Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Gothic Undercurrents: Herman Melville

This document is a guide to an Annenberg video, but it contains a wealth of information that is also useful independently. These thirty-four pages offer background information and activity suggestions relating to Gothic undercurrents in...

This biography features Edgar Allan Poe who introduced the genre of horror and mystery to literature in the nineteenth century with stories such as "The Raven."

This search engine provides access to more than 3000 items including visual art, audio files, primary source materials, and additional texts supporting and enriching the understanding of American Literature. RI.9-10.9 US Documents,...

Nathaniel Hawthorne is featured in this brief biography highlighting his Puritan family background which inspired his thought provoking writings of the nineteenth century. Click on "Nathaniel Hawthorne Activities" for related resources.

Zora Neale Hurston is featured in this biography highlighting her literary contributions which focused on African Americans as whole people, celebrating their heritage, in an era when black authors tended to write about their...

Video on the life and works of poet Emily Dickinson highlighting her literary contributions which often challenged many of the common beliefs among her peers. Click on "Emily Dickinson Activities" for related materials. Part of a...

American Passages presents a concise biography of nineteenth century progressive American poet, Walt Whitman. See "Walt Whitman Activities" for artifacts and activities.

This unit features the rich oral tradition of Native Americans storytelling in various genres predating the introduction and influence of English writings, bringing three contemporary authors to light. RI.11-12.8 seminal U.S. texts,...

This biography features Mark Twain as a regional realist author, world renown for his ability to portray real Americans in the late nineteenth century. Click "Mark Twain Activities" for artifacts and activities.

This very brief biography features the literary contributions of Ambrose Bierce. Click on "Ambrose Bierce Activities" for related resources.