Comparative paragraphs: 'The Silence of the Girls' and 'The Song of Achilles'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write a comparative paragraph which explores two extracts inspired by the same mythological character (Achilles).
Key learning points
- The opening of a comparative paragraph could start with a topic sentence which states the paragraph's main idea.
- Next, the comparative paragraph could focus on analysing the first text.
- Then, a comparative paragraph could focus on the second text, comparing it to the first.
- Comparing the methods writers have used can help to develop the comparison.
- The final sentence of a comparative paragraph could link to the topic sentence.
Keywords
Captivate - to hold the attention of someone
Youth - young
First person - the narrator of the story is a character in the story, using pronouns like 'I' and 'me'
Methods - the tools a writer uses to create their work
Perspective - point of view
Common misconception
We have two different presentations of Achilles. One of them must be right, and one must be wrong.
What Miller and Barker do with their novels is show how important perspective is. For Patroclus, Achilles is awe inspiring and innocent. For Briseis, he is quite the opposite. Their perspectives are based on their relationship with him.
Teacher tip
Consider how you will manage the skimming and scanning of both extracts. How long will you give pupils? Will they work individually or in pairs/groups? What prompts might you give them, or questions might you ask them at the end of the activity?
Equipment
You need a copy of Pat Barker's 'The Silence of the Girls' published by Hamish Hamilton (2018). You also need Madeline Miller's 'The Song of Achilles' published by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (2011).
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each character, all from Greek mythology ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire'), to what we know about them.
given to Achilles as a war prize
a renowned warrior
the best friend of Achilles
a sea nymph, mother of Achilles
the father of Achilles
the husband of Briseis
Q2.In Madeline Miller's 'The Song of Achilles', how do Patroclus and Achilles first meet? ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire')
Q3.In Pat Barker's 'The Silence of the Girls', how does the narrator Briseis describe Achilles? ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire')
Q4.Which sentences, all inspired by 'The Song of Achilles' ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire'), use the word 'captivate' (or a form of it) correctly?
Q5.Starting with the first plot point, put these events from Pat Barker's 'The Silence of the Girls' ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire') in chronological order.
Q6.Starting with the first plot point, put these events from Madeline Miller's 'The Song of Achilles' ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire') in chronological order.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'The Silence of the Girls' ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire'), Pat Barker describes Achilles as a "butcher". What method could you explore to develop your analysis of this word?
Q2.In 'The Song of Achilles' ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire'), Madeline Miller compares Achilles's hair to "honey". What method could you explore to develop your analysis of this word?
Q3.Which sentences, all inspired by Madeline Miller's 'The Song of Achilles' ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire'), use the word 'youth' (or a form of it) correctly?
Q4.Which sentences, all inspired by Madeline Miller's 'The Song of Achilles' ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire'), use the word 'captivate' (or a form of it) correctly?
Q5.In 'The Silence of the Girls' and 'The Song of Achilles', the writers use narrators who are characters in the stories they are telling ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire').
Q6.Which is the best topic sentence which compares the presentation of Achilles in 'The Silence of the Girls' and 'The Song of Achilles'.
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Comparative paragraphs: 'The Silence of the Girls' and 'The Song of Achilles', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Comparative paragraphs: 'The Silence of the Girls' and 'The Song of Achilles', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the Myths, legends and stories that inspire unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.