1) Read the “New Gothic” article excerpt aloud as a class (student readers, taking turns). After you have read the article, the teacher may re-emphasize some passages. Discuss the article. This information may be on next week’s quiz.

2) I have provided 3 gothic short stories (10 copies of each story). The stories are: “Lungewater” (a more classic gothic story), “Martin Roehmar’s Boys” (a Halloween story with a twist), and “Watch and Wake” (an alternate worldview gothic story). Be sure all copies make it back to the piles!

3) In groups of 2 or 3 (no more!) pick two of the short stories and read them aloud in your group (three groups can go in the hall—teacher’s choice).

4) After you have read the two short stories, complete a Venn diagram (two overlapping circles) that compares and contrasts the stories on a single sheet of paper for each group.

5) On the BACK, list examples of how one of the stories you read demonstrates at least three of the five characteristics of American gothic.

American gothic characteristics: 1) image of the swamp (or deserted, barren spaces), 2) fascination with the occult or supernatural, 3) need for physical or moral guidance (America as a ship of state), 4) the abuse of reason and/or science, 5) the “senti-mentalization” of death (obsessive).

Be sure ALL group members’ names are on the paper before you turn it in.

REMINDER: ALL late work from the second six weeks is due on Monday, May 11th!!!