Ideal for units on poetry and the fantasy-horror genre (especially during fall and Halloween), this poem analysis worksheet helps high school ELA students explore "The Woods of Averoigne" by Grace Stillman (published in Weird Tales in 1934 and inspired by the works of Clark Ashton Smith). An answer key is included. This ominous, forest-set poem focuses on the enticements of evil and incorporates mythological and folkloric figures associated with Halloween. By engaging with this poetry activity, students will:
Define a French term to ensure reading comprehension (e.g., loup-garou).
Isolate examples of compelling imagery and identify a common thread.
Discern the intended effects of word choices in context (e.g., wan).
Discern the intended effect of the poet's stylistic choices (e.g., repetition).
Conduct research to answer a question about an allusion (e.g., Averoigne).
Consider the symbolism associated with an object (e.g., an oak tree).
Explain the greater significance of a given detail (e.g., the fact that evil has penetrated "the foliage of the oak").
Articulate the narrator's internal conflict.
Apply knowledge of literary devices (e.g., ambiguity).
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 poetry and the fantasy-horror genre (especially during fall and Halloween), this poem analysis worksheet helps high school ELA students explore "The Woods of Averoigne" by Grace Stillman (published in Weird Tales in 1934 and inspired by the works of Clark Ashton Smith). An answer key is included. This ominous, forest-set poem focuses on the enticements of evil and incorporates mythological and folkloric figures associated with Halloween. By engaging with this poetry activity, students will:
Define a French term to ensure reading comprehension (e.g., loup-garou).
Isolate examples of compelling imagery and identify a common thread.
Discern the intended effects of word choices in context (e.g., wan).
Discern the intended effect of the poet's stylistic choices (e.g., repetition).
Conduct research to answer a question about an allusion (e.g., Averoigne).
Consider the symbolism associated with an object (e.g., an oak tree).
Explain the greater significance of a given detail (e.g., the fact that evil has penetrated "the foliage of the oak").
Articulate the narrator's internal conflict.
Apply knowledge of literary devices (e.g., ambiguity).
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
