Choose to read one of the following short stories or poems by Edgar Allan Poe and write a minimum of 25 words in response to it. You can write a brief summary, explain what you liked about it or disliked about it, ask questions about what you found confusing, or compare it to other horror stories and movies. Your response should include specifics on what you read and you will be graded on the quality of your comment. Your response is worth 25 points and will be added in my grade book as an extra credit quiz. You may do as many as two different readings. If I feel you can add more to a comment, I will reply asking for more detail. Get reading get blogging!
It's October ; so what better way to celebrate Halloween than by reading from the father of the horror story. Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston in 1809, which is why most literary critics (especially those from Boston) like to consider him a New England poet. But he really spent most of his time living in Baltimore, Maryland. Poe's life was filled with the loss of loved ones: his parents, his adopted mother, and his beloved wife, which most likely influenced much of his dark style of writing. His words provide both the dark side of human actions and an intimate look at haunting grief. Here are a few of my favorite Edgar Allan Poe stories and poems that I think you will enjoy.
"The Masque of the Red Death"- a short story about a silly prince who invites the richest and most powerful people in his kingdom to hide from a horrible plague called "red death". While the rest of his kingdom suffers from this horrible and fatal disease, the prince and his friends throw a costume party and dance the night away until an univited guest appears at the stroke of midnight.
"The Black Cat"- a short story about a man who loves animals until a flaw in his personality begins to take shape and he turns abusive on his once beloved pets. One pet, the black cat, returns to haunt the man and to ultimately "call him out" on his wicked deeds.
"The Tell- Tale Heart- a short story where the narrator warns you in the first sentence that he wasn't mad (crazy). That is never a good sign! This is one that 8th grade teachers will be reading next week to celebrate Halloween and Alex Santos's book club with librarian Ms. Esposito will also be reading this particular Poe. See Alex to find out which morning the book club will be meeting! I think he mentioned something about munchkins...
"The Raven"- probably Poe's most famous poem written about a lost women named "Lenore". The narrator is mourning this loss when he is visited (or haunted) by a black bird who repeats the word "nevermore" much to the narrator's displeasure.
"Annabelle Lee" the final published poem by Edgar Allan Poe. It is hauntingly beautiful verse about being left behind by a lost love.
You can find any of these stories and poems in one of my Edgar Allan Poe collections in class. You can also borrow a copy from the library or search the web. It will be worth the hunt to read any of his short stories or poems. Post here if you find one you really like or if you have questions about ones you have read. Don't get overwhelmed by the vocabulary; keep reading and follow context clues to decipher the meanings. Good luck and good reading!
