EDGAR ALLAN POE'S TALES OF TER (Step-Up Classic Chillers)
Once/Now/Then/After Series
on Goodreads (1,639)
What’s inside...
This collection features 20 horror stories by Edgar Allan Poe, a pioneer of the horror genre. Presented in a handsome hardback with gold-embossed cover, gilded edges, and beautiful endpapers, this edition includes classic tales such as 'The Fall of the House of Usher', 'The Tell-Tale Heart', and 'The Masque of the Red Death'. These stories explore themes of guilt, fear, and revenge, transporting readers to mysterious worlds and delving into the human mind. Part of the Arcturus Ornate Classics series, this pocket-sized gift edition is a perfect tribute to Poe's mastery of gothic horror.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-16
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience while reading these stories? Which tale affected you the most?
How do the characters in the tales handle their fears or challenges? What would you do in a similar situation?
Poe often uses setting to create a mood. What are some examples where the setting influenced how you felt about the story?
What are the consequences of the characters’ actions in these tales? What lessons can we learn from them?
How does Edgar Allan Poe build suspense and surprise in his stories? Can you think of any specific techniques he used?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before you start reading, provide a brief background on Edgar Allan Poe and the genre of mystery and horror to set the context.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and emotions on each tale, validating their feelings and perspectives to foster open communication.
Discuss the moral and ethical questions raised in the stories, guiding your child to consider different viewpoints and the complexities of the characters' decisions.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to explore the importance of setting in literature, prompting your child to describe how the settings made them feel.
After finishing the tales, encourage creative thinking by asking your child how they would have ended a story differently, or what alternative actions characters could have taken.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: Through Poe's gripping narratives and complex characters, children learn that actions have consequences, either positive or negative.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by thinking through their decisions in social interactions or academic tasks, understanding that each choice can lead to various outcomes.
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: Characters in Poe's tales often face daunting challenges that test their endurance and resilience, encouraging readers to see the value in perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to persist through difficulties they encounter, whether in completing a challenging homework assignment or resolving peer conflicts.
Example Lesson: Cultivating empathy
Explanation: Poe’s stories explore deep emotional themes that can help children understand and empathize with different emotional states and viewpoints.
Real-World Application: By reading about the experiences of characters in diverse contexts, children can learn to empathize with peers and adults, fostering better emotional and social intelligence.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: Many of Poe’s tales contain mysteries and require piecing together information for resolution, promoting critical thinking and analysis.
Real-World Application: Children can use these critical thinking skills to solve problems in their studies and daily life, enhancing their logical reasoning abilities.
Example Lesson: The power of storytelling
Explanation: Poe's captivating use of language and structure demonstrates the profound impact a well-told story can have, highlighting the importance of narrative skills.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to develop their own storytelling or creative writing skills, which can improve their communication abilities and academic performance.