Exploring themes in 'No Country'

English

In 'No Country and Frizzy: graphic novels exploring identity and belonging' pupils have explored themes through the graphic novel form. In 'Cloud Busting: book club', pupils will consider how reading a narrative in verse can convey themes and characterisation.

Pupils will have been exposed to some of the codes and conventions in graphic novels in 'When Stars are Scattered: book club'. In this unit, we will explore the form in greater detail, ensuring pupils gain an understanding of key features and more complex terminology. Pupils will explore how both image and text can create meaning on their own, together or in contrast to one another.

In this unit, pupils read and explore two fictional graphic novel texts, 'No Country' and 'Frizzy'. They discuss the context of both graphic novels. Finally, pupils explore the visual, narrative and contextual elements of specific scenes and discuss the key themes within each text.

'No Country' and 'Frizzy': graphic novels exploring identity and belonging

Depiction of scary, confusing or unsettling events or characters placed in danger, including creation of a scary atmosphere through the use of music and sound.

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

a form of text combining words and images in long-form, sequential art panels

Match the name of each character to who they are in relation to Beatrice.

Free Kingdom are protesting against the government peacefully.

Bea’s parents’ plan is to get paperwork so that they can all leave safely.

All the newspapers are covering the news accurately.

Which of the following statements about the story are true?

Select the themes that may be drawn out from 'No Country'.

There is not much freedom. The family are not able to be together.

The narrative focuses on Beatrice, her parents and brother.

Newspapers report on clashes between the Prime Minister &Free Kingdom.

Match each theme to how it is conveyed in the graphic novel.

True or false? My take-away ideas should always be the same as my partner's.

a distinct section or frame that contains a specific scene in the story

a longer fictional text with illustrations to support understanding

Which of these features are you likely to find in a graphic novel?

True or false? A graphic novel is only able to convey meaning through words alone.

Select the elements we can analyse in a graphic novel scene.

a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story

the way an author describes and develops the personalities of the characters

Whose perspective is 'No Country' told from?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

Adult supervision recommended

Lesson video