Considering Chandler's use of similes in 'Trouble is My Business'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain and analyse Chandler's use of similes.
Key learning points
- Writers may use similes in order to create emphatic, evocative images for the reader.
- Chandler compares Anna Halsey’s appearance to "suet" and her desk to "Napoleon’s tomb".
- Arguably, the comparison of her appearance to "suet" may imply that she has a hard exterior.
- Furthermore, the comparison of her desk to "Napoleon’s tomb" may imply she’s cold in business.
Keywords
Emphatic - expressing something forcibly and clearly
Evocative - bringing strong images, memories or feelings to mind
Suet - the hard white fat on the kidneys and loins of cattle, sheep and other animals
Tomb - a large vault, typically an underground one, for burying the dead
Common misconception
That we should only consider the image that a simile offers us.
While the image may be particularly evocative, it's also useful to analyse the connotations of the comparative image as that can reveal layers to what the writer is trying to portray to the reader.
Teacher tip
It would be useful for pupils to share which similes they found the most evocative or emphatic as it will help them to develop their evaluative skills.
Equipment
You will need access to the opening paragraph of Raymond Chandler's 'Trouble is My Business' for this lesson.
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.'A figure of speech that involves comparing two unlike things using the words 'like' or 'as'' is the definition of a .
Q2.Which of the following is a simile?
Q3.Which of the following might you use to complete this simile: 'as hot as __________'.
Q4.'A large vault, typically an underground one, for burying the dead' is the definition of which word beginning with 't'?
Q5.'Bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind' is the definition of which word beginning with 'e'?
Q6.Complete the following common simile: 'as as butter'.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In the opening of Chandler's 'Trouble is My Business', Anna Halsey's desk is described as being like " tomb".
Q2.'Expressing something forcibly and clearly' is the definition of which word beginning with 'e'?
Q3.Complete the Shakespearean simile: "as __________ as the sea".
Q4.'The hard white fat on the kidneys and loins of cattle, sheep, and other animals' is the definition of which word beginning with 's'?
Q5.In Chandler's 'Trouble is My Business', Anna Halsey's face is compared to suet. Which of the following might that suggest?
Q6.In Chandler's 'Trouble is My Business', Halsey's desk is compared to "Napoleon's tomb". The desk is said to be black, but the tomb itself is ...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Considering Chandler's use of similes in 'Trouble is My Business', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Considering Chandler's use of similes in 'Trouble is My Business', 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.
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Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the Fiction: books that changed my world unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.