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A monster within: reading and writing Gothic fiction

A monster within: reading and writing Gothic fiction

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Why this why now

This unit uses and builds on pupils first introduction to gothic ideas and themes in 'The Twisted Tree'. Pupils now read extracts from some of the most famous gothic texts in history, and analyse more deeply how they have been constructed. They also extend their understanding of fiction and non-fiction writing by deepening their understanding of gothic conventions. This unit prepares pupils for the 'gothic poetry' unit where they will look in more detail at how the Gothic is expressed in different formats.

Prior knowledge requirements

  • Pupils can use the four reading skills for decoding challenging texts
  • Pupils can use simple, compound and complex sentences
  • Pupils recognise the features of different forms of functional writing
  • Pupils can use topic sentences
  • Pupils can select evidence from texts to justify their arguments
  • Pupils can make inferences
  • Pupils can recognise a range of language devices in a text
  • Pupils can comment on the language choices of an author

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Why this why now

This unit uses and builds on pupils first introduction to gothic ideas and themes in 'The Twisted Tree'. Pupils now read extracts from some of the most famous gothic texts in history, and analyse more deeply how they have been constructed. They also extend their understanding of fiction and non-fiction writing by deepening their understanding of gothic conventions. This unit prepares pupils for the 'gothic poetry' unit where they will look in more detail at how the Gothic is expressed in different formats.

Prior knowledge requirements

  • Pupils can use the four reading skills for decoding challenging texts
  • Pupils can use simple, compound and complex sentences
  • Pupils recognise the features of different forms of functional writing
  • Pupils can use topic sentences
  • Pupils can select evidence from texts to justify their arguments
  • Pupils can make inferences
  • Pupils can recognise a range of language devices in a text
  • Pupils can comment on the language choices of an author

A monster within: reading and writing Gothic fiction

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.

32 lessons in unit

  1. 1

    Context for Gothic literature: science and religion in the 19th century

    I can explore important contextual ideas that impact Gothic literature, focusing on the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution and Charles Darwin’s ‘On the Origin of Species’.
  2. 2

    Identifying features of the Gothic genre in the plot of ‘Frankenstein’

    I can identify features of the Gothic genre in the plot of 'Frankenstein' in 'Frankenstein'.
  3. 3

    Exploring the character of Victor Frankenstein in Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’

    I can explain how Mary Shelley presents Frankenstein as a hubristic character by looking at selected extracts from the novel ‘Frankenstein’.
  4. 4

    Reading an extract from 'Frankenstein': A fateful night

    I can explain how Shelley crafts an unsettling atmosphere on the night of the birth of the Creature.
  5. 5

    Frankenstein's reaction to his creation

    I can explain how Frankenstein reacts to his creation and consider how ethical his reaction is.
  6. 6

    'Frankenstein' and the Gothic context

    I can recognise and explore Shelley’s use of Gothic conventions in ‘Frankenstein’.
  7. 7

    Regret in Mary Shelley’s 'Frankenstein'

    I can explain how Frankenstein's attitude towards the Creature fluctuates throughout the text.
  8. 8

    Frankenstein's regret and the scientific revolution

    I can explain how Shelley uses 'Frankenstein' to express her own views towards the Scientific Revolution.
  9. 9

    Planning a written analysis of 'Frankenstein'

    I can use single paragraph outlines to plan an excellent response analysing Dr. Frankenstein.
  10. 10

    A written analysis of 'Frankenstein'

    I can confidently explain Shelley's intentions with the character of Frankenstein.
  11. 11

    An introduction to 'Jane Eyre': Analysing an unseen extract

    I can confidently analyse an unseen extract from Charlotte Brontë's novel ‘Jane Eyre’.
  12. 12

    Reading an extract from Charlotte Brontë’s ‘Jane Eyre’

    I can undertake close-textual analysis on a short passage from ‘Jane Eyre’.
  13. 13

    Lowood Institution: Gothic settings in 'Jane Eyre'

    I can explain how Brontë uses a semantic field and pathetic fallacy to create a Gothic setting.
  14. 14

    Analysing the atmosphere at Thornfield Hall in ‘Jane Eyre’

    I can analyse Brontë’s creation of atmosphere in her description of Thornfield Hall in ‘Jane Eyre’.
  15. 15

    Using ‘Jane Eyre’ to inspire our use of gothic vocabulary

    I can use new vocabulary accurately and creatively in gothic writing to create a desired effect.
  16. 16

    Using semantic fields to create a gothic atmosphere

    I can use semantic fields to create a restrictive atmosphere.
  17. 17

    Using figurative language to create a gothic atmosphere

    I can use figurative language to establish a foreboding atmosphere in my Gothic writing.
  18. 18

    Planning a Gothic description inspired by 'A monster within'

    I can generate ideas for my Gothic description.
  19. 19

    Organising our gothic writing to build tension

    I can structure my piece of gothic writing to build tension.
  20. 20

    Writing a gothic description

    I can write a multi-sensory and thrilling Gothic description.
  21. 21

    Editing descriptive writing based on ‘A monster within’

    I can edit, revise and rewrite my descriptive writing.
  22. 22

    Reading 'The Tell-Tale Heart'

    I can explain the overarching plot of the 'Tell Tale Heart'.
  23. 23

    The creation of suspense in 'The Tell-Tale Heart'

    I can identify the methods used by Poe to create suspense.
  24. 24

    Symbolism in 'The Tell-Tale Heart'

    I can identify and explain key symbols in ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’.
  25. 25

    Planning a cohesive argument about 'The Tell-Tale Heart'

    I can confidently plan a cohesive argument analysing Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’.
  26. 26

    A written analysis of 'The Tell-Tale Heart'

    I can confidently draft, and redraft a written analysis of a literary text.
  27. 27

    Analysing effective opinion articles

    I can identify the features of effective opinion writing.
  28. 28

    Using description in functional writing

    I can use a description to create interesting functional writing.
  29. 29

    The structure of an opinion article

    I can explain how to create engaging openings and impactful endings in an opinion piece.
  30. 30

    Planning an opinion article about Gothic literature

    I can write brilliant topic sentences to convey my argument.
  31. 31

    Writing an opinion article on Gothic literature

    I can plan and write an engaging opinion article.
  32. 32

    Improving your opinion article on Gothic literature

    I can use new knowledge to improve my own writing.

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Get more out of Oak