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Year 7 - English

Analysing atmosphere and character in 'The Speckled Band'

Sherlock Holmes: short stories

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read and explore two famous Sherlock Holmes stories. They start by reading and analysing 'The Speckled Band' before using it as inspiration to write a newspaper article. They then read and analyse 'The Boscombe Valley Murder' before writing a comparison of the two stories.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to analyse how Conan Doyle presents character and atmosphere on the night of Julia's death in 'The Speckled Band'.

Key Notes

  • The night Julia Stoner dies, there is an awful storm.
  • Conan Doyle uses pathetic fallacy to create a sinister atmosphere, foreshadowing the threatening force behind her death.
  • Conan Doyle also emphasises the fear of both the Stoner sisters.
  • Quote explosions can help you to gather ideas for analytical writing.
  • Analytical writing should include single word analysis and conjunctions to justify analysis.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Pathetic fallacy: Pathetic fallacy is giving human emotions to inanimate things, usually the environment.
  • Annotate: Annotate means to label and add notes.
  • Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing means a warning of a future event.
  • Hubbub: Hubbub means chaotic noise.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Planning can often be seen as a waste of time.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

The night Julia Stoner dies, there is an awful storm. Conan Doyle uses pathetic fallacy to create a sinister atmosphere, foreshadowing the threatening force behind her death.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'Pathetic fallacy'

Pathetic fallacy is giving human emotions to inanimate things, usually the environment.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Planning can often be seen as a waste of time. Correction: You must take time to make notes and gather ideas so the analysis you write is strong.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 7 English guide library.