The presentation of trauma in Ian Beck's short story, 'Propping Up the Line'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore Ian Beck’s presentation of the character of Alfred’s trauma in 'Propping Up The Line'.
Key learning points
- Beck is interested in exploring both the physical and psychological effects of World War One on Alfred.
- Some of Alfred’s actions and thoughts suggest he has some form of PTSD.
- Many soldiers suffered from PTSD (or what was then known as 'shell shock') following World War One.
- PTSD was not well understood in the early 20th century.
- Beck’s short story is part of a body of literature which explores the experiences of PTSD caused by World War One.
Keywords
Psychological - of the mind
PTSD - an acronym for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a mental health condition
Debilitating - weakening
Pernicious - harmful, destructive, invasive
Manifest - show through emotional or physical reactions
Common misconception
You can't refer to other writers or texts in your analysis.
Often, you will be asked to write about a text, and that text should certainly be your focus. However, you can refer to other writers or texts if they help develop your analysis and understanding. This is called literary context.
Teacher tip
Consider that the Owen poem in learning cycle 1 is there to support an understanding of PTSD. That is, it does not need to be a focus for analysis. Consider how long you want to spend exploring it and the types of questions which might support student understanding of Owen's presentation of PTSD.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the 2014 edition of Stories of World War One, edited by Tony Bradman to read 'Propping Up the Line' by Ian Beck.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Propping Up The Line', what are some of the lasting physical effects from World War One that Alfred has to live with?
Q2.In 'Propping Up The Line', what are some of the lasting psychological effects from World War One that Alfred has to live with?
Q3.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 " ".
Q4.Starting with the first plot point, order these events from 'Propping Up The Line' in chronological order.
Q5.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?
Q6. 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.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Propping Up The Line', Beck explores a psychological illness called PTSD. PTSD stands for .
Q2.In 'Propping Up The Line', what does the sound of Alice's washing remind Alfred of?
Q3.In 'Propping Up The Line', how does Alfred's psychological trauma manifest?
Q4.There are some key words which help us explore and analyse 'Propping Up The Line'. Match the words to their definitions.
of the mind
acronym for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a mental health condition
weakening
harmful, destructive, invasive
show through emotional or physical reactions
Q5.In 'Propping Up The Line', Beck explores PTSD. What were some common views about this psychological condition in the early 20th century?
Q6.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".
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: The presentation of trauma in Ian Beck's short story, 'Propping Up the Line', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: The presentation of trauma in Ian Beck's short story, 'Propping Up the Line', 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 Literary perspectives from the First World War unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.