the tools a writer uses to create their work; setting, characterisation, language choices are all examples

something that spreads everywhere and can’t be stopped

Analysing the presentation of the gas attack: Ian Beck's 'Propping Up the Line'

English

In 'A World at War: Short Stories', pupils explore the reasons for writing war literature and how it seeks to convey the suffering of soldiers and civilians, in times of conflict. In 'Power and Conflict Poetry', students explore the many types of conflict that arise through war, with themes including patriotism, propaganda, fear, guilt and duty.

In 'The Tempest', pupils are encouraged to write from the viewpoint of Caliban and Ariel, adopting character voices in creative writing. In 'A World at War', pupils emulate the writing styles of the authors that they encounter, to create an authentic voice in their writing. 

In this unit, pupils explore and compare texts written about the First World War. They first read Beck's 'Propping up the line', Mansfield's 'The Fly' and Wilfred Owen's 1917 letter home to his mum. They finally read Brittain's 'Testament of Youth', and then plan and write a comparative response.

Literary perspectives from the First World War

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

In Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line', Beck describes a gas attack. These words could be helpful in exploring how it is presented. Match each to its definition.

only use one word quotations so you can zoom in on each word

link quotations from different parts of the story together in each paragraph

explore the methods Beck uses to convey the attack

focus on one quotation per paragraph so you can explore it in enough detail

What advice might you give to a pupil who is about to attempt to analyse the presentation of the gas attack in Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line'?

by describing Alfred as "wrenching" Jonesey's arm

by saying the gas "billowed" towards the soldiers

by making it clear that attack is harrowing for Alfred

In Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line', what is one way Beck creates a sense of the pervasiveness of the gas during the attack?

through the symbolism of Jonesey's cricket ball lying in the trench

by making it clear the gas attack will have long term effects

through his description of the gas "drifting" towards Alfred and Jonesey

through verb choice, like "wrenched", "shouted" and "flailed"

In Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line', what is one way Beck creates a sense of the frenetic pace of the gas attack?

In Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line', Beck describes Alfred at the start of the gas attack. How does Alfred reach for the respirator? 

In Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line', Beck describes Alfred returning to his trench during the gas attack. How does he described leaving Jonesey behind? 

Beck wants to present the long term effects of gas attacks on soldiers.

Most people immediately died of gas attacks; Beck explores how to survive.

Gas wasn't considered a dangerous weapon - Beck wants to show that it was.

Beck wants to honour his grandfather's experiences.

In Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line', why is the gas attack so important to the story?

He is haunted by the memories of the attack.

He isn't allowed back in the army, although he wants to return to France.

He feels guilty for not saving his friend.

He starts forgetting important memories when he is in his nineties.

In Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line', what are some of the long term effects of the gas attack on the main character, Alfred?

After hearing a bomb go off, Alfred and Jonesey try to put on their gas masks.

Alfred notices that Jonesey is struggling to put on his mask.

Alfred tries to help Jonesey, but he starts to die in front of him.

Jonesey knocks Alfred's gas mask off by accident.

Alfred manages to crawl back to his trench.

Starting with the first, order plot points detailing the gas attack in Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line' in chronological order.

Methods are the tools a writer uses to create their work. Which of the following are methods all writers might rely on to create any text?

In Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line', Beck describes the gas attack, writing the scent of the gas "{{}}."

In Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line', Beck describes the gas attack, and in particular described how the gas moved. What word does he use to describe the gas' movement? 

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Content guidance

Supervision

Worksheet