Exploring Character and Theme in "All That Glisters" by Anne Donovan
Delve into the character of Clare and the theme of the father-daughter relationship in "All That Glisters" by Anne Donovan. Understand the choice of first-person narration and Glaswegian dialect to create a real and relatable character. Engage in discussions and activities to analyze the narrative elements in the story.
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All That Glisters, Anne Donovan 28/8/15
Todays Aims Be able to discuss and write about the character of Clare, using evidence Be able to discuss and write about the theme of the father-daughter relationship, using evidence
All That Glisters Reread your summary to remind yourself what the story is about.
Characterisation - Clare Write down what type of narration this is (ie first/second/third person). Next, write one reason why you think Anne Donovan chose this type of narration.
First Person Narration I said/did/went/thought This type of narration is beneficial because it allows us to identify with the character, relating to their thoughts and feelings up close. There is no distance between the character and the reader.
But why Clare? Donovan uses first person to make it personal for the reader; but why do you think she has chosen to use the voice of an S2 pupil? Discuss with your partner.
Dialect As well as first person, Donovan has used a strong Glaswegian dialect. Why do you think this is? Discuss with your partner, and write your answer down. Two minutes.
Dialect Donovan uses dialect to make Clare relatable to the reader. It is reflective of the way a young person from Glasgow would actually speak, making her a more real , believable character.
Dialect naebdy wis gonny say anythin cos it wis better than daen real work (p1). In pairs, find and write down three examples of the use of dialect which you think make Clare seem like a real character.
Clare Draw a table in your jotter like the one on the board. With your partner, complete the second column. You must use evidence from the text ie a quotation. 16 minutes.
Imagery Identify the language techniques used in each example below, and explain how they evidence Clare s positivity. The strands of hair stood oot roon ma heid like a halo, glisterin and dancing in the light. A sunbeam came through the windae and ah watched the dustspecks dancing in its light.
Clare and the Glitter Clare sees the world in very colourful terms. Words such as gleamin , glisterin and glitter are peppered throughout the story and have connotations of life, positivity and cheerfulness. In this story, glitter represents Clare s spirit (or her soul) and her enthusiasm for, and celebration of, life itself.
Clare and the Glitter Why are the red clothes so important to Clare? Why does she cover herself in glitter at the end?
Clare and the Glitter The red clothes symbolise life/love/vitality; the dull coat she is made to wear is the opposite, symbolising coldness and death. The glitter allows her to express the colour and life which her father valued in her, and links back to the tender moment they shared.
Analysis In pairs, you will work together on a section of text. Find and write down examples of interesting language (similes, metaphors, personification, word choice, dialect, speech, colourful words) and explain why you think this has been used.
Theme: Father-Daughter Relationship Despite her dad s serious illness, he and Clare have a very close and loving relationship. This relationship can be analysed through just a few key scenes: a)Clare making him a Christmas card b)The conversation about subtlety that they have c)Clare s memory of the ghosties game which they played
Theme In your pairs, look at the scene where Clare makes/gives her father the card. Make notes on: What happens in the scene What we learn about their relationship How Clare feels What evidence there is to support this
The Christmas Card Clare is introduced to us as she is making her dad a Christmas card at school. She spends a long time over it and we understand her to be really pleased that her dad gave her a wavery wee smile when he received it. She loves him deeply and wants desperately to do anything to make him happy.
Theme In your pairs, look at the scene where they talk about subtlety. Make notes on: What happens in the scene What we learn about their relationship How Clare feels What evidence there is to support this
This scene is important because it shows a closeness between Clare and her father. This scene also helps to build a picture of the relationship between Clare and her dad because it is a very intimate moment. Here, Clare is teaching her dad. Rather than using words, she uses actions. Holding hands is an intimate, affectionate gesture and Clare touches her dad s hand to demonstrate how the glitter is more subtle when blotted. Her actions speak louder than words. Donovan uses this private, personal moment between them to show the reader how close they are.
Theme In your pairs, look at the scene where Clare starves herself to buy the pens. Make notes on: What happens in the scene What we learn about their relationship How Clare feels What evidence there is to support this
We understand just how deeply Clare feels for her father through her decision to starve herself so that she can buy glitter pens to make him this card: all week ah wis starvin for ah only hud an apple or a biscuit ma ma gied me fur a playpiece. But on Friday it wis worth it Donovan characterises Clare as a person who loves her father enough to quite literally starve herself in order to do sumpn that cheers him up even a wee bit. A homemade Christmas card is a small thing, yet the determination and love that Clare puts into getting the glitter pens for it makes this a beautiful, huge gesture, even though the card itself is an insignificant thing. Again, Clare s actions speak louder than words ever could and we are led by the author to feel an admiration, and later a deep sympathy, for this little girl.
Theme In your pairs, look at the scene where Clare remembers her dad pretending to be a ghost. Make notes on: What happens in the scene What we learn about their relationship How Clare feels What evidence there is to support this
Clare thinks back to happier times when her dad was not ill and they used to play together. This scene depicts the good relationship that they have, as they play a game, showing that they enjoy each other s company. The word choice of kid oan suggests a playful, light-heartedness and that they feel totally comfortable with each other. Furthermore, Donovan shows how this is a special game that they share because only they can play it. However, this scene also has a darker meaning, as the asbestos which her father is covered in gives the reader a sense of foreboding (e.g. apprehension): we understand that the asbestos will later kill Clare s father but Clare and her father, at that stage, do not. It also foreshadows the final scene when Clare covers herself in glitter to honour her father at his funeral.
Homework Read a newspaper article from a broadsheet (you can access The Guardian for free online). Write a summary of the article, and create a vocabulary list of any new words.
Learning review What about the story did you best understand today? What were you not sure of?
