'The Twisted Tree': symbolism
I can understand and explain how symbols are used throughout the novel.
'The Twisted Tree': symbolism
I can understand and explain how symbols are used throughout the novel.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Writers use a symbol to represent something that is not literally there.
- Symbols in 'The Twisted Tree' include ravens, a blinded eye, the Norns and the fog.
- Each symbol represents a key theme or idea.
- To create an effective analysis of a symbol, you need to explain where it appears in the novel and what it represents.
Keywords
Symbolism - where writers uses symbols to represent something that isn't literally there (e.g. an idea or theme)
The Norns - in Norse mythology, three wise women spinners who determined every allotted life span
Prophecy - a prediction of what will happen in the future
Supernatural - attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding
Common misconception
Pupils might think symbols in the novel have only one clear meaning.
Explain that symbols often have multiple meanings. For example, Martha's blindness can represent family secrets, vulnerability and hidden truths. Encourage looking for different interpretations.
To help you plan your year 7 english lesson on: 'The Twisted Tree': symbolism, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 english lesson on: 'The Twisted Tree': symbolism, 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 'The Twisted Tree': fiction reading unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to the text 'The Twisted Tree' by Rachel Burge, published by Hot Key Books, 2019
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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