What are the parts of a poem, and how can identifying them aid analysis?.How do great writers create a mood that readers can feel? How is this evident in 'The Bells' by Edgar Allan Poe?.How can the cycle of life be turned into a an allegory?.What are some ways that onomatopoeia can highlight emotions in poetry?.Why are people afraid of growing old and dying?.The following website provides additional activities, vocabulary guides, and more lesson plan ideas.Essential Questions for “The Bells” by Edgar Allan Poe AssessmentĬomprehension, vocabulary tests, and a written piece Duration Final pieces can be published in a class anthology of 'Edgar Allan Poe-inspired poems'.Īfter successfully completing this activity, students should be able to offer an interpretation of Poe's poem, 'The Bells' that goes beyond the literal, and to identify examples of various literary techniques. They can write their poem independently or in pairs. They should use as many of the literary techniques as they can, and also try to use some new vocabulary.

Share with the class.Īs a writing connection, students will write their own poem, based on the style of Poe. Regroup and share findings.įor homework, students create at least two original examples of each technique. Students break into small groups again to identify and record as many examples as they can find of these literary techniques. Do students recognize any other literary techniques used in the poem? (e.g., alliteration, onomatopoeia, personification, repetition, and internal and end rhyme) 'The Bells' contains many examples of these techniques. They should be allowed time to read their part independently and practice with their group first.)Īs a whole group, discuss the symbolism in the poem. (Students enjoy choral reading the poem in parts. Students, as a whole group, discuss possible meanings of the poem, and the symbolism used by Poe, using the clues of mood and rhythm that they heard during the read-aloud.Īfter the whole-group discussion, students break into small groups to read a copy of the poem, and discuss possible meanings beyond the literal. Students listen to a reading of Edgar Allan Poe's poem, 'The Bells' (either teacher-read or on CD), focusing on the differences in mood and rhythm within and among the stanzas. What literary techniques are commonly used in poetry?.

The bells by edgar allan poe