The Fruitcake Special Form 4 Literature
The Fruitcake Special Form 4 Literature
The Fruitcake Special Form 4 Literature
FORM 4
Short Story
The Fruitcake
Special
by Frank Brennan
Table of Contents
The Writer
Synopsis
Elements
Activities
Beyond The Text
Assessment
Answer Key
Glossary
Panel of Writers
Curricu
THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL
The Writer
Frank Brennan hails from the North West of England and is a graduate of the University of
Wales. He was an actor and writer in a theatre group for schools and has taught English and
Drama in secondary schools both in the UK and in Singapore. He has experienced editing
books of short stories and plays. He has published original short stories and plays and written
literature guide books for secondary students. Currently, he is working on a new collection of
short stories. His interests include music, especially jazz and roots music, and history.
Now I know
more about the
writer.
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL
Synopsis
The story is about a young lady, Anna, who works as a chemist in Amos Cosmetics
factory in New Jersey. She tries different concoctions to create the best perfume. One day, she
accidentally discovers a perfume that can charm men and make them fall in love with her. In
addition to using “the usual mix of flowers and things”, she decides to throw in a piece of
fruitcake into the mixture. The mixture produces a perfume which smells pleasant. Anna dabs a
little of the perfume on the back of her hands and keeps the rest in her handbag. She does not
think too much of it as she knows that she has to make perfumes in a proper way. However, she
later discovers Mr. Amos, her boss, is suddenly attracted to her. He even invites her for dinner
and she accepts it.
That night, she uses her usual perfume called Intrigue for her dinner date. Mr. Amos
behaves strangely when he comes to pick her up at her home. Instead of the friendly and flirty
tone in the office, he seems uninterested. He tries to end the dinner quickly and tells her that it
is a reward for her hard work at the factory. Anna is puzzled at the change in his reaction. She
thinks it has something to do with the perfume she is wearing. She excuses herself to go to the
restroom and applies a generous dab of the new perfume she has concocted. The perfume has
the same effects on a waiter, who also declares his love for her. Upon returning to her table, she
discovers Mr. Amos is once again besotted by her. Anna realises now that the perfume is
responsible for his strange behaviour. When she returns to the table, she finds Mr. Amos with
Sabina, a beautiful and young model. All of a sudden, Mr. Amos declares his love for Anna and
the waiter too starts singing to her. Soon, a fight starts between Sabina, Mr. Amos, the waiter.
Several waiters try to calm things down. Anna decides to leave the restaurant immediately and
returns home.
The next day, she takes leave and investigates the fruitcake. Her conversation with Aunt
Mimi reveals that Aunt Mimi actually buys the fruitcake from a strange old lady who uses a
secret ingredient. Unfortunately, it is impossible to find the old woman as she has passed away
recently. Two days later, Anna returns to work. She meets Sabina with Mr. Amos in his office
and Sabina insults her. In anger, Anna splashes the perfume on Sabina. She then resigns from
the company and finds a new job in the factory that produces Intrigue. Sometime later,
Armstrong, the pizza boy who now owns the company, confesses his love for Anna.
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL
Elements
Setting
• Amos Cosmetic factory in New Jersey, USA
Anna works as a chemist designing new perfumes here. When she makes a new perfume with
a little piece of fruitcake as part of the ingredients, she attracts her rich and handsome boss,
David Amos, who has little regard for ordinary people.
• Home
• French restaurant
It is an expensive place for food and drinks. David Amos brought her here for their dinner date.
Both David and the waiter try to win Anna’s love and fight over her.
Aunt Mimi lives in a nice little apartment on the other side of town. She wants to help Anna find
a suitable husband.
Themes
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• Physical attraction/superficial love versus true love
David Amos has only been attracted to pretty young models in the past. However, after Anna
wears the special perfume, he becomes physically attracted to Anna and thinks that he loves
her. So does the waiter at the French restaurant who smells her perfume. Anna does not
believe it because she knows that David Amos does not like plain girls like her.
In contrast, Armstrong who has fallen in love with Anna when he was only a pizza delivery man,
withholds his declaration of love until he feels that he is worthy of her love. He only dares to
proclaim his love for Anna after he has become successful owner of a pizza company. Anna
realizes that he truly loves her and would be a suitable life partner for herself.
• Integrity/self-respect
Anna rejects both David Amos and the waiter as they are not genuinely concerned about her.
She has integrity and has pride in her own worth. She resigned from her career at Amos
Cosmetics because she did not like the way her employer, David Amos, belittled her ,
particularly in front of his snooty girlfriend, Sabina.
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Values
Can you suggest some moral values after reading the story?
This story is written from the first person point of view. The narrator is also the main character.
The pronoun “I” is used. We see the events from Anna’s perspective. We can experience her
thoughts and feelings.
I like
Tone funny
stories!
The story is narrated in a humorous way.
• Lighthearted/ humorous - …he smiled until I thought his face would break into two
• use of clichés (overused expressions) e.g. I’m crazy about you; You are so
beautiful
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• simple vocabulary; short dialogues; lots of exclamation marks (!); unfinished
sentences (…); use of italics (darling) to show emphasis and unexpected surprise
• American – boss
Simile
The story has several interesting and funny similes e.g. he looked like a dog who had just
found a bone; mouths wide open like a couple of fish, etc.
Stereotypes
Slapstick comedy
Imagery
The fruitcake ingredient makes the sophisticated perfume smell like a glorious mix of all natural,
delicious, inviting and warm smells (like fresh bread and flowers and sunshine all mixed
together).
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL ACTIVITY SS1
Aim
Materials
Worksheet SS1
Steps
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL WORKSHEET SS1
Title of Story:
1. Based on the title, what do you think one problem in the story might be?
2. Based on the title, what types of characters do you expect to be in the story?
3. Do you think the title is suitable? Give reasons for your answer.
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4. If you could change the title of the story, what would it be? Why?
What’s In A Word
Aim
To make predictions about the plot based on the words found in 80 minutes
the text.
Materials
Worksheet SS2
Steps
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL WORKSHEET SS2
What’s In A Word
perfume
fruitcake
chemist
aunt
pizza
factory
boss
apartment
market
old lady
secret
waiter
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________
3. Now read the story and see if your predictions are right!
Setting
Aim
Materials
Worksheet SS3
Steps
Students sit in groups and discuss the setting Teacher can pre
of the story. teach the four
elements in the
Students fill in the graphic organizer with notes worksheet.
on the relevant aspects of setting.
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL WORKSHEET SS3
Setting
Discuss the following elements based on the story you have read. Complete the spaces
provided with details from the story.
TIME PLACE
The
Fruitcake
Special
ENVIRONMENT MOOD
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL ACTIVITY SS4
This Is My Story…
Aim
Materials
Worksheet SS4
Steps
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL WORKSHEET SS4
This Is My Story…
The pictures below are taken from the short story. What do you think the story is about? Are
your predictions correct?
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL ACTIVITY SS5
Story Plot
Aim
Materials
Worksheet SS5
Steps
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL WORKSHEET SS5
Story Plot
Resolutio
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL ACTIVITY SS6
Six-event
Sequence
Aim
Materials
Worksheet SS6
Steps
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL WORKSHEET SS6
Six-event
Sequence
Complete the sequence of the story in the boxes below. Pay attention to the six most
important events.
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL ACTIVITY SS7
Timeline
Aim
Materials
Worksheet SS7
Steps
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL WORKSHEET SS7
Timeline
Sequence the events on the left. Write the correct sequence in the timeline on the right.
The first one has been done for you.
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL ACTIVITY SS8
Materials
Worksheet SS8
Steps
Allow freedom
In groups, ask students to look for four for the
passages with dialogues that say something
about the speaker.
paragraphs to be
chosen.
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL WORKSHEET SS8
Quote
Quote Implies
Implies
Quote
Implies
Quote
Implies
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL ACTIVITY SS9
Character
Factsheet
Aim
Materials
Worksheet SS9
Steps
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL WORKSHEET SS9
Character
Factsheet
The following is a character sheet of the major and minor characters. Tick (/) the
appropriate trait for each character.
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Who is your favourite character? Why?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Character Map
Aim
Materials
Worksheet SS10
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Steps
Character Map
Description Feelings
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Anna
Language Arts
Scramble
Aim
Materials
Worksheet SS11
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Steps
Ask each group to unscramble all the 12 words Scrambled word cards
and write them on a piece of paper and say
“Fruitcake!” when they have finished.
need to be prepared.
Language Arts
Scramble
Unscramble the following words and give examples from the text where relevant.
1) ieimls
2) hteoampr
3) eoisarncnipoitf
4) polt
5) heetm
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6) lmosby
7) ryino
8) rpraagpah
9) flicocnt
10) isnaotntag
11) asitotrgopn
12) nartraor
Who Am I?
Aim
To select the most suitable meaning for each literary element 20 minutes
in a short story
Materials
Worksheet SS12
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Steps
Who Am I?
Can you guess the meaning of these literary elements in short stories?
Match the description in the first column to the correct literary element in the second
column. Write the correct number in the third column.
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writing
7) the opposing force(s) between the protagonist and
falling action
antagonist
8) where a story takes place resolution
9) plot in the story that builds to the climax flat character
rounded
10) the high point of the story when the conflict is resolved
character
11) come across as real people protagonist
12) the force that opposes the protagonist antagonist
13) to chart a course tone
14) position from which the story is told to the reader setting
15) a piece of prose that can be read in one sitting autobiography
16) the main idea or message of the story first person
17) story told from the "he she they" point of view third person
18) stereotype point of view
19) background information symbolism
20) "wrap up" of the story plot short story
Meeting New
Vocabulary
Aim
Materials
Worksheet SS13
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Steps
Meeting New
Vocabulary
In the space provided below, explain the meaning of any three new words you find in the
story.
WORD DRAWING
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Predicted meaning of words:
1_____________________________________________________
2_____________________________________________________
1_____________________________________________________________
2_____________________________________________________________
1_____________________________________________________________
2_____________________________________________________________
Tell Me The
Themes!
Aim
To identify two themes and give evidence from the story to 80 minutes
support the answer.
Materials
Worksheet SS14
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Steps
Sources
Tell Me The
Themes!
Suggest two themes you have learnt from “The Fruitcake Special”. Give evidence from
the story to support your answer. You can use the graphic organiser to complete your
task.
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Themes
Moral Value
Search
Aim
To identify two moral values and give evidence from the story to 20 minutes
support the answer.
Materials
Worksheet SS15
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Steps
Ask each pair to identify two moral values and Groups can
provide supporting evidence from the story. present their
work using
Get pairs to get into groups to compile their
work on mahjong paper. powerpoint
slides and
Get groups to present their work. Provide suitable visuals.
feedback.
Moral Value
Search
In the space provided below, suggest two moral values you have learnt from “The
Fruitcake Special”. Give evidence from the story to support your answer.
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Moral Evidence
Value
THE
FRUITCAKE
Moral SPECIAL
Value Evidence
Anna’s Values!
Aim
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Materials
Worksheet SS16
Steps
Anna’s Values!
In the space provided below, briefly explain how and why Anna’s values changed over
time in the story “The Fruitcake Special”. Support your answer with evidence from the
story. You can draw more bubbles if the space is not enough.
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Anna’s
Values
My Views About
Anna
Aim
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Materials
Worksheet SS17
Steps
My Views About
Anna
In the space provided below, explain why you like Anna in the story “The Fruitcake
Special” and give reasons for your answer.
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Do you like Anna? Explain why.
A To Z Quiz
Aim
Blackboard
Steps
Teacher ticks the correct words that students This activity is best done
have selected. after the text has been
understood and serves
as a wrap-up activity.
Aim
Worksheet SS19
Steps
Below are the ingredients for baking a fruitcake. Think of a special ingredient that has
been added attracted men to Anna.
1/8 teaspoon
1/4 cup dried baking soda
currants
•
1/4 cup packed 1/8 cup chopped dried
brown sugar sultanas
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL ACTIVITY SS20
Story Frame
Summary
Aim
Worksheet SS20
Steps
Story Frame
Summary
Title of story ______________________
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In this story, the problem begins when
After this,
Next,
Then,
Careers For
Women
Aim
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Materials
Worksheet SS21
Steps
Careers For
Women
Task:
1. In groups, select one type of career suitable for women and research on the
following aspects:
- importance
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- qualifications
- job specifications
- challenges
- prospects
(i) Forum on “Career Opportunities for Women”. Note: The forum could
(ii) Debate: “This house believes that the woman’s place is in the home”.
Have I
Understood?
Practice 1
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
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I had never heard my boss speak to me like that before. Or to anybody else, come to
think about it. David Amos is a dark, handsome English guy who would never dream of saying
nice things to ordinary looking girls like me. He preferred to be with pretty young models who
liked his appearance and his money. When he did speak to the chemists he was usually
complaining about something. Was he playing some kind of joke today?
Suddenly he came over right next to me. He spoke in a quiet voice close to my ear.
“You know Anna, I’ve never really noticed it before – I can’t think why – you really are a
beautiful woman!
Mr. Amos. I ….” I tried to answer but I didn’t know what to say.
“No, it’s true, Anna,” he said. “I must see you outside this dull factory. Will you have dinner
with me tonight?”
“Well, I …” I was still too surprised to speak properly.
“That’s great! I’ll pick you up at your place tonight at eight. See you then,” he said.
He was gone before I could say anything.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
4. What do you think this extract shows us about David Amos’s character? Give a reason
for your answer.
___________________________________________________________________
Practice 2
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
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Aunt Mimi. I like my Aunt Mimi, but she simply can’t mind her own business. She has
wanted me to find a husband for ages. She didn’t like the thought of me being single and
having a career. She thought it wasn’t natural for a twenty-seven-year-old woman like me not
to be married. Aunt Mimi thought that the least she could do for me was to find me a husband.
I was used to this by now, but it was still embarrassing.
1. “…but she simply can’t mind her own business”. What does this phrase tell us about
Aunt Mimi?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
4. What do you think is the right age to get married? Give a reason for your answer.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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Practice 3
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
I went to the front door. It was Armstrong, the pizza delivery man. He was holding up a
pizza box which had “Armstrong’s Peachy Pizzas” in big letters on the front.
Armstrong now owned the pizza company.
He explained that he’d fallen in love with me when he first delivered pizza to us; but he
wanted to be a success before asking me out. He said I deserved no less. Then he gave me
some flowers. I never really noticed before, but Armstrong is quite good looking: a bit short
maybe, a little thin on the top – but nobody’s perfect.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________
4. State the most important quality that you look in your life partner? Give a reason for your
answer.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Brochure
Aim : Producing a brochure list of Do’s and Don’ts when going on a date
2. Tell them to discuss the do’s and don’ts when dating someone for the first
time. (see example below). Other possible topics: finding an ideal partner,
making a fruitcake
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT SS3
Debate
Time : 40 minutes
Materials : none
2. Write the motion of the debate on the board e.g. This house believes that
being rich is the most important criteria for a life partner.
4. Both sides take turns to speak on the motion. Any member can speak on
the motion. The teacher keeps a tally and decides on the winner based on
the number of students who participate per group and the maturity of
arguments.
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT SS4
Picture Stories
2. Tell students they are to take photos and to write dialogues of the
characters in the short story using the ‘bubble’ technique.
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT SS5
Bulletin
3. Tell students to promote the short story by including: information about the
author and his works, interviews with the characters in the short story,
reviews of the short story, etc.
Note: Alternatively, all the information are stuck onto a notice board (English
notice board) which will be called a wall magazine.
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT SS6
The Story
Continues…
2. Tell the students to continue the story. They will have to produce a mini
booklet with a few chapters.
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THE FRUITCAKE SPECIAL
Glossary
cosmetics makeup
embarrassment shame, distress, humiliation
Intrigue fascinate
lobster a type of shellfish with large claws
momma mother
O Sole Mio My Sun – my one and only
Romeo a male lover, usually very romantic
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SHORT STORY
Panel of
Writers
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