Section outline

  • This unit explores the layers of symbolic meaning that we place upon darkness and the ways that writers can make use of night time as a wild space where anything could happen. The opening chapter of Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus is used to inspire narratives where students use the space from dusk till dawn to explore the unusual. This unit is particularly appropriate for Years 9-10 but can be used with any year group if the teacher feels it is appropriate. 

    One useful adaptation for older students would be to shape the final written outcome around one of the texts studied for GCSE English Literature, recreating a scene taking place at night that is referred to but not fully realised, perhaps from an alternative point of view, eg:

    • Macbeth: the murder of King Duncan or the discovery of the murder from the point of view of Macduff
    • Romeo and Juliet: the anticipation of the Capulet ball from the point of view of one of the guests
    • The Merchant of Venice: Jessica's escape from Shylock's house from either Jessica's or Lorenzo's point of view
    • Much Ado About Nothing: the night of the fake funeral from Hero's point of view
    • Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde: one of Mr Hyde's nights out
    • A Christmas Carol: the night before Christmas from Tiny Tim's or Mrs Cratchit's point of view
    • The Sign of Four: the burglary from Tonga's point of view
    • Lord of the Flies: night on the island from one of the littleuns' point of view
    • An Inspector Calls: a night at the Palace Theatre from Eva Smith's point of view
    • Blood Brothers: the night before Mickey's release from prison from Linda's point of view

    Key writing learning:
    • Use of motif to create cohesion
    • Complex sentence structures
    • Expanded vocabulary
    • Symbolic meanings

    Text extract:     The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern