Considering and emulating Tolkien's use of a cliffhanger in 'The Two Towers'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can consider how Tolkien uses onomatopoeia, sentence fragments and short sentences to craft an effective cliffhanger.
Key learning points
- A writer might use a cliffhanger to create tension or subvert the reader's expectations around resolutions.
- Tolkien uses sentence fragments and simple sentences to create an abrupt tone.
- Furthermore, Tolkien uses onomatopoeia and plosive sounds to add to the tension.
- By ending on the provocative word "Enemy", Tolkien leaves the reader with a heightened sense of unease.
Keywords
Cliffhanger - a plot device in which an element of a story is left unresolved
Tension - mental or emotional strain
Unresolved - not settled, solved or brought to resolution
Provocative - likely to arouse a strong reaction
Abrupt - sudden and unexpected
Common misconception
That cliffhangers are only designed to make the reader carry on reading.
Cliffhangers can entice the reader to continue reading, but they can also create tension and subvert the reader's expectations.
Teacher tip
It might be useful to expand on the plot summary of 'The Lord of the Rings' if pupils are unfamiliar with the story.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2022 HarperCollins Publishers edition of 'The Two Towers' by J. R. R. Tolkien for this lesson.
Content guidance
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.'Not settled, solved or brought to resolution' is the definition of which word beginning with 'u'?
Q2.A sentence containing one clause is the definition of which of the following?
Q3.'A sentence that is missing either its subject or its main verb' is the definition of a sentence ...
Q4.'Mental or emotional strain' is the definition of which word beginning with 't'?
Q5.'When a word imitates the sound it makes' is the definition of which word?
Q6.'Sounds articulated with an abrupt release of air like 'p,' 'b' or 't' is the definition of which of the following?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.'A plot device in which an element of a story is left unresolved' is the definition of which word beginning with 'c'?
Q2.At the end of Tolkien's 'The Two Towers', the cliffhanger is ...
Q3.'Sudden and unexpected' is the definition of which word beginning with 'a'?
Q4.'Likely to arouse a strong reaction' is the definition of which word beginning with 'p'?
Q5.Which of the following words does Tolkien end 'The Two Towers' on?
Q6."bars", "darkness" and "taken" - all these words begin with what type of sound?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Considering and emulating Tolkien's use of a cliffhanger in 'The Two Towers', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Considering and emulating Tolkien's use of a cliffhanger in 'The Two Towers', 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.
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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: ending stories unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.