The Art of Horror
Throughout this unit we will be exploring the themes and concepts behind classic and contemporary horror/science fiction/suspense writing and film making
As we read, work and discuss, consider the following question:
What is the fundamental ingredient for an effective horror story?
and
What is your personal definition of horror?
Throughout this unit we will be exploring the themes and concepts behind classic and contemporary horror/science fiction/suspense writing and film making
As we read, work and discuss, consider the following question:
What is the fundamental ingredient for an effective horror story?
and
What is your personal definition of horror?
TED Talks and Short Videos
Throughout our unit on Horror, we will watch a variety of short videos. If you have a suggestion for a TED talk for video, please let me know! I'm always on the lookout for good content!
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The 'Psychology of Evil' TED Talk contains graphic photographs of torture. When it is shown in class, these images will be obscured. If you watch this on your own time, be warned.
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Shirley Jackson: Classic Horror
Shirley Jackson (1916-1965) is responsible for many of the traditions, tropes and mainstays of the horror genre. Her work inspired authors such as Stephen King, Richard Matheson, and countless modern horror writers.
After reading "The Lottery" write a full page: Who was right and who was wrong? Examine the story from the differing points of view of the different parties? What causes them to behave in the way they do? Use textual evidence to support your assertion. Do certain characters carry more blame in this story than others? Are any truly innocent?
the_lottery.pdf | |
File Size: | 22 kb |
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For "Charles" the questions are at the end of the download.
jackson_charles_w_questions.docx | |
File Size: | 34 kb |
File Type: | docx |
For "The Witch" the writing prompt is located at the end of the download below.
the_witch_w_questions.doc | |
File Size: | 35 kb |
File Type: | doc |
For "Paranoia" please see the end of the download for the writing prompt.
paranoia_shirley_jackson.docx | |
File Size: | 26 kb |
File Type: | docx |
For 'The Possibility of Evil' write a full page: What inspires Miss Strangeworth's actions? Psychosis? Impulse? Urge to Incite drama? Is her behavior a sign that she is capable of other, more destructive or dangerous behavior? Use textual evidence to support your argument.
possibilityofevil.docx | |
File Size: | 69 kb |
File Type: | docx |
For "What a Thought" write a full page: Are Margaret's actions the result of impulse or psychosis? What is the difference between the two? Use textual evidence to support your answer.
what-a-thought.docx | |
File Size: | 24 kb |
File Type: | docx |
"The Sorcerer's Apprentice"
Sadly, this story is not available online. See me for a hard copy.
Write 1 full page: Compare Krishna and Johnny from "The Witch". In what ways are these children similar? Are these two children 'typical' in their behavior or is Shirley Jackson highlighting especially deviant or unusual children?
Sadly, this story is not available online. See me for a hard copy.
Write 1 full page: Compare Krishna and Johnny from "The Witch". In what ways are these children similar? Are these two children 'typical' in their behavior or is Shirley Jackson highlighting especially deviant or unusual children?
For the viewing of the 1963 classic "The Haunting" based on Shirley Jackson's novel The Haunting of Hill House, write a full page: How much of the horror/fear in the story is supernatural and now much is psychological? Does Eleanor's quirky, isolated, fearful personality drive the action? To what extent is this film a psychological horror story and to what extent is it supernatural? How do the other personalities in the house fuel the action? Do Theo, Mr. Markham, Grace Markham, Luke, Eleanor's sister and brother-in-law, even her little niece antagonize Eleanor or are they just managing her odd behavior?
You do not need to respond to every bit of this prompt, but use it as inspiration while you write. If you miss the viewing of the film in class you are responsible for finding a way to watch it. It is out there on the wide internet universe.
You do not need to respond to every bit of this prompt, but use it as inspiration while you write. If you miss the viewing of the film in class you are responsible for finding a way to watch it. It is out there on the wide internet universe.
jackson-shirley-the-haunting-of-hill-house.pdf | |
File Size: | 949 kb |
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Would a comprehensive, standards based, research backed Shirley Jackson lesson plan be of use to you? Here you go!
shirleyjacksonlessonplan.docx | |
File Size: | 16 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Digital Media Project:
You have read excerpts of The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, and now you will work in groups to write the rest of the story. Use what we have read to write another section of the story and outline it in Storybird. Be creative, you are writing and presenting a scene from any point in The Haunting of Hill House that could potentially happen given the characters, setting and context introduced in the exposition of the story. Have some fun with this. I will be grading based on your creation of a coherent, creative story and your effort in using Storybird. This is the first time we are using this presentation medium, I do not expect perfection. |
Richard Matheson: Defining the Monster
Richard Matheson (1926-2013) is responsible for some of the most defining horror writing in the American canon. His work has influenced countless modern-day writers including Stephen King, Joe Hill and Anne Rice.
I Am Legend
We will read excerpts from Matheson's classic novella. Ignore what you think you might know of this story from any and all film adaptations, in this case, there truly is no substitution for the written word.
We will read excerpts from Matheson's classic novella. Ignore what you think you might know of this story from any and all film adaptations, in this case, there truly is no substitution for the written word.
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I highly recommend that you read the entire novella, the pdf is available here:
i-am-legend.pdf | |
File Size: | 287 kb |
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Digital Media Projects:
Analyzing Robert Neville
What mental ailments and environmental conditions may be affecting Robert Neville? In your groups, research his behavior and symptoms. Analyze and make a determination of what a mental health professional might say about Robert Neville as the story progresses. We will create informative, creative presentations using Emaze. |
Monster Analysis
In your groups, you will be assigned a particular monster. Your job is to research the historical/cultural roots of this particular monster, the mythology surrounding it, and provide a compelling, research based reason as to why this monster is relevant today. You can use any presentation tool that you choose. |
Stephen King: The Modern Classic
Stephen King (1947-present) has become the cornerstone for modern horror writing. His work continues to frighten readers and influence writers. In his myriad novels and short stories, King pays tribute to classic horror tropes while exploring everything from monster to psychological to crime horror.
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itexcerpt2.docx | |
File Size: | 153 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Hooked on the excerpts? Excellent. Check out the full length novels below:
stephen_king_on_writing.pdf | |
File Size: | 725 kb |
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stephen_king_-_it_1986.pdf | |
File Size: | 3363 kb |
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misery.pdf | |
File Size: | 719 kb |
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Joe Hill: Like Father, Like Son
Joe Hill (1972-present) is not only Stephen King's son, but also one of the most prevalent voices in modern horror writing. His works have already made a sizeable impact on the horror reading and writing world.
theblackphone.pdf | |
File Size: | 64 kb |
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Ray Bradbury: Science Fiction and Horror in Everyday Life
Ray Bradbury lived and worked in Los Angeles, California until his death at age 91 in 2012. The recipient of a great many accolades and awards including the Pulitzer Prize Special Citation, and the National Medal of the Arts, Bradbury mixed science fiction, horror and social commentary in seamless and chilling style.
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Film Analysis: Guillermo Del Toro
Guillermo Del Toro (1964-present) is not only a film director, producer and screenwriter, but also a novelist. Hailing from Mexico, he incorporate the Latin American principles of Magical Realism to create chilling and impossible to forget stories.
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