9. Chapter 9 – continued

Today we are going to recap Chapter 9 of “A Monster Calls”.

1.

In Chapter 9 the Monster tells the rest of the First tale.

SOLUTION

Here is a “plot flow chart” of what happened in Chapter 9:

2.

Remember, this is how one can display what is happening in a story:

In the First Tale, the dramatic arc will look like this:

Make your own version of the flow chart above:

3.

Chapter 9: We learn more about the Conor through the following:

AND…

4.

Is the Monster trying to teach Conor a lesson?

Consider the following Inference Questions:

1) ‘Sometimes people need to lie to themselves most of all.’ Do you think the monster is just referring to the First Tale when he makes this statement?

2) ‘It is not her you need saving from.’ Speculate about what the monster believes Conor actually needs saving from.

5.

You learnt the following about symbolism …

Writers use symbolism to explain an idea or concept to their readers in a poetic manner without saying it outright. The use of symbolism allows writers to make their stories more complex. People often also use symbolism in everyday life.

What is symbolism in writing, and how does it work?

Symbolism is the use of words or images to symbolize specific concepts, people, objects, or events. Symbolism is a figure of speech that is used when an author wants to create a certain mood or emotion in a work of literature.

You already know that the yew tree is a symbol of …

6.

Writers also make use of Allegories to make their work more interesting…

An allegory is a story, poem, or picture which can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral one.

Allegory is a narrative, a poem or story, that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning. A moral lesson is often presented in the form of an allegorical story.

Symbolism is a literary device that presents one particular item, like a dove, to represent something else (peace).

In other words, an allegory is a whole story, poem, or book. Symbolism can be just a part of the story, poem, or book.

7.

Here is an example of an allegory:

The Lion and the Mouse. (2:51 minutes long)

How was ‘the first tale’ allegorical? (Consider this quote: “There was nowhere for the prince to run. His horse had been chased away while he slept. The yew tree was his only shelter.”)

What similarities can you make between the tale and Conor’s life?

So, what hidden meaning did the first tale have for Conor’s life?

This is how you teacher would mark this type of question:

8.

Let’s look a little deeper into symbolism in literature:

Here are more examples of symbolism, from well-known texts:

9.

Allegory is a narrative, a poem or story, that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning. A moral lesson is often presented in the form of an allegorical story.

Symbolism is a literary device that presents one particular item, like a dove, to represent something else (peace).

In other words, an allegory is a whole story, poem, or book. Symbolism can be just a part of the story, poem, or book.

10.

Answer the following question:

11.

And now for a few more questions…

“Search and Locate” Questions:

a) What rumours surrounded the King’s illness? (P.72)

b) What was the Queen’s plan for retaining power? (P.74)

c) Who saved the Queen from the flames? (P.79)

d) Where did the monster take the Queen? (P.79)

e) Who murdered the farmer’s daughter? (P.81)

Summary Task:

Retell the First Tale in 3 chapters.

The first must contain exactly 75 words, the second exactly 50 words and the final chapter must contain exactly 25 words. (Be as specific as you can, and stay within the word count.)

b) Which character in the book could The King be a symbol for? Explain your answer.

a) Which character in the book could the Queen Regent be a symbol for? Explain your answer.

12.

And now for even more questions!

You need to use a new page in your book.

Write the headings as shown below.

(After this task you will also look at vocabulary.)

13.

ANSWERS TO FOLLOW SOON

14.

The tasks in this section come from: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness – ppt download (slideplayer.com)

15.

That tree…! Think about this:

Answer these questions in your book:

1. Is the Yew Tree Monster here to help or harm Conor?

2. Why has Patrick Ness chosen a Yew Tree specifically?

3. How can we link this to symbolism?

16.

SOLUTION

17.

What do the words below mean? (Use a dictionary if you get stuck…)

18.

OR:

Comprehension Questions (arkpriory.org)

— Useful Material —

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