The Fox (EasyRead Super Large 18pt Edition)
#2 of 109 in All Aboard Reading Series
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What’s inside...
In this classic DH Lawrence story, a young man goes to stay with two women who live together on a farm. He soon falls in love with one of the women and the story tells of how he wins her love in return. 'Penguin Readers' is a series of simplified novels, film novelizations and original titles that introduce students at all levels to the pleasures of reading in English. Originally designed for teaching English as a foreign language, the series combines high interest level and low reading age, making it suitable for English-speaking teenagers with limited reading skills and students of English as a second language. Many titles in the series also provide access to the pre-20th century literature strands of the National Curriculum English Orders. 'Penguin Readers' are graded at seven levels of difficulty, from 'Easystarts' with a 200-word vocabulary, to Level 6 (Advanced) with a 3000-word vocabulary, and fall into one of three sub-categories: 'Contemporary', 'Classics', or 'Originals'. Each book has a section of enjoyable exercises focusing on vocabulary building, comprehension, discussion, and writing, and some titles are available with an accompanying audio cassette or in a book and cassette pack. Additionally, selected titles have free accompanying 'Penguin Readers Factsheets' which provide stimulating exercise material for students, as well as suggestions for teachers on how to exploit the Readers in class. 'The Fox' (1923) is a short novella by D.H. Lawrence set in the Berkshire district of England in 1918, just after the First World War. Two women, Branford and March, both in their thirties and unmarried, live together on an isolated farm. One day, like a fox, a man enters their farm and lives. Lawrence uses the fox as a symbol of masculinity and through it explores male sexuality.
Character compass
Ellen March
Jill Banford
Henry Grenfel
Discussion points
What do you think the fox symbolizes in the story?
How did the characters' feelings change throughout the book?
What decisions would you have made if you were in the characters' situations?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in today's world?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and trust from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the symbolism of the fox by relating it to an animal they think is clever or mysterious.
Discuss the emotional journey of the characters and ask your child to share a time they felt similar emotions.
Pose hypothetical situations to your child based on the story’s events to enhance critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Integrate modern elements into the story’s setting during your discussion to help your child connect the themes of the story to their own world.
Highlight the morals of the story and relate them to personal values and real-life situations your child may encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding diversity and acceptance
Explanation: The story explores how different characters with diverse backgrounds can interact and learn from each other.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace differences in their peers, promoting inclusivity in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: The plot emphasizes situations where the characters must choose honesty over deceit, demonstrating consequences for their choices.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to practice honesty in their dealings at school or at home, understanding that trust is fundamental in relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Throughout the challenges faced by the characters, resilience is a recurring theme, showing the characters overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and courage when facing difficulties in their own lives, such as tackling a tough school project or resolving a conflict.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: The interactions between characters highlight the effects of showing empathy and acting with compassion towards others.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider the feelings of others and respond kindly, which can improve their social interactions and foster positive relationships.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity and learning
Explanation: The narrative showcases characters who explore and ask questions, ultimately gaining knowledge and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive and embrace learning opportunities in their environment, enhancing their educational journey and personal development.