Use this worksheet to help high school English students analyze a short poem for the Halloween and back-to-school seasons: "Ghost Lore" by Gertrude Wright (originally published in Weird Tales). An answer key is included. This poem explores the origins of supernatural energy, making connections between the paranormal and human psychology. By engaging with this poetry activity, students will:
Define archaic words as they are used in the poem (e.g., wo-bedight).
Make evidence-based inferences.
Discern the intended effects of the author's diction and stylistic choices (e.g., the decisions to capitalize common nouns and incorporate a refrain).
Determine the function of a given detail (e.g., referencing "other creatures yet unborn").
Apply knowledge of poetry/literary devices (e.g., onomatopoeia and personification).
Consider themes in context.
This resource is delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. (Alternatively, a Google Drive option is available.)
More Weird Tales resources for the Halloween season are available:
Use this worksheet to help high school English students analyze a short poem for the Halloween and back-to-school seasons: "Ghost Lore" by Gertrude Wright (originally published in Weird Tales). An answer key is included. This poem explores the origins of supernatural energy, making connections between the paranormal and human psychology. By engaging with this poetry activity, students will:
Define archaic words as they are used in the poem (e.g., wo-bedight).
Make evidence-based inferences.
Discern the intended effects of the author's diction and stylistic choices (e.g., the decisions to capitalize common nouns and incorporate a refrain).
Determine the function of a given detail (e.g., referencing "other creatures yet unborn").
Apply knowledge of poetry/literary devices (e.g., onomatopoeia and personification).
Consider themes in context.
This resource is delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. (Alternatively, a Google Drive option is available.)
More Weird Tales resources for the Halloween season are available:
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