Introducing the Poetry of Edgar Allan Poe Using Clips from "The Simpsons" Version of The Raven and "The Ladykillers"
Subject: Literature/Poetry;
Ages: 13+; High School Level;
Length: Film Clip: recitation of The Raven from "The Simpsons": 5 minutes; recitation of To Helen from "The Ladykillers": less than 3 minutes; Lesson: from one to three 45 - 55 minute classes, depending on the assignments given.
Excerpts from the Complete Snippet Lesson Plan
The Simpsons' Clip as Comic Relief: "The Simpsons" version of The Raven can be used as a few minutes of comic relief in any lesson on Poe and his poetry. What follows is one suggestion. TWM subscribers should feel free to adopt this lesson plan wholesale or to use parts of it in their own lesson plans.
Learner Outcomes/Objectives: Students will be introduced to the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe through two of his most famous poems: The Raven and To Helen.
Rationale: Students will be introduced to the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe through two of his most famous poems: The Raven and To Helen.
Description of the Film Clip: "The Simpsons" version of Edgar Allan Poe's poem The Raven begins with Lisa Simpson assuring Bart that, although she is about to read from a school book, there is no danger that he will learn anything. She then begins to recite Poe's poem and is voiced-over by the resonant sound of James Earl Jones whose delivery is interrupted by Homer as he flounders about in fear. Bart's visage is suggested in the raven that hops into the room and his voice repeats the famous line, "Nevermore." Marge is shown in a painting titled "Lenore", done in triptych in order to make room for her hair.
The poem is edited to about half of the original but carries the full weight of the message and is enhanced by Homer's antics. At one point Homer pulls books off the shelf entitled "The Purloined Letter," "The Pit and the Pendulum," and "The Telltale Heart," short stories written by Poe, a bust of whom is seen in the background. The episode ends with Homer cowering in his bed, comforted by Marge.
"The Ladykillers" is a 2002 release starring Tom Hanks as a southern gentleman-thief, posing as a scholar to take up residence in a rooming house so that his gang can dig a tunnel into a bank. The film is a comedy. Hanks recites part of To Helen, one of Poe's most beautiful poems, in DVD scene six. The reading of the poem is enchanting. Students will listen.
USING THE FILM CLIP IN THE CLASSROOM
Preparation
1. Review the film clip and to make sure it is suitable for the class. Review the Lesson Plan and decide how to present it to the class, making any necessary modifications.
2. Before class begins, prepare any vocabulary lists that will be used with the lesson as well as class copies of The Raven and To Helen.
3. Become familiar with the location of the clip on the DVD. Cue the DVD to the beginning of the film clip. Make sure that all necessary materials are available.
Step by Step
1. Deliver the biographical information on Poe in a brief lecture or have the class read a brief written biography of the poet.
A short biographical sketch of Edgar Allan Poe is included in the Snippet Lesson Plan at this point.
2. After students have become familiar with the biography of Edgar Allan Poe, show the episode for overall delight unencumbered by the notion that a test may follow. Then distribute the following list of vocabulary words and ask that the students find definitions, either on their own or in groups so that the work can be divided and the definitions shared. This task should be completed prior to the second viewing of the episode.
A comprehensive vocabulary list for The Raven is included in the Snippet Lesson Plan at this point.
3. Once students are familiar with the definitions of the words used in the poem, distribute the complete version of The Raven. Read it with the students, again noting the vocabulary words and making certain that the definitions they have found fit into the context of the poem. For example, the word "gloat" means not only to delight in self-satisfaction; it means to "refract light from". Students may enjoy noting the double meaning,
The Snippet Lesson Plan continues with activities and assignments on The Raven and a discussion and assignment for To Helen.
TeachWithMovies.com's Movie Lesson Plans and Learning Guides are used by thousands of teachers in their classrooms to motivate students. They provide background and discussion questions that lead to fascinating classes. Parents can use them to supplement what their children learn in school.
Each film recommended by TeachWithMovies.com contains lessons on life and positive moral messages. Our Guides and Lesson Plans show teachers how to stress these messages and make them meaningful for young audiences.
Snippet Lesson Plans are based on short subjects or film clips. They are ideal for classroom use because the video segments are less than 40 minutes in length.
Each TWM Snippet Lesson Plan Contains:
- Learner Outcomes/Objectives
- Rationale
- Preparation
- Exact Location of the Clip in the Movie, Film or Video
- Step-by-Step Instructions for Using the Clip in the Classroom
|
Some Snippet LPs simply identify film clips and Internet resources. Others are complete lesson plans with introductions, handouts, discussion questions, and summative assessments.
Learning Guides Feature the Following Sections:
|
- Benefits
- Possible Problems
- Helpful Background
- Building Vocabulary
|
- Discussion Questions
- Links to Internet
- Bridges to Reading
- Assignments & Projects
|
Learning Guides help teachers develop or improve their own lesson plans to maximize students' classroom experience. Many also feature introductions, handouts, and summative assessments.
$1 per month ($11.99 per year) for
Lesson Plans and Learning Guides to hundreds of films.
SUPPLEMENT SCHOOL CURRICULUM!
PROMOTE SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING!
More suggestions about the beneficial use of movies in the Classroom and to supplement curricula are added on a regular basis!
A subscription to TeachWithMovies.com will give teachers access to 350 Snippet Lesson Plans, Learning Guides, and Movie Lesson Plans. Subscribe Today and inspire classes with TWM's Snippet Lesson Plan introducing Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven using The Simpsons and To Helen using Ladykillers.
Already a Member? Login Here
