Poe Gothic Story Writing Workbook

Poe Gothic Story Writing Workbook

Complete workbook that pairs figurative language and craft [of writing] analysis with parallel creative writing practices to guide students through creating their own gothic short stories. Rigorous and relatable.

Craft Atmosphere, Mood, and Symbolism Through Close Reading and Creative Writing

What makes something Gothic — and why do these stories still haunt us?
This workbook helps students uncover how Edgar Allan Poe creates mood, tone, and atmosphere in two of his most famous stories — “The Fall of the House of Usher” and “The Masque of the Red Death.”

Through a blend of literary craft analysis and creative writing, students explore how setting, diction, imagery, and symbolism bring emotion to life. Then, they apply those same techniques in their own original Gothic short story project.

Perfect for fall or spooky-season units, this resource transforms literary analysis into an imaginative creative-writing experience.

🧠 What’s Included

  • 18-page Guided Workbook (Print + Digital)
    Step-by-step lessons that move from reading to imitation to creation.
  • Two Annotated Literary Models
    Excerpts from Usher and The Masque of the Red Death with analysis and device-specific questions.
  • Craft Practice Prompts
    Short, structured writing exercises that reinforce each literary concept (imagery, repetition, diction, symbolism).
  • Pre-Writing Reflection Pages
    “What Haunts You?” prompts that build emotional and thematic foundations.
  • Story Synthesis & Creative Reflection Sections
    Help students evaluate how their story captures mood and theme.
  • Linked Slide Deck Companion
    Slides with modeled passages and visual annotations (for classroom use).

🧩 Skills & Standards Alignment

  • Literary Analysis: Figurative language, mood, tone, and symbolism
  • Creative Writing: Setting, character, conflict, atmosphere, mood, and extended metaphor
  • Critical Thinking: Comparing psychological and symbolic Gothic styles
  • CCSS Alignment: RL.9-12.1, RL.9-12.4, W.9-12.3, W.9-12.9

🕯️ Why You'll Love It

This workbook blends rigor and creativity—students learn close reading through artistic imitation, then take ownership as writers.

It’s adaptable for both ELA and Creative Writing classrooms, making it perfect for:

  • A fall or Halloween writing mini-unit
  • Gothic fiction or American Romanticism units
  • Honors or creative writing electives

Students don’t just study Poe’s Gothic mood—they create their own.

🧷 Pair It With