Inspired by: The Lost Happy Endings - Week 2

Exploring the realms of traditional and modern fiction, students are invited to delve into the literary works of Carol Ann Duffy, including "The Lost Happy Endings," "The Princess’ Blankets," and "The Tear Thief." These texts, rich in narrative tradition, offer a tapestry of myths, legends, and contemporary storytelling. The activity encourages students to read until the moment Jub envisions the Golden Pen, prompting discussions about the characteristics of traditional tales. Students are asked to identify the textual features that categorize Duffy's works, such as themes of good triumphing over evil, the classic problem-resolution story arc, and the distinctive settings, characters, and writing styles that define these narratives.

The lesson progresses by examining the introduction of the witch in "The Lost Happy Endings," analyzing the dialogue and its impact on the atmosphere and character perception. Students are tasked with describing the witch's voice and imagining the thoughts of both Jub and the witch during their encounter. They are then challenged to write a descriptive account, integrating dialogue to advance the story. The repetition of the word 'deario' by the witch is highlighted, prompting students to consider its effect and possible ironic undertones. In a separate activity, students witness the witch's cruelty towards Jub and are asked to provide a witness statement, both in active and passive forms, to understand how the passive voice shifts the focus to the person or thing affected by the action, thereby affecting the presentation of information within a sentence.