Exploring the use of mythology in 'The Twisted Tree'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand the plot and some of the Norse mythology that it includes.
Key learning points
- Odin is the god of wisdom who sacrificed an eye for greater understanding.
- Martha is believed to be a descendant of Odin.
- Martha sees a face in the tree.
- The novel is inspired by Norse mythology.
Keywords
Mythology - traditional stories or legends that are part of a culture's belief system
Cosmos - the universe
Fate - the idea that events happen because they are meant to, beyond our control
Descendant - a person who is related to you and who lives after you, such as your child or grandchild.
Inspired - to be motivated to create, sometimes in response to something else
Common misconception
Writers will not use stories or characters that already exist. This is copying!
Storytelling is an ancient form. Many writers and artists are inspired by stories that have existed for thousands of years. This is because of their universal characters and timeless themes.
Teacher tip
Adapt the reading part of this lesson, Task A, to accommodate your pupils' needs. You may wish for them to read independently, in small groups or as a class.
Equipment
You will need access to the text 'The Twisted Tree' by Rachel Burge, published by Hot Key Books, 2019.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1. In literature, ravens often symbolise which of the following?
Q2.In 'The Twisted Tree', the writer uses many devices to engage the reader. Can you match the device to its correct description?
Q3.In 'The Twisted Tree', the writer describes the tree as having limbs that can "snatch". This is an example of ...
Q4.In the 'The Twisted Tree' the writer describes the bleak and brutal weather conditions to reflect Martha's panic and uncertainty. This is an example of which literary device?
Q5.Which of the following could be considered a key theme in 'The Twisted Tree'?
Q6.Starting with the first, put these plot points from 'The Twisted Tree' in chronological order.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The writer of 'The Twisted Tree', Rachel Burge, was inspired by which mythology?
Q2.Which word beginning with 'm', can be described as the: 'traditional stories or legends that are part of a culture's belief system.'?
Q3.'The Twisted Tree' is dedicated to which Norse god?
Q4.In Norse mythology, Odin has two messengers called Huginn and Muninn. What type of birds are these?
Q5.In 'The Twisted Tree', what is a significant similarity between the Norse god Odin and Martha?
Q6.Which word from Norse mythology means refers the tree that connects the whole cosmos?
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Exploring the use of mythology in 'The Twisted Tree', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Exploring the use of mythology in 'The Twisted Tree', 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 'The Twisted Tree': fiction reading unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.