Introduction
Edgar Allan Poe is known for his dark, Gothic style. His poem, “The Raven,” has assured that his works will “nevermore” be forgotten, but who is the man behind the frightening poetry and prose?
Guiding Question
How did Edgar Allan Poe’s life influence his signature dark style?
Questions
1. Who was John Allan, and what was his relationship to Edgar Allan Poe? How did he influence him?
2. Before he became a writer, what were 2 to 3 of Poe’s early jobs?
3. Who was Virginia Clemm? What was her relationship to Poe?
4. Which character in one of Poe’s poems is thought to be based on Virginia Clemm?
5. What are at least 5 major works (poem, story, essay) by Poe?
6. Poe is famous for writing in the Gothic genre; what other Genres did he write in?
7. Read “The Raven.” What are at least three literary devices that he uses in the poem?
8. The poem references the “Night’s Plutonian shore.” To what does this line allude? With the allusion in mind, what do you think it means?
9. Find and read “Annabel Lee.” Who are at least THREE possible candidates for the real person Annabel Lee represented?
10. Why do you think the rhyme structure in the poem is uneven?
11. How and when did Poe die?
Internet Resources
A Brief Sketch: Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe
Wikipedia: Edgar Allan Poe
Virginia Clemm Biography
Poetic Devices
Biography (and Works)
Links to Works of Poe's
"Collected Works of the Master of the Macabre"
Activities
1. Make a chart comparing and contrasting Virginia Clemm and Annabel Lee.
2. Write an obituary for Edgar Allan Poe, making sure to mention important moments and figures in his life.
3. Re-read “The Raven” and make a chart. In the first column list all of Poe’s allusions. In the second column, explain what the allusions mean and for what effect you think he uses them in the poem.
4. Read “The Pit and the Pendulum” and write a short essay comparing Poe’s prose style to his poetry style.
5. Imagine that Poe had stayed in the military. Write a short story in which you imagine what he would have been like as an officer (keeping in mind his creepy tendencies.)
Aliza Aufrichtig (Teacher) and Patrick Buddeberg (AP student) collaborated to develop this web hunt.
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