Cirque Du Freak - Lesson 8 - Creating Tension PowerPoint

In Lesson 8 of the "Cirque Du Freak" series, the focus is on creating tension within a narrative. The lesson begins with a class reading of Chapter Nine, which sets the stage for an in-depth analysis. Students are then asked to re-read a specific page and, working in pairs, to highlight the language features that contribute to the creation of a horror atmosphere for the reader. The aim is to not only identify the techniques used but also to explain their function and discuss the emotional impact they may have on the audience.

One of the techniques explored is the use of italics, which suggests a sense of danger and unpredictability, leaving the reader to question who might be the next victim. Verbs are also examined for their role in creating vivid imagery; for instance, describing a character's actions as 'roaring' likens them to a fierce lion, instilling fear in the reader. A model example from the text is provided to illustrate how these techniques are employed effectively. In this example, the character Mr Tall's actions and dialogue are analyzed, including the repetition of certain phrases that underscore the gravity of the situation, potentially causing the reader to worry about the characters' safety. The lesson concludes with a feedback session, where students share their findings and discuss the overall impact of the identified language features on building tension within the story.