Exploring and emulating character description in Nemirovsky's 'Suite Française'

English

In 'Fiction: Read Around the World', pupils identify and comment on a range of language devices in extracts from texts. In 'Fiction: Science Fiction Writing', pupils identify and comment on recurring images and symbolism in texts.

In 'A World at War: Short Stories', pupils read short stories, analysing how authors structure full texts. In 'Fiction: Read Around the World', pupils analyse structural choices in smaller extracts of texts.

In this unit, pupils read extracts from four novels from around the world, and use them to develop their narrative writing. In particular, pupils explore writers' use of structure. At the end of the unit, pupils consider their own use of paragraphs for effect and write an engaging narrative.

Fiction: read around the world

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Their manners are impossible to criticise.

What does it mean to have irreproachable manners?

"The expression in her green eyes was as sharp as a cat's."

Which description from 'Suite Française' suggests Madame Péricand is shrewd?

Which word class might help us to seamlessly transition from describing one aspect of a character to the next?

The company (founded in 1940), has over 1500 employees.

His face was haggard (he had not slept all night).

She worked tirelessly (day, night and everything in between.) for her family.

Which sentence does *not* use brackets correctly?

They speak to you in simplistic language, assuming you do not know something.

Which action might show someone is being condescending?

In 'Suite Française', Nemirovsky seems to present Madame Péricand as ...

reveals information set up by the previous clause

joins related clauses together without a conjunction

Match the punctuation type to its purpose.

Carolina worked as a scientist by day (microbiologist to be exact).

Carolina was a proud microbiologist - intelligent and independent.

Carolina worked in a field that brought her joy: microbiology.

when two similar things are placed together

when different or opposing things are placed together

when a writer repeats a phrase at the beginning of consecutive sentences

She combed through her hair with her fingers.

Which sentence is most effective at suggesting that a character is serious?

The museum's exhibit (which opens next month) features ancient artefacts.

The museum's exhibit (features which open next month) ancient artefacts.

The museum's exhibit which (open next month) features ancient artefacts.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Exploring and emulating character description in Nemirovsky's 'Suite Française'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.