WebQuest: Wield the Vorpal Blade—Create Your Own Heroic Nonsense Poem

Introduction

     Poetry doesn’t have to make literal sense to be powerful—or hilarious. Lewis Carroll’s Jabberwocky shows how nonsense words, heroic stories, and imagination can spark creativity. In this WebQuest, you’ll explore nonsense poetry and create your own heroic poem. You are the hero—you own the vorpal blade, and you get to slay the monsters in your path.

     Poetry can be a way to claim your identity, fight back against people who try to diminish you, and just have fun doing it. In this game, nonsense words aren’t meaningless—they’re tools to show strength, freedom, and triumph.

Task

Players will:

  1. Analyze nonsensical words and see what they mean.
  2. Invent 5–10 nonsense words of their own.
  3. Write a 4–12 line heroic nonsense poem featuring:
    • A hero (themselves or a persona)
    • A monster or obstacle
    • Nonsense words expressing strength, identity, or triumph
  4. Post their poem online.
  5. Reflect on their poem: what their nonsense words mean, who their hero is, and what their monster represents.

 

Process

 

  1. Read & Understand

 

Example Poem

(Alice with the Vorpal Blade)

 

I’m Alice, with the Vorpal Blade

Galinks, they do not scare

I slurth and riggle ‘mungst the glade

And dance with squiblinged hair

 

Come hisink me

I’ll grillsfunk you

On your tronsmatic head

You monster faggle, raggle-flop

 

Until Galink, you’re dead!



 

Why It Works:

 

  • Shows how to invent nonsense words
  • Demonstrates a clear hero, monster, and action
  • Illustrates empowerment, creativity, and fun
  • Gives students a model without restricting imagination

 

  1. Analyze Meaning
    • Look at nonsense words in both poems.
    • Decide what each word might mean in context.
  2. Invent Nonsense Words
    • Make 5–10 new words.
    • Decide whether each describes action, creatures, or feelings.
  3. Plan Your Poem
    • Decide on your hero and their obstacle.
    • Sketch the action and ending.
  4. Write Your Poem
    • 4–12 lines, playful and heroic
    • Include your nonsense words and a few real words for context
    • Optional: include metaphors for personal struggles or triumph
  5. Reflect & Share
  • Post your poem online.
  • Explain your nonsense words: what they mean, who your hero is, and what your monster represents.

 

Evaluation

 

  • Creativity (40%): Fun, original nonsense words
  • Story & Heroism (30%): Clear hero, monster, and action
  • Engagement (20%): Thoughtful reflection on your own poem
  • Fun & Empowerment (10%): Shows playfulness and personal empowerment

 

Conclusion

Through this WebQuest, you’ve explored how nonsense poetry can be playful, creative, and heroic. You’ve invented words, faced monsters metaphorically, and expressed identity and triumph in a fun, imaginative way. Remember: your vorpal blade isn’t just for monsters—it’s for cutting through ignorance, oppression, and anything that tries to stop you from being yourself.

Credits

 

 

Teacher Page

Purpose:

 

  • Encourage students to explore creativity, fun, and empowerment through nonsense poetry.
  • Help students analyze invented words and express their own identity or triumph in their poems.

 

Instructions for Teachers:

 

  • Students will read Jabberwocky and the example poem (Alice with the Vorpal Blade).
  • They will invent 5–10 nonsense words and write a 4–12 line heroic nonsense poem.
  • Students will post their poems online and reflect on their word choices, heroes, and monsters.

 

Evaluation Rubric:

 

  • Creativity (40%): Original nonsense words and imaginative language
  • Story & Heroism (30%): Clear hero, monster, and action
  • Engagement (20%): Thoughtful reflection on their own poem
  • Fun & Empowerment (10%): Shows playfulness, humor, or personal empowerment

 

Credits / Resources for Teachers: