Learning Objectives

2. Learning Objectives ALL: Recall aspects of the context of the novel. (E/D) MOST: Explore character and theme in the novel. SOME: Make links between the novel and its context.

3. Starter Write down 10 words that describe Brenda Last.

4. Recall Recall Waugh’s view of women and why he had this view of women.

5. Read pages 79 - 85. Discuss and make notes on the view of women, as well as the fact that nobody says what they mean. Do you feel any empathy for Tony? ‘they had a habit of lapsing into a jargon of their own which Tony did not understand; it was a thieves’ slang, by which the syllables of each word were transposed.’

6. Read pages 85 - 91 consider the place of racism in the 1930’s society. Research this on the internet. How far was racism acceptable then?

7. Childhood Innocence Write down three sentences that focus on childhood innocence. Consider what this suggests about Waugh’s views about society at the time.

8. Read page 91 - 95 Consider Brenda’s language. How does Waugh present her in this passage? How is Tony presented in this passage? Add to character profiles.

9. Watch the film adaptation of A Handful of Dust from 35.50minutes – 38 minutes.

10. Read page 95 - 98 Consider the gender reversals in this part of the novel between Brenda and Tony. How are the pair presented? Add to character profiles.

11. Read 98 - 101 • Consider Mrs Rattery’s character and the presentation of her as a woman in relation to view of women presented elsewhere in the novel. • Create a character profile for Mrs Rattery.

12. Quotation Focus! ‘I hope he doesn’t break his neck.’ Consider the dark satirical foreshadowing.

13. Read 101-106 Look back over the section and identify quotations that foreshadow John’s death.

14. Read 106 - 107 Analyse the language used and answer the following question: • Everyone seems to be passing the blame. What does this suggest about society at the time? • Was John Andrew childlike and innocent? • What does his death suggest about Waugh’s view of society at the time?

15. Read 107 – 110 Focus on the last paragraph of the section we have just read. Consider the value of John Andrew and the ironic statements made by Tony. Add to your character profile of Tony.

16. Read 110 - 114 Consider the significance of the following quotations: • P.111 ‘under her fingers order grew out of chaos; she established sequence and precedence; the symbols before her became coherent, interrelated.’ (about Mrs Rattery. What does this say about women and men in society?) • p. 111-112. ‘it had nearly come to a solution that time, but for a six of diamonds out of place, and stubbornly congested patch at one corner, where nothing could be made to move. ‘It’s a heartbreaking game,’ she said.’

17. Watch the film adaptation of A Handful of Dust from 38 minutes to 49 minutes.

18. Read 116 - 119 Discuss Brenda’s reaction. Add to your character profile of Brenda, including quotations. Consider what Brenda’s behaviour shows about Waugh’s view of society at the time.

19. Read 119 - 121 • Consider the harsh and ruthless comments of the other people in the community – gossiping. • Pick out one of the most outrageous comments.

20. Read 121 - 123 • Make notes on Brenda and Tony’s relationship now and include quotations in their notes. • Consider the significance of the ‘troubled landscape’.

21. Read 124 - 126 • Why does Waugh want the audience to feel empathy for Tony? • What does he represent in society?

22. Watch the film adaptation of A Handful of Dust from 49 minutes to 1.05 hours.

23. Learning Objectives ALL: Recall aspects of the context of the novel. (E/D) MOST: Explore character and theme in the novel. SOME: Make links between the novel and its context.