Edgar Allan Poe

•Poe’s Background•Students•Assignments•Teacher’s Page•Resources/Links

Did you know?At 27 years old, Edgar Allan Poe married his 13-year-old cousin Virginia Eliza Clemm on May 16, 1836, in Richmond, Va.

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Poe’s Background• Edgar Allan Poe, who was born on

Jan. 19, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts, authored more than 100 poems and short stories during his lifetime. Poe was a master of the short story, and the inventor of the modern detective story. However, Poe is most remembered for his skillful use of macabre and chilling tone, pacing, and emphasis. His writing resembles an allegorical dance with death.

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Did you know?Edgar Allan Poe died on Oct. 7, 1849, in Baltimore, MD.

Poe’s Background• Most of Poe’s work shows a keen

interest in the macabre, blending the melancholy of the human heart with the fantastic in clear, lucid prose. “The Raven” (1845), Poe’s masterpiece, illustrates this perfectly. It tells a chilling tale of a man haunted by deaths - past and future. Other poems convey the theme of loss and lamentation. Though a poet by inclination, Poe turned to the more lucrative genre of short stories, where he was similarly prolific.

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Did you know?Written in 1845, “The Raven” is certainly Edgar Allan Poe’s best known work.

Poe’s Background• Poe’s short stories examine horror and

evil, both as a palpable external force, and a malevolent cancer in the human heart. His recurring master detective, Auguste Dupin is seen as the direct antecedent to Conan Doyle’s more famous creation, Sherlock Holmes. … Although he lived a short and tragic life, Edgar Allan Poe remains today one of the most-beloved mystery writers in history. His contributions to literature and the mystery genre cannot be underestimated.

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Did you know?Both of Edgar Allan Poe’s birth parents died before his fourth birthday.

Students• The Edgar Allan Poe Project for this

American Literature classroom provides you the opportunity to relish and marvel at the writings of one of the greatest minds of 19th century America. Although Poe died before his time, his imprint on America is linked with the hundreds and hundreds of poets and mystery writers throughout our country.

• Go to Introduction and begin your work.

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Did you know?Edgar Allan Poe had a brother (William Henry Poe) and a sister (Rosalie Mckenzie Poe).

Assignments• Introduction• Task• Process• Evaluation• Conclusion• Teacher’s Page

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Introduction• William Peter Blatty, Ray Bradbury , and

Stephen King wrote many thrilling and frightful horror stories in the last half of the 20th century, and they continue to do so into the 21st century. But if it had not been for Edgar Allan Poe, these men might not have achieved the level of success they have reached today. Poe provided future authors a glimpse of what lurked in the macabre world of his mind from his writings.

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Task• The Croswell Opera House in Adrian, Mich.,

will host an Edgar Allan Poe Gala in January 2009, celebrating the 200th birthday of Poe. The Croswell Opera House Poe Committee has scheduled a meeting for next month, and they would like your group of four members to present your ideas to the committee. Yes, the gala event is not scheduled until January 2009, but as they say, “the early bird catches the worm.”

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Task

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• The Croswell Opera House Poe Committee has recommended each group present the following:

1. A historic timeline of Edgar Allan Poe’s life, highlighting important dates in America’s history during the author’s life.

2. An artist’s rendition of what Poe looked like in his latter years, using paint, charcoal, or any other means possible.

3. A scene re-enactment of one of Poe’s poems or short stories to show the committee the artistic level of your group to understand Poe’s meaning.

4. How did Poe’s personal demons, the tragic events in his life, influence his many writings? A 500-word essay to be read to the Poe Committee.

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Task• Then, your group will present the timeline,

the artwork, the re-enactment, and the essay paper to the Poe Committee (your classmates).

• Once you have submitted your work to the Poe Committee, your teacher will provide your grade within a week’s time.

• Enjoy the challenge. The Croswell Opera House Poe Committee wishes your group the best of luck, and let the fun begin!

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Process• Okay, now the real fun begins. First, the

members of your group must research and know as much as possible about Edgar Allan Poe, which means your group must get down and dirty – and do some research.– Read a sampling of Poe’s works, either short stories or

poems.• http://www.eapoe.org/works/index.htm• http://www.pambytes.com/poe/poe.html

– Someone from your group must also gather research on America during Poe’s lifetime.

• http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/history/toc.htm• http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi

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Process• Once your group has finished reading a sampling

of Poe’s writings and researching America for the timeline, you must prepare for the artist’s rendition of Poe to present to the Poe Committee.– Visit the following Web sites to view different

illustrations, paintings, busts, etc., of Poe:• www.yahoo.com• www.google.com

• If you read a sampling of Poe’s short stories and poems, you have an idea of which scene you would like to re-enact for the Poe Committee. If not, go back and review the readings on the previous slide.

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Evaluation• If you would like to see how your group is

progressing, click on Rubric and go to the appropriate link. If you feel your group is reaching the goals in the Rubric, continue with your project. If you feel you are not reaching your potential based on the Rubric, please see your teacher for further instruction or help. Your group will be evaluated accordingly, and each member of the group will be able to evaluate each other , noting such things as participation and working within a group setting.

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Student Rubric

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Edgar Allan Poe Project for American Literature ExcellentExcellent FairFair GoodGood PoorPoorA historic timeline of Edgar Allan Poe’s life, highlighting important dates in America’s history during the author’s life.

Collected all information needed to apply biographical data to the reading selection plus accurately and clearly to the timeline.

Collected most of information needed and information meets most but not all needs in application to the reading selection or for creation of timeline.

Collected some information but information is unclear in application to the reading selection or for creation of timeline.

Did not collect information needed for apply biography to reading selection or for creation of timeline.

An artist’s rendition of what Poe looked like in his latter years, using paint, charcoal, or any other means possible.

Product reflects collection of all data needed and is well organized both in information and graphic appeal.

Product reflects collection of most data needed and is organized but lacks either clarity or graphic appeal.

Product reflects collection of most data needed and is organized but lacks clarity and graphic appeal.

Product does not reflect collection of data needed and is not organized, lacks clarity and graphic appeal.

A scene re-enactment of one of Poe’s poems or short stories to show the committee the artistic level of your group to understand Poe’s meaning.

Uses original approach effectively and is highly organized. Well rehearsed showing ease in delivery and adequate preparation.

Uses original approach effectively and is highly organized but shows lack of rehearsal with inadequate delivery and preparation.

Approach is less than effective and shows little organization. Some evidence of rehearsal but lacks delivery.

Approach is not effective and shows minimum organization. Little evidence of rehearsal and lacks delivery.

How did Edgar Allan Poe’s personal demons, tragic events in his life, influence his many writings? A 500-word essay to be read to the Poe Committee.

Well-written piece. Presentation was effective and student use showed expertise.

Well-written piece. Presentation was effective and student use showed lack of expertise.

Average written piece. Presentation was not best choice for selection and was not as effective as other mediums. Student use showed lack of expertise.

Poorly written piece. Presentation was not effective. Student use showed lack of expertise

Individual student worked cooperatively with team members and participated in elements of the project.

Student worked well with group. Student input was accurate and timely. Student participated in all aspects of the project.

Student worked well with group. Student input was accurate and timely. Student did not participate in all aspects of the project.

Student did not work well with group. Student input was accurate and timely. Student did not participate in all aspects of the project.

Student did not work well with group. Student input was not always accurate and/or timely. Student did not participate in all aspects of the project.

Conclusion• Congratulations! Your group will prepare for the Poe Gala

Celebration in January 2009! Your group can also say you are an expert on Edgar Allan Poe. Here are a few Web sites you can visit to learn more about Poe, his work, and his lifestyle.– E. A. Poe Society of Baltimore– Poe’s Virtual Library– Edgar Allan Poe’s House of Usher– Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site– Edgar Allan Poe Museum – Richmond, Virginia– Edgar Allan Poe – Collected Works of the Master of the Macabr

e– Edgar Allan Poe– The Poe Studies Association– American Masters Edgar Allan Poe/PBS– Edgar Allan Poe: Once Upon a Midnight, starring John Astin

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Teacher’s Page• Introduction:

– The lesson includes activities designed to allow students to investigate the life of Edgar Allan Poe and apply their research for the assignment based on his works.

– Students will read biographies, short stories, and poems. They will create dramas and produce documents based on their understanding of the selections read and their research on Poe.

• Learners:– Students will read selected

works of Poe.– After reading Poe’s

biography and developing an understanding of the lifestyle of Poe, students will share their information on Poe through drama, art, and public speaking.

– This assignment integrates language arts, computers skills, art, drama, and elements of character education.

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Teacher’s Page• Process:

– Students will read about Poe and his history. Students will also research the history of the United States during his lifetime to create a timeline.

– Students will re-enact a scene from one of Poe’s poems or short stories based on their research.

– Students will draw, paint, create an image of Poe through art.

– Students will write a 500-word essay on Poe’s life and its effects on his writing.

• Resources:– Click here.– Additional resources

include:• Books of poetry and

short stories from Edgar Allan Poe.

• Computer access with Internet access as well.

• Art access, either art room or classroom, with supplies to create artwork.

• Evaluation:– Click here.

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Teacher’s RubricEdgar Allan Poe Project for American Literature ExcellentExcellent FairFair GoodGood PoorPoorResearch of Biographical Information to create timeline based on Poe and United States of America from 1800-1850.

Collected all information needed to apply biographical data to the reading selection plus accurately and clearly to the timeline.

Collected most of information needed and information meets most but not all needs in application to the reading selection or for creation of timeline.

Collected some information but information is unclear in application to the reading selection or for creation of timeline.

Did not collect information needed for apply biography to reading selection or for creation of timeline.

Group presentation convinces the audience to include the selection in the upcoming theatre presentation of Poe.

Uses original approach effectively and is highly organized. Well rehearsed showing ease in delivery and adequate preparation.

Uses original approach effectively and is highly organized but shows lack of rehearsal with inadequate delivery and preparation.

Approach is less than effective and shows little organization. Some evidence of rehearsal but lacks delivery.

Approach is not effective and shows minimum organization. Little evidence of rehearsal and lacks delivery.

The artwork suited the reading selection and team made good use of it in presentation.

Presentation of artwork was effective and student use showed expertise.

Presentation of artwork was effective and student use showed lack of expertise.

Presentation of artwork was not best choice for selection and was not as effective as other mediums. Student use showed lack of expertise.

Presentation medium/mode was not effective. Student use showed lack of expertise.

The essay prepared depicts Poe’s lifestyle, showing research and knowledge of subject and relating his writing to his every-day struggle.

Group offered well-written piece with well-described action to bring piece to life. An interesting, highly organized piece of writing.

Group offered well-written, interesting piece. It has accurate description and keeps the readers’ interest.

Group offered an acceptably written piece, readable. Some description is incorporated into the piece, but not much.

Group offered piece which lacks facts, information about historic figure. It is confusing and difficult to read.

Individual student worked cooperatively with teammates and participated in elements of the project.

Student worked well with partner and group. Student input was accurate and timely. Student participated in all aspects of the project.

Student worked well with partner and group. Student input was accurate and timely. Student did not participate in all aspects of the project.

Student did not work well with partner and/or group. Student input was accurate and timely. Student did not participate in all aspects of the project.

Student did not work well with partner and/or group. Student input was not always accurate and/or timely. Student did not participate in all aspects of the project.

Project overall was professional in both print and non-print components.

Project included all components and was presented to the class in a timely professional manner.

Project included all components and was presented to the class but lacked professional qualities needed to be considered superior.

Project included most all components and was presented to the class but lacked professional qualities needed to be considered sufficient.

Project did not include most all components and was presented to the class but lacked professional qualities needed to be considered sufficient or limited.

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Teacher’s Page• Thank you. Additional links contributed to this

project:– Edgar Allan Poe – Biography, Books, and Other Works– Edgar Allan Poe

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Resources/Links• E. A. Poe Society of Baltimore

• Poe’s Virtual Library• Edgar Allan Poe’s House of Usher• Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site• Edgar Allan Poe Museum – Richmond, Virginia• Edgar Allan Poe – Collected Works of the Master of the Ma

cabre• Edgar Allan Poe• The Poe Studies Association• American Masters Edgar Allan Poe/PBS• Edgar Allan Poe: Once Upon a Midnight, starring John Asti

n

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