Starter quiz
- What is a symbol?
- a character who represents an approach
- an object that represents an idea ✓
- a narrative structure
- an object that represents the characters
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- Which birds do we see frequently in 'The Twisted Tree'?
- ravens ✓
- crows
- owls
- blackbirds
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- In Norse mythology, the three wise women spinners who determined every allotted life span are known as the ...
- 'Norns' ✓
- If something is described as being 'attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding' then it can be described as ...
- supernatural. ✓
- rational.
- spooky.
- normal.
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- Which of the below are reasonable synonyms of the word 'prophecy'?
- prediction ✓
- forecast ✓
- spell
- revenge
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- Which weather event usually accompanies the draugr 'The Twisted Tree'?
- fog ✓
- lightning
- sunlight
- rain
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Exit quiz
- What is being described here: 'where writers uses symbols to represent something that isn't literally there (e.g. an idea or theme)'?
- 'symbolism' ✓
- Who are The Norns in Norse mythology?
- guardians of treasure
- warriors of Odin
- wise women spinners who determine life spans ✓
- creators of the world
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- In 'The Twisted Tree', what does the fog symbolise?
- love
- the supernatural ✓
- the link between the living and the dead
- fate
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- What could Martha's blindness in one eye symbolise in 'The Twisted Tree'?
- wisdom ✓
- happiness
- physical strength
- family secrets ✓
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- Why might a writer use symbolism in a text?
- to make the story confusing
- to express hidden meanings or ideas ✓
- to fill space in the book
- to show off their vocabulary
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- How does the symbol of the ravens in 'The Twisted Tree' enhance our understanding of the text?
- they show Martha's bravery
- they symbolise a link between the living and the dead ✓
- they represent Martha's fear of animals
- they are a sign of bad luck
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Worksheet
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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.
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.
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
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