Needing a super short story to model for an ELA PD session, I stumbled upon Poe’s shortest short story, “The Oval Portrait.” Though I’m a huge fan of Edgar Allan Poe, I had never read this Gothic gem before and was delighted by how much analysis English teachers can squeeze out of only two pages (one double-sided copy!). Whether you need a fitting Gothic literature short story, a quick introduction to Poe’s work, or a spooky short story for Halloween, “The Oval Portrait” by Poe might just answer your ails.
Why The Oval Portrait Makes A Perfect Gothic Short Story
The Oval Portrait is a short but highly impactful story. It tells the tale of a wounded man who recovers in an abandoned chateau in the mountains of Italy. Lying in bed surrounded by candlelight, he becomes captivated by an oval portrait of a beautiful woman. The story’s moody setting and themes of obsession, art, and romance make it a perfect example of gothic literature.
This spooky short story offers a perfect blend of mystery, horror, and artistry that can engage and excite your students. Let’s explore how to make “The Oval Portrait” by Edgar Allan Poe come to life in your classroom!
Hook Students for a Gothic Literature Short Story
Mimicking the creepy chateau setting of “The Oval Portrait,” dim the lights and play this moody ambient media as students enter the classroom. The eerie atmosphere will instantly pique their curiosity and prepare them for the dark tale they are about to explore. This simple yet effective technique can transform your classroom, drawing students into the world of Gothic literature.
Closely Read The Oval Portrait by Edgar Allan Poe
Once you have their attention, it’s time to dig into the text. While most students will be immediately interested in the spooky vibe, there are definitely some parts of the Gothic literature short story that will challenge them. This is where close reading comes into play. Consider using a “what good readers do” close reading approach to help students unpack the setting, language, and themes of “The Oval Portrait.” This involves breaking down the text into smaller chunks, using annotation and highlighting to identify important details, and encouraging students to ask questions and make connections as they read. If you need a close reading guide to “The Oval Portrait” you can download that here: Gothic Literature Short Story: The Oval Portrait by Edgar Allan Poe Lesson Plan
Add Movement and Discuss this Gothic Literature Short Story
Bring some movement into the lesson with a four-corner discussion activity. This interactive exercise allows students to explore different themes and interpretations of the story. If you have a set of playing cards, distribute them to students and have them go to their assigned corners based on suit:
Hearts Discussion Corner
In the Hearts corner, students will discuss the theme of marital love versus love of art. Encourage them to debate whether the artist’s obsession with his work overshadowed his love for his wife. How did this affect their relationship? Was the artist justified in his actions?
Spades Discussion Corner
Students in the Spades corner will explore the dangers of being consumed by work or passions at the expense of others. Ask them to consider how the artist’s single-minded focus on his painting led to tragic consequences. Can they think of modern examples where individuals prioritize their careers or hobbies over their loved ones?
Diamonds Discussion Corner
In the Diamonds corner, the discussion will focus on the mental issues of both characters and the role of physical strength in the wife’s captivity. Students can analyze how the artist’s obsession affected his mental state and whether the wife’s frailty contributed to her tragic fate. What does this reveal about the characters’ psychological complexities?
Clubs Discussion Corner
Finally, the Clubs corner will examine the story’s setting, including the abandoned castle, candles, and other Gothic elements. How do these elements contribute to the overall atmosphere of the story? Encourage students to identify specific passages that create a sense of foreboding and isolation.
Analyze Multiple Interpretations of “The Oval Portrait” by Poe
To deepen students’ understanding of “The Oval Portrait,” show them an animated short film adaptation of the story. This visual representation will offer a fresh perspective and spark discussions about different interpretations of this Gothic Literature short story. Assign the Art Analysis page to guide students in comparing “The Oval Portrait” animation to the original story.
On the pairing note, if you are looking for another spooky short story, “El almohadón de plumas / The Feather Pillow” by Horacio Quiroga is great! Common topics include Gothic settings, newlyweds, and demise.
Create Spooky Self-Portraits with Gothic Themes
Spark your students’ creativity with a spooky self-portrait activity. After analyzing the story and its themes, have students draw their own eerie self-portraits on the back of their art analysis page. Use a tutorial like the “Art Class: Tim Burton Style Self-Portrait” to inspire them. This hands-on project will allow students to connect personally with the Gothic elements of the story and express their artistic talents.
Teaching “The Oval Portrait” by Edgar Allan Poe, can be a fun and enriching experience for both you and your students. By setting the mood, engaging in interactive discussions, analyzing multiple interpretations, and sparking creativity, you can bring this Gothic literature short story to life in your classroom!
Do you want “The Oval Portrait” worksheets and activities ready to go? Download your engaging lesson plan here: Gothic Literature Short Story: The Oval Portrait by Edgar Allan Poe Lesson Plan
