Considering Chandler's use of similes in 'Trouble is My Business'
I can explain and analyse Chandler's use of similes.
Considering Chandler's use of similes in 'Trouble is My Business'
I can explain and analyse Chandler's use of similes.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Writers may use similes in order to create emphatic, evocative images for the reader.
- Chandler compares Anna Halsey’s appearance to "suet" and her desk to "Napoleon’s tomb".
- Arguably, the comparison of her appearance to "suet" may imply that she has a hard exterior.
- Furthermore, the comparison of her desk to "Napoleon’s tomb" may imply she’s cold in business.
Keywords
Emphatic - expressing something forcibly and clearly
Evocative - bringing strong images, memories or feelings to mind
Suet - the hard white fat on the kidneys and loins of cattle, sheep and other animals
Tomb - a large vault, typically an underground one, for burying the dead
Common misconception
That we should only consider the image that a simile offers us.
While the image may be particularly evocative, it's also useful to analyse the connotations of the comparative image as that can reveal layers to what the writer is trying to portray to the reader.
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Considering Chandler's use of similes in 'Trouble is My Business', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Considering Chandler's use of similes in 'Trouble is My Business', 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.
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Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the Fiction: books that changed my world unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to the opening paragraph of Raymond Chandler's 'Trouble is My Business' for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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