Chapters 9-14

PDF file: Reading unit

The Drums of Hampden by Mark Frankland

In this phase of the novel Simon is living in Scotland with Tony. He copes very well with the shock of changing to a very different culture to that of his home.

One of the things he finds it most difficult to understand is the divisions between people we find at 'Old Firm' football matches.

This is the area of the novel where Mark Frankland, the writer, really draws out the theme of discrimination.

He does this through the DIALOGUE in the novel between Tony and Simon who are discussing the 'Old Firm' game.

In pairs, use the supplied table to learn more about Simon's confusion about discrimination and football. Read pages 73-81 again before you begin.

Review:

Now that you are nearing the climax of the novel, you should review what you have learned about the writer's techniques in this part of the novel.

This short piece of writing will help you with your final critical evaluation.

Write one paragraph about:

• The contrasts in setting between Scotland and Africa.
• Write another paragraph about the contrasting characters of Simon and Jimmy.
• Write a third paragraph on the use of irony to show the theme.

Chapters 12-13

Conflict and Climax

Chapter 12 brings us another unexpected climax in the storyline. It also creates tension. A conflict begins within Simon. Will he be able to play? Will he leave for his village to help his mother?

Complete the sentences in the supplied table with your partner. This will keep you up to speed with the main plot developments.

The Writer's Use of a Cliffhanger in Chapter 12:

In order to make their story exciting for the reader and make their reader want to read on, many writers uses a cliffhanger at the end of chapter 12.

A CLIFFHANGER is the name given when a chapter in a novel or a scene in a film ends in a dramatic way which leaves the reader or audience uncertain as to what will happen next.

Look at the ending of Chapter 12.

The writer stops the chapter at a point where Tony has created a plan to stop Simon having to go to Uganda and at the same time he intends to do something to help the villagers who have suffered because of the volcano.

Stopping at this exciting point fills the reader with suspense and makes him / her want to read the next chapter to see what happens.

We wonder:

• How will Tony help the villagers after the disaster?

Chapter 12 paves the way for the resolution to come in chapter 14.

In your group:

• Read the ending of Chapter 12
• Discuss the ending in your group
• Discuss what the writer makes the reader feel at the end of this chapter
• Discuss the thoughts that are in the reader's mind
• Make brief notes in the table supplied so that you can report back to the class

Chapter 13:

A number of very important plot items emerge in this chapter. Your task is to rearrange them into the correct order in the table supplied.

Chapter 14

The Resolution

The resolution to a novel is where all the different parts of the plot are brought together to create a satisfying ending.

Mark Frankland tries to bring the story to a satisfying conclusion by tying up the 'loose ends', and by changing the situation in both Africa and Glasgow for the better.

Group Discussion:

In your group think about the situation at the beginning of the story, and the situation at the end. Discuss the many changes in your group and note them down in the grid supplied.

The Question:

How does the writer Mark Frankland use the setting, characterisation and plot of the novel, 'The Drums of Hampden' to make it more exciting for the reader?

You now have to prepare for your critical essay, you need to:

• write an introductory paragraph identifying the title of the story, the author, and the kind of story
• write about HOW the writer 'hooks' the reader in the opening chapters
• write about HOW the writer sustains your interest as the story develops
• write about HOW the writer uses climax and anti climax
• write about HOW the writer develops the settings of Africa and Scotland
• write about HOW the writer contrasts characters such as Simon and Jimmy
• write about HOW the writer gets across his theme through the use of irony
• write about HOW the writer uses the disaster in Uganda to pave the way for the resolution at the end
• write about HOW the writer ties up the loose ends

Click here for a READING FRAME for CRITICAL ESSAY.