Perfect for American Literature classes, seasonal poetry units, and high school English classes broadly, this analysis worksheet covers a festive, uplifting poem by John Kendrick Bangs titled "Halloween." An answer key is included. In this poem, the writer encourages readers to embrace the fall/autumn season, for it offers opportunities to "forget your sorrows and your wrong" and "reillume the darkened heart." By engaging with this poetry activity, students will:
Conduct research as needed to answer questions related to allusions (e.g., "time for Pippin and for Bob" and "Hunter's moon").
Infer the intended meaning of metaphorical language in context (e.g., "the awesome rod of birch").
Discern the intended effect of words as they are used in the text (e.g., filch and straining).
Describe tone in context.
Apply knowledge of literary devices (e.g., hyperbole).
Articulate how situational irony applies to a given stanza.
Explain the symbolism of ghosts in the context of a given stanza.
Consider themes in context.
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and textual evidence.
Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. (Alternatively, a Google option is available.)
More resources for the Halloween season are available:
Perfect for American Literature classes, seasonal poetry units, and high school English classes broadly, this analysis worksheet covers a festive, uplifting poem by John Kendrick Bangs titled "Halloween." An answer key is included. In this poem, the writer encourages readers to embrace the fall/autumn season, for it offers opportunities to "forget your sorrows and your wrong" and "reillume the darkened heart." By engaging with this poetry activity, students will:
Conduct research as needed to answer questions related to allusions (e.g., "time for Pippin and for Bob" and "Hunter's moon").
Infer the intended meaning of metaphorical language in context (e.g., "the awesome rod of birch").
Discern the intended effect of words as they are used in the text (e.g., filch and straining).
Describe tone in context.
Apply knowledge of literary devices (e.g., hyperbole).
Articulate how situational irony applies to a given stanza.
Explain the symbolism of ghosts in the context of a given stanza.
Consider themes in context.
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and textual evidence.
Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. (Alternatively, a Google option is available.)
More resources for the Halloween season are available:
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