## What are scary elements?

Remember limericks, from the year 1 poetry assignment? A short story can also be shaped like a poem. In other words, a poem can also be a short story. Arguably the most famous example of a scary short story in poetry-shape is 'The Raven' by Edgar Allan Poe.

If you've seen the Netflix series Wednesday, the name Edgar Allan Poe might sound familiar. In it, Wednesday Addams goes to Nevermore, where she attends the Rave'n dance. There's even a statue of Poe himself on the school grounds.

You are going to watch a video of Lisa Simpson narrating the story of 'The Raven'.
Don't worry if you don't understand every word.

While watching:
What kind of ‘scary elements’ do you recognize, that are often present in scary stories?
Keep them in mind or write them down, to use in the next assignment.

'The Raven' - The Simpsons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbTt1URhwR4

Activity 1: Make a mindmap
(if you're in class you can do this together, using the board)

1. Write 'scary elements' in the middle of the board or a piece of paper.
2. Draw a small circle around the words.
3. Now, ask yourself the following questions, and write down the answers around the circle on the board/paper:

- What kinds of scary things did you see in the clip from the Simpsons, about The Raven?
  Now think of other scary stories you've read, or scary movies/TV series you've watched.
- What other things, objects and elements do you often find in these scary stories (books/movies/short stories)?
- What is the weather often like in these stories?
- Where do these stories often take place? (country/city, certain buildings?)
- What colors are most often used or described?
- What sounds are most often used or described?

Now look at the picture below and see if you can add some more words to the Mindmap.