Boy - Lesson 8 - Captain Hardcastle PowerPoint

In this English lesson, students delve into the intriguing world of literary villains, with a particular focus on Captain Hardcastle from Roald Dahl's 'Boy'. The lesson objectives are to discuss the role of villains within literature, read to the end of the chapter titled 'Captain Hardcastle', and analyse Dahl's portrayal of this character. Students begin by examining well-known villains such as Cruella de Vil, The Joker, and Darth Vader, discussing their common traits and the purpose villains serve in storytelling. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Captain Hardcastle's character, encouraging students to consider their initial impressions and the specific language Dahl uses to bring this character to life.

As the lesson progresses, students are prompted to consider whether Captain Hardcastle fits the archetype of a villain, supported by evidence from the text. Through examining quotations and categorising them as description, dialogue, or action, students gain an understanding of character construction. They are asked to write a paragraph using sentence starters provided, articulating how Dahl's use of descriptive language, dialogue, and character actions contribute to the reader's perception of Captain Hardcastle. The plenary involves sharing their paragraphs with the group, inviting discussion and reflection on the different interpretations of Captain Hardcastle's character.