Reading 'The Twisted Tree': introducing the setting
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify and use pathetic fallacy to describe a setting and create a specific atmosphere.
Key learning points
- Mormor's cabin is very isolated and the surrounding forest is dark.
- A strange boy is living in the cabin and tells Martha that Mormor is dead.
- The setting makes the reader feel uneasy and scared for Martha.
- 'The Twisted Tree' can be described as a Nordic thriller.
- Pathetic fallacy can be used to create a specific atmosphere and reflect the feelings of the main character.
Keywords
Setting - the time and place in which the events of a piece of writing take place
Atmosphere - the tone or mood created by a writer
Jostle - to force through a crowd by pushing
Cadence - the way a voice gets higher and lower when a person speaks
Nordic - belonging to or relating to Scandinavia, Finland or Iceland
Common misconception
Settings are only there to provide a backdrop for the story.
Setting plays a crucial role in shaping the mood and atmosphere of a novel. It can also help us gain a deeper understanding of the characters and themes.
Teacher tip
You may wish to use specific examples from 'The Twisted Tree' to explore how pathetic fallacy can be used effectively in the build up to Task B in Learning Cycle 2.
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
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.What is the name of the main character in 'The Twisted Tree'?
Q2.In what country is the book 'The Twisted Tree' set?
Q3.In 'The Twisted Tree', the writer dedicates the book to which Norse god?
Q4.Horror, sci-fi, romance and thriller can be considered types of ...
Q5.Which of the following answers is false. We know Martha is the protagonist of 'The Twisted Tree' because ...
Q6.Using information such as the front cover and blurb can help you make guesses about a novel’s themes and characters before you begin reading. This reading skill is called ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In a Nordic thriller, what kind of weather would you not typically expect to encounter?
Q2.Which of the following best describes pathetic fallacy?
Q3.In 'The Twisted Tree' what does Martha discover at the end of Chapter 3?
Q4.In 'The Twisted Tree', what effect does the cliffhanger at the end of Chapter 3 have on the reader?
Q5.Which word beginning with 'a' can be described as the tone or mood created by a writer?
Q6.Which two words does the writer use to describe the tree, in Chapter 3 of 'The Twisted Tree'?
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Reading 'The Twisted Tree': introducing the setting, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Reading 'The Twisted Tree': introducing the setting, 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.