'The Twisted Tree': analysing the dreadful draugr
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse how Burge has characterised the draugr as a fearsome creature.
Key learning points
- A range of metaphors are used to describe the draugr.
- The draugr is associated with death to heighten its terror and make the reader fear for Martha’s life.
- Burge waits until the end of the novel to introduce a full description of the draugr, in order to create mystery.
- The draugr’s curved claws are a symbol of its terrifying violence.
Keywords
Draugr - an undead creature from Norse mythology that haunts the living
Metaphor - a way of describing something by saying it is something else, to show a comparison or similarity between the two things
Imagery - visually descriptive writing
Fearsome - frightening, especially in appearance
Common misconception
Pupils might think that the draugr is simply a physical monster with no deeper significance or symbolism.
While the draugr is indeed a fearsome physical entity, it also symbolises deeper themes such as death, decay and the persistence of fear. In Norse mythology, draugrs are more than just monsters; they embody the fears and anxieties of the living.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to annotate the text as they read, highlighting metaphors and imagery related to the draugr. This will help them identify and understand how these literary devices contribute to the creature's fearsome portrayal and thematic significance.
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
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'The Twisted Tree', Martha recalls Mormor telling stories about "corpses" who walk and "kill" those that are alive. What are these undead creatures called?
Q2.In the novel 'The Twisted Tree' the draugr is the novel's main ...
Q3.The draugr is a real figure from mythology.
Q4.In 'The Twisted Tree' the draugr is described as having instead of hands
Q5.What word beginning with 'M' describes: 'a collection of stories that explain the beliefs, history, and traditions of a culture, often involving gods, heroes, and magical creatures'?
Q6.In 'The Twisted Tree', which adjective is used to describe the draugr's hair?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a draugr?
Q2.What linguistic device is being described here: 'a way of describing something by saying it is something else, to show a comparison or similarity between the two things'?
Q3.What effect does the metaphor "her stomach turned to ice as the draugr approached" have in relation to 'The Twisted Tree'?
Q4.What is the primary theme associated with the draugr throughout 'The Twisted Tree'?
Q5.What word beginning with 'I' describes language that creates vivid pictures for the reader?
Q6.Throughout 'The Twisted Tree', the draugr is associated with death to the terror and make the reader fearful for Martha's life.
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: 'The Twisted Tree': analysing the dreadful draugr, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: 'The Twisted Tree': analysing the dreadful draugr, 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.