'Orbital' — Lesson 04: Understanding Anton and Pietro: Emotion, Progress and Human Vulnerability

An editable VCE English and EAL lesson exploring the characterisation of Anton and Pietro in Samantha Harvey’s Orbital.

Students examine Anton’s emotional sensitivity, concealed fear and sense of responsibility to his family and fellow astronauts. They also trace Pietro’s changing ideas about progress, considering its beauty, energy, destructiveness and connection with human pride.

The lesson challenges simple descriptions of Anton as the spacecraft’s “heart” and Pietro as its “mind”, helping students recognise the uncertainty, compassion and vulnerability within both characters.

Includes:

• Editable PowerPoint lesson slideshow
• Editable student worksheet
• Detailed sample answers

This resource is Lesson 4 of the complete 14-lesson Orbital unit but can also be purchased and taught independently.

The novel is not included. This is a digital product supplied as a downloadable ZIP file. Available with an Individual Teacher Licence or Faculty Licence — One Campus.