High Impact: the Pit and the Pendulum: Set B: Retelling
High impact Series
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
Part of the 'High Impact' series, this classic text is retold in an accessible style for those with a reading age of seven to eight years. Readers are presented with two ways to die: falling into a bottomless pit or being sliced by a swinging axe, and they must choose their fate.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-16
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the protagonist felt when they were facing challenges? Can you relate to their emotions?
What do you think the pendulum symbolizes in the story? What do you think it could symbolize in real-life situations?
How did the character's actions lead to changes in their situation? Can you think of a time when your actions changed a situation for you?
What lesson do you think the story is trying to teach us about fear and bravery?
If you could give advice to the main character at the start of the story, what would you suggest?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the protagonist's shoes, fostering empathy and deeper understanding. Discuss the symbolisms in the story to enhance critical thinking. Highlight how the characters' decisions alter their paths, linking it to real-life examples to make it more relatable. Lastly, provoke thoughts on personal values such as bravery and resilience through the character's experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist faces terrifying challenges but learns to overcome fear and keep striving for survival.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle difficult situations in life without giving up, understanding that perseverance is key.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist must use logic and reasoning to navigate through dangerous traps.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think strategically in challenging scenarios and enhance their problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: The importance of hope
Explanation: Despite the grim circumstances, the hope for survival is a central theme in the story, driving the protagonist to keep fighting.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of maintaining hope and positivity in difficult times, knowing it can lead to better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: The story illustrates that every action in the predicament has a consequence, which teaches responsibility and foresight.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this understanding by thinking ahead about the possible outcomes of their actions in daily life.
Example Lesson: Empathy and moral reasoning
Explanation: The reader is led to empathize with the character’s plight and to understand the moral implications of the choices he makes.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop a sense of empathy and moral judgment, which are important for interpersonal relationships.