Historical fiction

DEAR OMA ENGLISH ACTIVITY SHEET

Historical fiction

Historical fiction often uses real periods in history, but allows writers to make up their own characters. This is also sometime called ‘Faction’, meaning it is halfway between fact and fiction.

In Dear Oma you heard about Karl’s day on 9 May 1901. Now you can write about one of the other characters. What was their day like?

Choose from:

Katrina

Katrina has to work at the Queen Victoria market early on 9 May before she can enjoy the rest of the day off and watch the procession. What does she do at work? How does she spend time with her friends in the city?

Mama

What is it like for Mama being in Melbourne, unable to speak English and missing her home in Germany?

Papa

What does the day hold for Papa? We know that the Argus was printed on 9 May 1901. Did he have to go into work early before the celebrations? What did he do for the rest of the day?

Oma

What are Oma’s first impressions of Melbourne as she makes her way to the house in Lee Street?

Peng

Peng chooses not to go to the parade, but still has the day off to do what he likes. Describe a typical day for Peng living in Chinatown with his family.

Use can use the following resource to help you:

Life at the time of Federation (National Museum of Australia)

http://www.nma.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/19160/Life_federation_colour.pdf