Exploring and engaging with themes in 'Oliver Twist'
I can identify and engage with the key themes in ‘Oliver Twist’.
Exploring and engaging with themes in 'Oliver Twist'
I can identify and engage with the key themes in ‘Oliver Twist’.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story.
- Themes can be incredibly relevant and link to significant issues regardless of the time in which the text was written.
- At the end of the text, the author offers resolutions to many of the characters.
- The theme of identity is conveyed through Oliver’s emotional journey to finding out who he is; it is a central theme.
Common misconception
Pupils may find discussing a character's search for identity challenging.
Discuss identity in relation to other characters that pupils have experienced in texts they have in common. Links can be made across lessons, particularly Lesson 1 and 2.
Keywords
Theme - A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story.
Convey - To convey means to communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly.
Identity - Identity is linked to understanding who you are and your place within the world.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2014 Oxford University Press edition of ‘Oliver Twist’ written by Geraldine McCaughrean, illustrated by Jeff Anderson, for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story
to communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly
linked to understanding who you are and your place within the world