Reading 'The Twisted Tree': the theme of fate
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand the plot and Martha's consideration of the idea of fate.
Key learning points
- Martha falls into a dream and sees Karina, her great-grandmother.
- Karina warns her that Mormor is trapped because nobody has watered the tree.
- The light attracts the draugr.
- Fate is the idea that our lives are laid out for us before we are even born.
- Martha believes you can alter the course of your life through your actions.
Keywords
Wrenched - pulled or twisted suddenly or violently
Exasperated - intensely irritated or frustrated
Apparition - ghosts
Vortex - a whirling mass or fluid or air
Fate - the development of events outside a person's control, regarded as predetermined by a supernatural power
Common misconception
Including the theme of fate means that characters have no choice or control over their actions and are simply puppets of destiny.
While fate in 'The Twisted Tree' suggests that certain events and abilities are predestined, characters still have the power to make choices that shape their journey.
Teacher tip
In Learning Cycle2 you may wish to compare the theme of fate in other texts that are studied in your own curriculum.
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 serious crime
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 'The Twisted Tree', what is a draugr?
Q2.In 'The Twisted Tree', which of these features does the draugr not have?
Q3.In 'The Twisted Tree' there are many references to Norse mythology. What is the name for the group of women who weave destiny and decide humans' fate?
Q4.Which word beginning with 'a', can be described as 'a person's family history or lineage'?
Q5.There are a number of key themes in 'The Twisted Tree'. What is a theme?
Q6.From 'The Twisted Tree', which character could be described as a local boy in Norway who becomes an important friend to Martha? He seems to have a lot of dark secrets.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'The Twisted Tree', what are the draugr attracted to?
Q2.In 'The Twisted Tree', Martha is spoken to by Karina. How is she related to Martha?
Q3.In Chapter 17 of 'The Twisted Tree', Mormor attempts to communicate with Martha. How does she do this?
Q4.In Chapter 17 of 'The Twisted Tree', Karina tells Martha that Mormor is trapped where?
Q5.Which word beginning with 'f', can be described as 'the development of events outside a person's control, regarded as predetermined by a supernatural power'?
Q6.In Chapter 17 of 'The Twisted Tree', who appears to Martha as apparitions in the story?
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Reading 'The Twisted Tree': the theme of fate, 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': the theme of fate, 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.