Genesis and Catastrophe

• Engels
• Middelbare school
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• Leerjaar 5

Genesis and Catastrophe

Genesis & Catastrophe

by Roald Dahl

Literature Lesson 1

Genesis & Catastrophe

Read the short story 'Genesis and Catastrophe' and try to think of the first three questions from exercise A (before reading).

Have you heard about the author, Roald Dahl, before? If so, what do you know about him?

What do the words “Genesis” and “Catastrophe” mean? Based on
the title, do you think this will be a story with a happy end?

This story is “a fictionalized account based upon a true historical
incident”. What historical incidents do you know that might be described in this story?

What does nature vs. nurture mean according to you?

How does it apply to the story?

Nature

"Nature" refers to the genetic or hereditary factors that influence a person's physical traits, cognitive abilities, and even predispositions to certain health conditions. These traits are often passed down from parents to their offspring through DNA. For example, eye color, height, and certain medical conditions have a strong genetic component.

Nurture

"Nurture" pertains to the environmental factors that impact an individual's growth and development. This includes upbringing, family environment, education, social interactions, cultural influences, and exposure to various life experiences. Nurture highlights how external influences shape an individual's personality, beliefs, and behaviour.

Discuss the following questions:

1) Looking back at the title, what do the terms Genesis and Catastrophe represent in this story?

2)“When she died. . . I was already pregnant again when that happened, Doctor. This new one was a good four months on its way when Ida died. How is the mother’s reaction to being pregnant again different from the husband’s reaction? Why might that be?

3)What is the situational irony in this story?

4) Compare the truth to fiction. Did three of Klara’s children die? Would there have been any reason for Klara to suspect that her children died of something inherited? Explain.

5) Most of this story is told through dialogue. What are the benefits and downsides of this? Did you personally think this was a good choice? Explain. 

6) Even though he is just a baby now, we know the future. How does this affect your feelings towards the baby?

When it comes to Nature vs. Nurture, do you think the baby is destined to become a “catastrophe”? Explain