'The Twisted Tree': the novel as a Gothic text
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe how 'The Twisted Tree' follows the conventions of a Gothic text.
Key learning points
- The Gothic genre is characterised by the use of desolate, remote settings and macabre, mysterious or violent incidents.
- The setting in 'The Twisted Tree' is Gothic because the cabin is isolated and lots of the action happens in the dark.
- There is a motif of fog in the novel which adds a sense of mystery and concealment.
- The plot of the novel follows Gothic conventions because there is a supernatural enemy who must be defeated.
- The Gothic genre often includes curses or prophecies, which are found in the novel.
Keywords
Gothic - a style of writing that involves dark, mysterious, and supernatural themes
Desolate - empty and bleak, often feeling lonely and abandoned
Macabre - related to death and things that are creepy or horrifying
Motif - a recurring theme, idea or symbol in a story
Conventions - accepted rules or practices in a particular type of writing or genre
Common misconception
Gothic literature is only about horror and scary elements.
While Gothic literature often includes elements of horror, such as supernatural occurrences and eerie settings, it also explores complex themes like human psychology, societal anxieties and the supernatural as a metaphor for deeper fears or desires.
Teacher tip
Encourage students to identify Gothic elements not just in literature, but in other media such as films, TV shows and even modern-day adaptations. This can help deepen their understanding of how Gothic themes and conventions evolve across different storytelling formats.
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
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In which country is 'The Twisted Tree' set?
Q2.What is being described here: 'a the main idea repeated in a text'?
Q3.If we are talking about the 1700s then we would say this is the ...
Q4.Which of the below are reasonable synonyms for the word 'desolate'?
Q5.What word beginning with C is being described here: 'the accepted rules or practices in a particular type of writing or genre'?
Q6.If something is described as macabre, then it is related to ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following best describes the Gothic genre?
Q2.What is a common setting for a Gothic story?
Q3.In what century did the Gothic genre first appear?
Q4.Identify one convention of a Gothic text.
Q5.What is a motif in the context of literature?
Q6.Most Gothic stories will have a supernatural enemy of some kind. Who is this in 'The Twisted Tree'?
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: 'The Twisted Tree': the novel as a Gothic text, 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': the novel as a Gothic text, 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.