Poe: The Master of Horror Readings Workshop 6 Poe: The Master of Horror Readings

Preview story elements A short story like “The Fall of the House of Usher” is a brief work of literary fiction. To understand a short story, consider these elements:

Setting = where/when the story takes place Describe the setting of the story

Characters = the people in the story How would you describe Roderick Usher?

Plot = sequence of events What do you think happens to Roderick Usher after the story ends?

Define theme Theme is the important message that the author wants to express to readers. As we begin to understand the characters and plot, we’ll think more closely about Poe’s message about isolation and mental health.

Theme = an important message Theme 1: Isolating yourself can cause mental problems. Theme 2:

Close reading: Story Elements Let’s think about the setting, characters, plot, and theme of the story. We’ll keep track of these elements on the graphic organizer to help us understand the story better.

Craft and structure: symbolism A symbol is a something that has meaning but stands for something else. The House of Usher is falling apart. The walls are crumbling, the bridge creaks. Like Usher, the house seems to be dying.

Make inferences I think that Madeline _______________. The evidence from the story that led me to this conclusions is ________________.

Craft and structure: rhyme Many poets use rhyme. What are some examples of poems or songs that use rhyme? Look at the use of rhyme in the first stanza of “from ‘The Haunted House’”

Craft and structure: Theme Theme is the writer’s message. The castle in this poem is isolated, creepy, and crumbling, just like the House and Usher. The poet warns people to stay away from the castle or be haunted forever. The poet conveys a similar message to Poe’s message about how strange things can happen in an extremely isolated location.

Foreshadowing

Point of View

Mood/Tone

Conflict

Read and answer the questions to the best of your ability. Comprehensive summative assessment: Workshop 6 – Poe: The Master of Horror Read and answer the questions to the best of your ability. This is an OPEN BOOK test and you may refer back to the stories. The workshop starts on page 148. Remember to look at the boxes on the side!!