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The English Patient with the desert as setting and the war as background

2000
The focus of this project is to analyse the setting of the novel, The English Patient through the integrated curriculum approach of Literature, Geography and History. As such, the setting of the desert is no longer just a stage for the events to take place but seen as a motif that represents the inner turmoil of the characters. Its destitution and heart of tumult beneath its calm and parched exterior seems also to burrow itself deep into the natures of its character prisoners. The desert is that force that tugs and pulls at the characters making them behave in ways that they themselves cannot explain. For this purpose, this project gives a very detailed account of the story of The English Patient as well as a factual write-up on the formation and features of the desert, the behaviour of the dust storms and the survival of the inhabitants of the desert. Also included is the fascinating factual account of The Cave of Swimmers and a time-line of World War II with a write-up of the Battle of El Alamein. In the area of Literature, there is a brief write-up on the characters, themes and plot. Also included are three literary critical essays on the novel. A special feature of this project is the Adventure Game section. By playing the role of Almasy, the player has to make decisions in order to survive in the desert. A wrong decision would endanger the expedition and bring about death.