Exploring the use of mythology in 'The Twisted Tree' | English

Starter quiz

In literature, ravens often symbolise which of the following?
- death ✓
- omens ✓
- good luck
- prophecies ✓
- fortune
In 'The Twisted Tree', the writer uses many devices to engage the reader. Can you match the device to its correct description?
- pathetic fallacy
  
  ⇔
  
  when the weather reflects the mood (usually of the main character) ✓
- similie
  
  ⇔
  
  comparison that uses 'like' or 'as' ✓
- personification
  
  ⇔
  
  giving inanimate things human attributes ✓
- cliffhanger
  
  ⇔
  
  a suspenseful ending that leaves the audience eagerly awaiting ✓
In 'The Twisted Tree', the writer describes the tree as having limbs that can "snatch". This is an example of ...
- 'personification' ✓
In the 'The Twisted Tree' the writer describes the bleak and brutal weather conditions to reflect Martha's panic and uncertainty. This is an example of which literary device?
- personification
- pathetic fallacy ✓
- metaphor
- simile
- cliffhanger
Which of the following could be considered a key theme in 'The Twisted Tree'?
- fate and destiny ✓
- being an outsider ✓
- love and marriage
- supernatural ✓
- corruption and power
Starting with the first, put these plot points from 'The Twisted Tree' in chronological order.
- 1
  
  ⇔
  
  We are introduced to progotanist Martha, who has supernatural powers.
- 2
  
  ⇔
  
  Martha is at an airport and running away to Norway to see her Mormor.
- 3
  
  ⇔
  
  After arriving in Skjebne, Martha discovers Stig in her Mormor's cabin.
- 4
  
  ⇔
  
  Martha learns that her Mormor has died.
- 5
  
  ⇔
  
  The twisted tree becomes shrouded in mist and begins to give a putrid smell.
- 6
  
  ⇔
  
  A letter from Mormor tells Martha she has powers and needs to water the tree.
- 7
  
  ⇔
  
  Martha discovers a doll that looks like her.

Exit quiz

The writer of 'The Twisted Tree', Rachel Burge, was inspired by which mythology?
- Greek
- Egyptian
- Norse ✓
- Celtic
Which word beginning with 'm', can be described as the: 'traditional stories or legends that are part of a culture's belief system.'?
- 'mythology' ✓
'The Twisted Tree' is dedicated to which Norse god?
- 'Odin' ✓
In Norse mythology, Odin has two messengers called Huginn and Muninn. What type of birds are these?
- gulls
- ravens ✓
- storks
- crows
- magpies
In 'The Twisted Tree', what is a significant similarity between the Norse god Odin and Martha?
- they can both read people through touching their clothes
- they are both missing an eye ✓
- they both have pet wolves
Which word from Norse mythology means refers the tree that connects the whole cosmos?
- Norns
- Aslaug
- Yggdrasil ✓
- Hel

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Lesson Details

Key learning points

Odin is the god of wisdom who sacrificed an eye for greater understanding.
Martha is believed to be a descendant of Odin.
Martha sees a face in the tree.
The novel is inspired by Norse mythology.

Common misconception

Writers will not use stories or characters that already exist. This is copying!

Storytelling is an ancient form. Many writers and artists are inspired by stories that have existed for thousands of years. This is because of their universal characters and timeless themes.

Keywords

Mythology - traditional stories or legends that are part of a culture's belief system
Cosmos - the universe
Fate - the idea that events happen because they are meant to, beyond our control
Descendant - a person who is related to you and who lives after you, such as your child or grandchild.
Inspired - to be motivated to create, sometimes in response to something else