Ideal for units on surreal poetry and the fantasy-horror genre (especially during fall and Halloween), this poem analysis worksheet helps high schoolers interpret "The Cataleptic" by Charles Layng, a deeply psychological piece addressing the inevitability of death with subtle elements of dark comedy. An answer key is included. By engaging with this poetry activity, students will:
Articulate the greater significance of the poem's title.
Conduct research on Saint Swithin's Night to explain its relevance to the poem.
Infer the intended effect of oxymoronic language (e.g., "gleaming bleakly").
Infer the intended effect of repetition in context (e.g., "lump by lump" and "dimmer, dimmer").
Identify techniques used to generate a surreal atmosphere in the first stanza.
Identify examples of subtly dark comedy.
Reflect on the symbolism associated with a flame.
Articulate the irony associated with imagery (e.g., the tombstone with eyes of flame).
Apply knowledge of literary devices (e.g., epiphany, metaphor, and more).
Contrast the style of one stanza with that of preceding stanzas.
Consider 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-horror genre (especially during fall and Halloween), this poem analysis worksheet helps high schoolers interpret "The Cataleptic" by Charles Layng, a deeply psychological piece addressing the inevitability of death with subtle elements of dark comedy. An answer key is included. By engaging with this poetry activity, students will:
Articulate the greater significance of the poem's title.
Conduct research on Saint Swithin's Night to explain its relevance to the poem.
Infer the intended effect of oxymoronic language (e.g., "gleaming bleakly").
Infer the intended effect of repetition in context (e.g., "lump by lump" and "dimmer, dimmer").
Identify techniques used to generate a surreal atmosphere in the first stanza.
Identify examples of subtly dark comedy.
Reflect on the symbolism associated with a flame.
Articulate the irony associated with imagery (e.g., the tombstone with eyes of flame).
Apply knowledge of literary devices (e.g., epiphany, metaphor, and more).
Contrast the style of one stanza with that of preceding stanzas.
Consider 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
