SAMPLE SNIPPET LESSON PLAN TO:
Introducing the Poetry of Edgar Allan Poe
Using "The Simpsons" and "The Ladykillers"
Subject: Literature/Poetry
Ages: 14+
Length:
Snippet: 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.
Note to Teachers: "The Simpsons" version of The Raven can be used as comic relief at an appropriate time 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: James Earl Jones' voice coupled with the silliness of Homer Simpson will draw students into the weird world of Edgar Allan Poe. Once in, the students can then explore many works of Poe with a mind opened by a popular animated comedy series. Tom Hanks' reading of To Helen in the comedy, "The Ladykillers", will further draw interest to Poe's work for students who may not be moved by simply reading the poem.
Description of the Snippet: "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.
