“No, I have the misfortune of being an English instructor. I attempt to instill a bunch of bobby-soxers and drugstore Romeos with a reverence for Hawthorne and Whitman and Poe!” Blanche – A Streetcar Named Desire
I’ve always found that quote from “A Streetcar Named Desire” funny. I certainly would not say teaching English is a misfortune, but it definitely has some challenges other subjects don’t have (essay grading, anyone? 150 essays anyone???).
I’ve not had the pleasure of teaching Tennessee Williams, but I have had the pleasure of teaching Hawthorne, Whitman and Poe. Though I must admit, I do find Whitman to be my least favorite of the three. I enjoy Hawthone. I’d like to one day teach his Scarlet Letter, but it generally isn’t a part of the curriculum that I work with.
Poe is my favorite. And his texts, though great for any time of year, are especially perfect for the fall and Halloween season.
However, not all Poe works are created equal, not at all, so if you are looking to engage your students with some resources that are critical-thinking based, engaging, clever and fun (and all texts included!), check out my resources below.
“The Cask of Amontillado”
I actually did not read this Poe story until I was an adult and it immediately became my favorite of his. The dark humor and irony are undeniable as the reader watches Fortunato gleefully stumble to his demise at the hands of Montresor. By the end, I am literally audibly giggling as Fortunato is exclaiming “The amontillado!” Ahhh, Fortunato and the irony of your name.
I have three resources on “The Case of Amontillado.” First, a vocabulary and background PPT activity; there is much in this classic story that students are wholly unfamiliar with and the PPT helps to lay their learning foundation prior to reading the text. Additionally, Poe’s vocabulary is pretty intense and the activity helps build vocabulary skills, which are much needed with most students Second, the analysis questions and full text of the story. The text is well formatted and has a glossary in the side margin to help students with words that are not a part of their initial activity. Lastly, a bundle of both resources that includes everything needed (with a free bonus file!) and saves you money.
“The Tell-Tale Heart”
This is definitely one of Poe’s most well-known works. It’s a great suspenseful tale that is excellent for getting students thinking critically about the narrator—what makes him tick? Is he a cold-blooded murderer? Or…is he insane? First, I have a vocabulary resource for this text. Second, I have a resource with the text of the story and the analysis questions. Third, and this one is my favorite, I created a mock-trial activity for a”The Tell-Tale Heart” that includes an original article to help build student background knowledge prior to beginning their in-depth analysis. The mock trial is a group activity and clearly outlines each group members’ roles and how they are to present their “cases” with textual evidence. It’s a lesson that forces students back into the text in a fun way. Lastly, like “Cask,” I also have a unit bundle of the three resources (with a bonus file) for a discount.
“The Raven”
An engaging poem that easily draws students in with its smooth rhythm and rhymes. No offense to Poe’s “Bells” but “The Raven” is far superior. The narrator’s quick mental descent captures students by the end of the poem, and with my lesson, they play the role of a clinician, diagnose him with an ailment, and create a treatment plan for him.
And…
if you have all you need for your Poe stories but are looking for an introductory activity, then I have you covered there, too!
Check out my Poe Background Building Web Quest to introduce Poe to your students, regardless of the stories or poems that you intend to use!
There is a ton of fun to be had while teaching analytical skills with classic literature! English isn’t all roses and sunshine (that essay grading!) but, while Tennessee Williams’ Blanche said she may be unfortunate to teach English, my hypothesis is that she just didn’t have the right resources at her dramatic fingertips!
Happy Teaching!
M.D. Saints
Reading the Rapids
Liberty Dog Writing Co.
