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I’m the King of the Castle by Susan Hill - Worksheet 2
1. Read chapter 5. Make a list of all the things that Kingshaw takes with him into Hang
Wood. (See pages 60-61). Draw a picture next to each item to show you understand
what it is or find a relevant picture from internet.
Example:
Cubes of jelly
What does this show us about Kingshaw’s personality?
What does the “wart flashback” also tell us about Kingshaw? Pages 67-68.
2. Read chapters 6-9: Inside Hang Wood. In these chapters we see a power struggle
between the two boys. Look at some of the incidents which take place:
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Hooper manages to find Kingshaw when he runs away to Hang Wood. (page 73)
Hooper mocks Kingshaw for not having brought any water with him: “You needn’t
think I’d give anything to you, you should have thought of it yourself, if you’re so
clever.” (Page 74)
Hooper has never seen a deer before and admits that he has never been to a zoo. (Page
77)
When they follow the deer, Hooper takes control and makes Kingshaw follow him. He
also tells Kingshaw to be quiet. “He felt with furious with Hooper, because he had so
suddenly taken over, walking in front of him and saying what to do.” (pages 77-78)
Now add some more incidents of your own. Pick out ones which show the balance of power
changing. Note down what happens, page numbers and choose quotes as well. Find at least
six more incidents.
3. Now plot your incidents on the graph below showing who is in control.
2
10
8
6
Hooper
4
Kingshaw
2
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Figure 1: Power Struggle
X = incidents in Hang Wood
Y = level of control (0 is low and 10 is high)
4. Character Assessment – think about the behaviour of the two boys in Hang Wood.
Write half a page comparing and contrasting their behaviour and personalities. Use
examples to justify your ideas.
Example:
POINT
In Hang Wood we see that Kingshaw is a very resourceful boy. He does not panic unlike
Hooper who easily gets worried when he thinks that they are lost.
QUOTE/EXAMPLE
One example which shows Kingshaw’s resourcefulness is when he uses the string to explore
the forest and to make sure that he does not get lost.
COMMENT
The fact that Kingshaw is able to think clearly and calmly even when faced with a difficult
situation shows us another side of him. We can see that in many ways he is much more
mature than Hooper, who in contrast acts like a baby.