Activity Overview
When teaching Poetry, it is often helpful to refresh or introduce students with technical words. Terms like 'metaphor', 'simile', 'stanza', 'alliteration', 'personification', 'rhyme scheme', and 'onomatopoeia' are a few important terms.
After you have read the poem ask your students to do a scavenger hunt using the storyboard creator. Give them the list again and have them create a storyboard that depicts and explains the use of each literary element in the poem! They will have an absolute blast and earn mastery of the words when they are completed. Check out the example storyboard above!
Six Literary Elements that Poe uses in The Raven
| DESCRIPTION | EXAMPLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Alliteration | Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginnings of words in a sentence or line | "While I pondered weak and weary" |
| Simile | A comparison using 'like' or 'as' | "Suddenly there came a tapping, as of someone gently rapping" |
| Metaphor | An implied comparison between two things | "And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor" | Personification | Giving human-like characteristics to non-human objects or abstract ideas | "[T]he Raven, sitting lonely [...] spoke only, That one word, as if his soul [...] he did outpour." |
| Onomatopoeia | The spelling of a word mimics the sound it represents | "...and so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door" |
| Assonance | The repetition of a vowel sound | "rustling of each purple curtain, Thrilled me—filled me" |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows five or more examples of literary elements in The Raven.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify use of literary elements in the text.
- Put the type of literary element in the title box.
- Give an example from the text in the description box.
- Illustrate the example using using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/6/4] Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/7/4] Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama
- [ELA-Literacy/L/6/6] Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Literary Elements | All literary elements are correctly identified. | Most literary elements are correctly identified. | Few literary elements are correctly identified. |
| Illustration | Illustrations show attention to the details of the story and demonstrate connection to the literary elements. | Illustrations demonstrate connection to the literary elements. | Illustrations show little connection to the literary elements. |
| Description of Literary Elements | Descriptions clearly explain what the literary elements do to enhance the story. | Most descriptions tell what the literary elements do to enhance the story. | Descriptions are unrelated to the literary elements. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
How To Explain the Concept of Assonance to Younger Students
Define the Concept
Introduce assonance to the class by explaining that it is the technical term for words that have the same vowel sound. The 'a' sound, for instance, is shared by "hat" and "mat". Explain when and how this concept can be used and tell the students the significance of the concept. If teachers want to make the lecture more detailed, they can also introduce the origin of the concept.
Give Simple Examples
List words that have the same vowel sound. Taking "take" and "bake," for example, they both have the 'a' sound. Teachers can further explain the concept using simple examples that students are able to understand and grasp easily. Ask the students to give examples as well once they are more familiar with the concept to assess their understanding.
Use Interactive Exercises
Let the students take turns thinking of words that start with the same letter in a game you may play. Students might respond with "moon," "spoon," or "balloon," for instance, if the sound of the day is "oo." Teachers can also give one word and ask the students to give a word with similar vowel sounds. This will help students gain a deeper understanding of the concept and improve their vocabulary.
Enhance with Activities or Worksheets
Give students exercises or worksheets to practice recognizing and producing assonance. Teachers can reinforce the concept by connecting with other concepts. For instance, while working on vocabulary teachers can talk about assonance.
Foster Creativity
Encourage the students to use the concept to create little poems or phrases. Poem writing can also enhance many other aspects of learning and help the students use their ideas and imagination and put them into words.
Frequently Asked Questions About Literary Elements in "The Raven"
What is the significance of symbolism as a literary element in the poem?
The raven is symbolic of many things, including sadness, loss, and unfavorable news. The room represents the gloomy, memory-haunted mind of the storyteller. Poe has used the Raven and the room as a symbol in his poem which plays a major role in the narrative.
What are the contributions of alliteration and assonance to the poem?
The poem takes on a melodic and rhythmic feel via the use of alliteration (repetition of beginning consonant sounds) and assonance (repetition of vowel sounds). Additionally, they contribute to the poem's general flow and highlight certain phrases.
What other literary elements play an important role in the poem?
Other literary elements such as simile, metaphor, personification, refrain, and onomatopoeia also play an important role in building suspense and mystery in the poem. Teachers can explain each element individually and with simple examples for students to understand the concept.
More Storyboard That Activities
Raven, The
![The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe Vocabulary](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/338345/cell-row-0-col-0-w400.png "Poe-cabulary Board: "The Raven"")
This Activity is Part of Many Teacher Guides
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