Grandmothers and Generations: Exploring The Portrait of a Lady
Grandmothers and Generations: Exploring The Portrait of a Lady
Lesson duration is: 30 minItems in this lesson
Grandmothers and Generations: Exploring The Portrait of a Lady
Describe Your Grandparent:
Share one word that describes your grandparent. Watch our word cloud grow!
Learning Objective
To discuss key themes
To analyse the grandmother's character
To interpret tone, and relate the story to your own life.
Meet the Grandmother
Read the text about the grandmother’s appearance and daily life. What do you notice?
Category 1
Category 2
STEAL ANALYSIS
S - SAYS / SPEAKS
T - THOUGHTS
E - EFFECT ON OTHERS
A - ACTIONS
L - LOOKS (Physical features)
Analysis -
Phases of Life: Village and City
How did life change for the narrator and the grandmother from the village to the city? Spot the differences in their relationship.
Contrast: Modernity and Tradition
The story explores changing relationships between generations. How does modern life affect family bonds?
Themes and Tone
Discuss the main themes:
1. Change
love and acceptance
tradition vs modernity
Note the nostalgic, first-person narration.
Think–Pair–Share: Grandmother in the City
Was the grandmother unhappy in the city, or did she accept change? Share your ideas in the chat or with a partner.
Was the grandmother unhappy in the city, or did she accept change? Share your ideas in the chat or with a partner.
Extension: Reflect and Compare
List
List three changes in her life. Identify her emotional strengths.
Compare
How does the grandmother differ from modern grandparents?
Quick Quiz and Reflection
1. Why did the grandmother dislike the city school? 2. What does feeding the sparrows symbolise? 3. One word for the narrator’s tone.
Exit Ticket: What did you learn about relationships?
Homework (Optional)
Write a short paragraph about a cherished grandparent memory, or create a character sketch of the grandmother.
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
