Introduction
It is impossible to say how first the idea entered my brain, but once conceived it haunted me day and night. Object there was none. Passion there was none. I loved my Freshmen English class. They had never wronged me. They had never given me insult. For their behavior I had no problem. I think it was their low grades!
Yes, it was this! Some of their grades resembled that of a vulture - a pale blue 'F' with a film over it. Whenever I wrote the 'F' my blood ran cold, and so by degrees, very gradually, I made up my mind to improve the grades of my Freshmen English class with an Edgar Allan Poe lesson that would incorporate a webquest with questions, and thus rid the class of 'Fs' forever.
Task
Use the links to the websites provided in order to complete the webquest.
Process
1. Provide the following biographical information:
- birthdate
- birthplace
- death date
2. What tragic childhood events influenced Poe's writing?
3. There are 13 theories about the cause of Poe's death. List five of them.
4. According to the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, what state did Poe call home?
5. What does the Poe Society of Baltimore think about this claim?
6. What famous military academy expelled Poe in 1831?
7. Who did Poe marry? How old was she?
8. What do you think about the marriage?
9. What is "Murders in the Rue Morgue" the first of?
10. When were "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Black Cat" written?
11. When was "The Raven" published?
12. Sign the guestbook at poestories.com.
13. Listen to the audio version of "The Raven." What do you think of it?
14. Who is the Poe Toaster?
15. List five examples of "Poe in Your Life."