Year 9: Comparing two texts

Year 9 have been reading two short stories (yes, 'The Speckled Band' does count as a short story) from the murder mystery genre so they can compare and contrast the texts. They will shortly need to write a comparative essay (using PEE paragraphs) exploring how the authors portray and use character, setting, style and structure

Essay Title: ‘Lamb to the Slaughter’ and ‘The Speckled Band’ are two very different examples of murder mysteries. Describe some of the ways in which they are different and some of the ways in which they are the same. How is language used by the authors to create an atmosphere of suspense that makes you want to read more?

* Everyone will answer this question
® Most pupils will answer this question
© Some pupils will answer this question

Paragraph 1 (remember to indent paragraphs/write in sentences)
* Who wrote The Speckled Band? When was it first published?
® What is the name of the famous detective in all his stories?
© What do you already know about this detective?

Paragraph 2
* Who wrote Lamb to the Slaughter? When was it first published?
® What sort of stories is he famous for writing?
© What sort of people does he write about in his stories for adults?

Paragraph 3
* Describe the setting of the old house in The Speckled Band. (Put in a quotation to describe it)
® How do you feel about the atmosphere of this house?
© What other details are there in this story that add to the
atmosphere of evil and horror?

Paragraph 4
* Describe the setting in Lamb to the Slaughter. (Put in a quotation to describe the living room and the atmosphere Mary has created)
® How do you respond to the atmosphere Mary has created?
© Do you feel any sympathy for the victim wanting to leave her?

Paragraph 5
* What does the detective do in The Speckled Band?
® How does he do this (refer to clues and suspects)
© How do you feel about the detective’s ability? Did you work out the clues yourself?

Paragraph 6
* What do the detectives not do in Lamb to the Slaughter?
® What things do the detectives do that they shouldn’t do?
© Can you find a quotation that makes the detectives look “sloppy”?

Paragraph 7
* Who is the victim in The Speckled Band.
® How is she described when we see her first in the story?
© Put in a quotation which shows how terrified she is.

Paragraph 8
* Who is the victim in Lamb to the Slaughter?
® How do we know that things are not right?
© Give a detailed example of his behaviour that shows that he is going to give his wife the bad news. Give as many examples as you can of clues which show that something is about to happen.

Paragraph 9
* Describe the murderer in The Speckled Band. (Put in a quotation to describe him)
® What is his motive for murder (why does he do it)?
© Do you feel any sympathy for this murderer? How do you
respond to him?

Paragraph 10
* Describe the murderer in Lamb to the Slaughter. (Put in a quotation to describe her)
® What is her motive for murder (why does she do it)?
© Why doesn’t she want to be caught? Do you feel any sympathy for her?

Conclusion
* Which story did you like best? Why?
® Why will people always like to read murder mysteries?