Edgar Allan Poe Lessons

Practically every short story unit includes literature from Edgar Allan Poe. Most students are familiar with Poe’s reputation, or at least recognize “The Raven” as one of his most famous works. But Poe's works are diverse, and can enhance any literature unit. Take your class beyond their stereotype of Poe, the horror writer, to a discovery of his multifarious literary works. 

Create the Mood

In order to create an engaging and successful Poe unit, I think it is important to focus on how Poe masters the art of language and imagery to create a specific mood, designed to frighten or disturb the reader. I begin with a discussion on mood. As a creative introduction, choose a specific mood and recreate that in your classroom. For example, the day before you begin, dress your room to match. If you focus on a spooky mood, darken the room, add scary sound effects and incorporate Halloween decorations. The next morning, as the class arrives, ask them how the room makes them feel. Although this is a bit time consuming, it is a perfect way to explore how Poe uses specific techniques to create mood.

Connect with Emotion

After that first day, we begin making lists of words that invoke emotion. It can be any emotion: happy, melancholy, shame, fear, indignation etc. I find a few excerpts from stories and poems that contain sensory imagery. In cooperative groups, we identify which words or phrases are intended to induce some kind of reader emotion. As learners become more comfortable with the words and corresponding emotions, I introduce Edgar Allan Poe as our unit writer. In order to establish a solid foundation, we start to explore how Poe came to be such a morbid, but iconic, writer. Biographies are a great source for this exercise. The events of Poe's life might help to shed some light as to some of the reasons why he wrote so many dark stories and poems. One very accurate and interesting video is by A & E.  It is a biography of Poe and his writing. Whenever I use a video, I always give my class some type of study guide. It requires them to pay attention, especially when they know that their grade is involved!

Interact with Poe's Works

Since there is so much to choose from, I typically select a story or poem that is age-appropriate and illustrates key suspense techniques. When teaching about “The Raven,” I discuss Poe's biography and his inspiration. We address the rhyme and the meter as well as the language. In one activity, I give the students a copy of the poem. I have them underline or highlight specific words or phrases that reinforce the mood. As a follow up, I have them write a paragraph explaining their choices.  The result is an activity that not only relates to the unit, but practices active reading and writing as well.  To incorporate technology, try doing a WebQuest or assign a project that requires learners to create a PowerPoint. If you are trying to reach your visual learners, have them compare the written text to a film adaptation. There are several choices for “The Raven.” My favorite is The Simpson’s version. It still aligns with the poem, but has a modern twist.  In general, I recommend using films as much as possible. This generation seems to engage and interact more readily with lessons that incorporate films or video.  

Ideas for a Final Project

A wonderful final project would be to have pupils write their own short stories. Or, they could create a short film, a song, or a painting that reflects the essential questions covered in unit. Small groups could act out one of Poe's stories or poems. Another idea is in the Law and Order lesson plan below. The possibilities are endless! Below you will find more ideas that would work well when you are teaching about Edgar Allan Poe.

Edgar Allan Poe Lesson Plans:

Tales of Edgar Allan Poe

A complete Poe lesson that begins with his biography and finishes with the class creating a project that incorporates both the techniques learned and prior personal experiences. The resource would work well for any unit.

Law and Order: Edgar Allan Poe

So much of Poe's stories center around the perfect crime. Here, your class assumes the roles of judge and jury. Not only do the they interact with the text, they prove their level of comprehension as well.  I think if you have the time, this is a fun way to wrap up your unit.

Perfecting My Pal Poe's Paragraph

Many writers strive to capture their audience with the first line. This lesson does just that.  Using Poe as the example, pupils incorporate his techniques into their own writing. Focusing on just the first paragraph, they write and evaluate how well they use imagery, language, setting etc. This is a great lesson for any creative writing class.