Symbolism and motif in Ian Beck's short story, ‘Propping Up The Line’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore Ian Beck’s use of symbolism and motif in his short story, 'Propping Up The Line'.
Key learning points
- Writers use symbols and motifs to present key themes.
- Beck uses the symbol of the canary to explore the theme of sacrifice.
- Beck uses the motif of the washing line to explore the theme of trauma.
Keywords
Tangible - a physical thing that can be touched
Symbolism - when writers use something tangible to represent an intangible idea; for example, a crown as a symbol for power
Theme - an important idea in a text; for example the theme of trauma is important to Beck
Motif - something that comes up multiple times in a text; the image of the washing line is a motif in Beck’s story
Sacrifice - unwillingly giving something up
Common misconception
There are no common symbols across literature.
There are many common symbols across literature which writers use knowing that many of their readers will know what they mean. For example, a crown to symbolise power. A rose to symbolise love. Birds to symbolise freedom.
Teacher tip
Learning cycle 1 uses 'Macbeth' in order to develop an understanding of symbolism. Consider if there is a more appropriate text that you would like to use with your pupils - one they have already studied, or one they will study in the future.
Equipment
You will need 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', the main character experiences a gas attack in the trenches of World War One. What are the long term implications of this experience?
Q2.In 'Propping Up The Line', the central family have a pet. What is it?
Q3.Starting with the first, order these plot points from the end of Beck's short story, 'Propping Up The Line' in the order they appear.
Q4.In 'Propping Up The Line', Alfred compares the bits of bodies and uniform he sees caught on the barbed wire of no man's land with an item at home. What is it?
Q5.In 'Propping Up The Line', when Alice receives a telegram, she sits at the kitchen table "trembling". Beck also writes the family's pet bird was " ."
Q6.In 'Propping Up The Line', when Alfred hears his wife doing the washing, the noise of the water reminds him of Jonesey's sick " " on the mud of the trenches.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Propping Up The Line', what did Alfred sacrifice by fighting in World War One?
Q2.In 'Propping Up The Line', Beck uses the symbol of the canary four times. What do we commonly associate canaries with?
Q3.In 'Propping Up The Line', what are some of the key themes Beck is most interested in exploring?
Q4.Starting with the first, put Beck's use of the symbol of the canary in 'Propping Up The Line' in the order they appear in the story.
Q5.When reading a text, we might consider its most important ideas and how these are explored. Key terms can help us do this with precision. Match the key terms to their definitions.
Q6.In 'Propping Up The Line', Alfred compares the washing flapping on the line to an " ".
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Symbolism and motif 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: Symbolism and motif 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.