Writing to entertain

2. The WRNS

Remind students that parody is intended to be playful rather than hurtful and is often used to make comment on (sometimes self created) representations. Use Slide 5 to explain the difference between parody and satire.
Display Slides 6-8 which introduce students to the Women's Royal Naval Service and the role they played in the First and Second World Wars.
Distribute Student Worksheets 2-3 which contain some background information on the WRNS, their role during World Wars 1 and 2 and the public's perceptions of the WRNS. As a class consider the pressures which would have been felt by people â€" especially women - during times of conscription.
Consider the information on Student Worksheet 3 which demonstrates how attitudes towards women in the Royal Navy have changed since the Second World War.
Ask students to look at the three cartoons included on Student Worksheet 4 and answer the following question: How does the cartoonist want the reader to feel / think about the WRNS? Explain your answer with reference to textual details and the information on Student Worksheet 2-3.
Students should write down four sentences for each cartoon in answer to the question above.
Ask students to feedback their findings. What details were identified and what impressions were created?
Compile a checklist of areas which can be used when students create their own parodies.

Higher Ability:

Higher ability pupils should be asked to consider the authorship of many of these images and consider why the parody might be taking place.