Using ‘Jane Eyre’ to inspire our use of gothic vocabulary
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use new vocabulary accurately and creatively in gothic writing to create a desired effect.
Key learning points
- It can be useful to take vocabulary from texts you have read to use in your own work.
- Selecting the right vocabulary when trying to create atmosphere is really important - every word counts.
- Use new vocabulary because it is the most specific word and not just because you think it sounds fancy.
- All of the words in a description must ‘fit’ with the atmosphere or impression you are trying to create.
Keywords
Antiquity - relating to the past/ age
Insalubrious - run-down
Dank - unpleasantly-damp and cold
Desolate - isolated/remote
Enclosed - surrounded on all sides
Common misconception
Students often make the mistake of using a new word they have just learned inaccurately, in an attempt to show off their knowledge.
The point of learning new vocabulary is to give students options and choices so that they can select the most specific and useful word in their writing. Sometimes, the most specific word choice isn't the new vocabulary.
Teacher tip
For each of the new words students learn in learning cycle 1, it might be nice to take each one and write synonyms for them, so that students' understanding of the word is better. Alternatively, students could experiment with using each one in a sentence, once they have completed task A.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the extract taken from Chapter 37 of ‘Jane Eyre’. It's available in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following characteristics would we expect to see in a Gothic setting?
Q2.What do we associate with the moon that would make a description of the it useful in Gothic writing?
Q3.Which of the following is an example of a semantic field you might find in Gothic literature?
Q4.Which word has the most negative connotations?
Q5.Which of the following words might you use to describe a Gothic setting?
Q6.Read this description: "so dank and green were its decaying walls". What impression do you get of this setting?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is a synonym for 'desolate'?
Q2.What do we learn about the setting in 'Jane Eyre' from this quotation: "I found myself at once in the twilight of close-ranked trees"?
Q3.Which words would characterise a setting as claustrophobic and trapping?
Q4.What is the weather like when Jane arrives at Ferndean in chapter 37 of 'Jane Eyre'?
Q5.Match the vocabulary to its correct definition.
Q6.What is the effect of Bronte's use of the word "insalubrious" in the following quotation from 'Jane Eyre': "[Ferndean's] ineligible and insalubrious site"?
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Using ‘Jane Eyre’ to inspire our use of gothic vocabulary, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Using ‘Jane Eyre’ to inspire our use of gothic vocabulary, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the A monster within: reading and writing Gothic fiction unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.