a short story?

to highlight every quotation that includes a device (eg metaphor)

to write short notes about a moment of particular interest in the text

When we read short stories in the unit, 'Literary perspectives from the First World War', we will often annotate them. What does it mean to annotate a text?

to acknowledge someone else's feelings without engaging with them

Many of the short stories that we read in this unit 'Literary perspectives from the First World War' will try and create feelings of empathy in you, the reader. What does it mean to empathise with som

In this unit 'Literary perspectives from the First World War', we will look at a number of conflicts but an important one will be WW1. World War One is know for trench warfare. What is a trench?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision required

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

Understanding why people write about war

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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