Ideal for units on Gothic horror poems (especially during fall/autumn and Halloween), this poetry analysis worksheet helps high school readers interpret "Ears of the Dead" by James Arthur, a cautionary piece originally published in Weird Tales that explores the concept of death as a vengeful force that has no earthly limitations. An answer key is included. By engaging with this poetry activity, students will:
Interpret uncommon phrases (e.g., "dark designs").
Identify a detail that evokes serpent imagery.
Describe tone in context.
Discern the greater significance of given details (e.g., "nor do they brandish spears / Fashioned from ore of any earthly mines").
Infer the intended effect of the poem's rhyme scheme and meter.
Determine the functions of given details and stanzas.
Apply knowledge of literary devices (e.g., onomatopoeia).
Make evidence-based inferences about the poet's attitude toward death.
Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. (Alternatively, a Google option is available.)
More Weird Tales resources for the Halloween season are available:
"Out of the Grave" by Eldridge Morton - Google and printable
"The Dogs of Salem" by David H. Keller - Google and printable
"The Graveyard Rats" by Henry Kuttner - Google and printable
"The Vow on Halloween" by Lyllian Huntley Harris - Google and printable
"The Werewolf Snarls" by Manly Wade Wellman - Google and printable
Ideal for units on Gothic horror poems (especially during fall/autumn and Halloween), this poetry analysis worksheet helps high school readers interpret "Ears of the Dead" by James Arthur, a cautionary piece originally published in Weird Tales that explores the concept of death as a vengeful force that has no earthly limitations. An answer key is included. By engaging with this poetry activity, students will:
Interpret uncommon phrases (e.g., "dark designs").
Identify a detail that evokes serpent imagery.
Describe tone in context.
Discern the greater significance of given details (e.g., "nor do they brandish spears / Fashioned from ore of any earthly mines").
Infer the intended effect of the poem's rhyme scheme and meter.
Determine the functions of given details and stanzas.
Apply knowledge of literary devices (e.g., onomatopoeia).
Make evidence-based inferences about the poet's attitude toward death.
Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. (Alternatively, a Google option is available.)
More Weird Tales resources for the Halloween season are available:
"Out of the Grave" by Eldridge Morton - Google and printable
"The Dogs of Salem" by David H. Keller - Google and printable
"The Graveyard Rats" by Henry Kuttner - Google and printable
"The Vow on Halloween" by Lyllian Huntley Harris - Google and printable
"The Werewolf Snarls" by Manly Wade Wellman - Google and printable
