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Year 8 - English

Exploring the theme of power in Hanan Al-Shaykh's 'One Thousand and One Nights'

Myths, legends and stories that inspire

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read and explore a range of text types in connection to classical myths and legends. They first look at poetry before doing some descriptive writing inspired by poetry and paintings. They then explore Chaucer and modern retellings of myths to inspire their narrative writing.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to plan and write two analytical paragraphs which explore the theme of power in Hanan Al-Shaykh's 'One Thousand and One Nights'.

Key Notes

  • You can make connections between the frame story of 'One Thousand and One Nights' and the folktales themselves.
  • The frame story and 'The Fisherman and the Jinni' both explore ideas about power.
  • Arguably, the frame story and 'The Fisherman and the Jinni' show the power of stories over status or physical power.
  • Single paragraph outlines are a way of planning an analytical paragraph.
  • Analytical paragraphs should include a comment on the methods a writer has used to create their work.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • methods: the tools a writer uses to create their work; simile, adjective, and adverb are all examples of methods
  • analysis: in English, this means looking at something carefully and considering why it was written in that way
  • wit: humour, intelligence, quick-thinking
  • single paragraph outline: a way of planning an analytical paragraph by preparing the first and final sentences, as well as your quotations
  • frame story: a main story that surrounds shorter stories

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The folktales have no connection to the frame story.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

You can make connections between the frame story of 'One Thousand and One Nights' and the folktales themselves. The frame story and 'The Fisherman and the Jinni' both explore ideas about power.

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

the tools a writer uses to create their work; simile, adjective, and adverb are all examples of methods.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: The folktales have no connection to the frame story. Correction: The folktales are being told by Shahrazad. The fact that she is trying to save her life by telling the stories is important. But more than this, you can also make connections between the ideas, plot and characters in the folktales to the frame story.

More Lessons In This Unit

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