Ideal for units on surreal poetry and the fantasy-romance genre (especially during fall/autumn and Halloween), this poem analysis worksheet helps high school readers interpret "Ghost" by Leona Ames Hill, a tender and nostalgic love poem in which a ghost conveys the means by which it will remain in contact with their loved one. An answer key is included. By engaging with this poetry activity, students will:
Analyze the poet's word choices to infer hidden meanings (e.g., "wander," "subtle," and "bid farewell to light").
Explore elements of surrealism (e.g., phrases like "shuddering pathway of the night").
Make evidence-based inferences about the narrator (e.g., the ghost's mindset as it related to their loved one).
Describe tone in context.
Consider the relationship between meter/structure and mood.
Apply knowledge of literary devices (e.g., ambiguity)
Infer the intended effects of the poet's stylistic techniques (e.g., the decision to use the unclear phrase "loved one").
Explore themes in context.
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence.
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 surreal poetry and the fantasy-romance genre (especially during fall/autumn and Halloween), this poem analysis worksheet helps high school readers interpret "Ghost" by Leona Ames Hill, a tender and nostalgic love poem in which a ghost conveys the means by which it will remain in contact with their loved one. An answer key is included. By engaging with this poetry activity, students will:
Analyze the poet's word choices to infer hidden meanings (e.g., "wander," "subtle," and "bid farewell to light").
Explore elements of surrealism (e.g., phrases like "shuddering pathway of the night").
Make evidence-based inferences about the narrator (e.g., the ghost's mindset as it related to their loved one).
Describe tone in context.
Consider the relationship between meter/structure and mood.
Apply knowledge of literary devices (e.g., ambiguity)
Infer the intended effects of the poet's stylistic techniques (e.g., the decision to use the unclear phrase "loved one").
Explore themes in context.
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence.
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
