when writers use something tangible to represent an intangible idea; for example, a crown as a symbol for power

an important idea in a text; for example the theme of trauma is important to Beck

something that comes up multiple times in a text; the image of the washing line is a motif in Beck’s story

Symbolism and motif in Ian Beck's short story, ‘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.

Depiction or discussion of serious mental health issues including eating disorders, self-harm, suicide or attempted suicide, or the aftermath of such an event.

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

In 'Propping Up The Line', what did Alfred sacrifice by fighting in World War One?

In 'Propping Up The Line', Beck uses the symbol of the canary four times. What do we commonly associate canaries with?

In 'Propping Up The Line', what are some of the key themes Beck is most interested in exploring?

Alice hears the canary singing as she receives the telegram about Alfred.

Alfred hears the canary as he sits in the kitchen eating his welcome home tea.

Alfred breathes in steam under a towel and is compared to the canary.

Nell hears the canary sing as she remembers her father.

Starting with the first, put Beck's use of the symbol of the canary in 'Propping Up The Line' in the order they appear in the story.

when writers use something tangible to represent an intangible idea

something that comes up multiple times in a text

something you can't touch eg. the feeling of guilt

When reading a text, we might consider its most important ideas and how these are explored. Key terms can help us do this with precision. Match the key terms to their definitions.

In 'Propping Up The Line', Alfred compares the washing flapping on the line to an "{{ }}".

In 'Propping Up The Line', the main character experiences a gas attack in the trenches of World War One. What are the long term implications of this experience?

In 'Propping Up The Line', the central family have a pet. What is it?

We flash forward and Nell, Alfred's daughter, is 96.

Nell finds her father's pipe in a drawer.

Nell recalls that her father never spoke of his experiences of war.

Nell finds her father's death certificate.

We learn that Alfred died of heart failure.

Nell remembers a private joke she and her father shared.

Starting with the first, order these plot points from the end of Beck's short story, 'Propping Up The Line' in the order they appear.

In 'Propping Up The Line', Alfred compares the bits of bodies and uniform he sees caught on the barbed wire of no man's land with an item at home. What is it?

In 'Propping Up The Line', when Alice receives a telegram, she sits at the kitchen table "trembling". Beck also writes the family's pet bird was "{{}}."

In 'Propping Up The Line', when Alfred hears his wife doing the washing, the noise of the water reminds him of Jonesey's sick "{{ }}" on the mud of the trenches.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Adult supervision required

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