Sophomores Remember Poe
PAYING THEIR RESPECT: Students carry the casket during one of the memorial services in Mr. Hill's class, honoring Edgar Allan Poe. [Attribution: Mandy Good]
October 12, 2009 • By Mandy Good, Freshman
Filed under Campus Life
“ONCE upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore, While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door…” Edgar Allen Poe is a familiar name in the world of American literature.
One hundred-sixty years ago, on October 7, 1849 Poe passed away. The city of Baltimore is currently holding a year-long memorial tribute to Poe, one of their most famous writers. On October 7, 2009, the people of Baltimore held a funeral and a memorial service in his honor.
The sophomores in Mr. Hill’s and Dr. Spiceland’s English classes also paid tribute to Poe. Their assignment was not the typical essay or a simple PowerPoint presentation. This project was much more creative in light of what was happening in Baltimore. Students were required to hold a funeral and memorial for Poe, assuming the roles of various people in Poe’s life including; Poe’s wife, parents, West Point military commanders, college friends, doctor, and his mother-in-law.
Students were divided into groups of three or four members and each of the presenters were required to include their memories of Poe, his strongest qualities, and his contributions to society. The project was worth fifty points, evaluating the script and notes, time management and group effort, and the actual memorial service presentation. Five points of extra credit were awarded to those who felt like “dressing the part.”
The service started with an introduction and welcome by Mr. Hill followed by a short memorial video of Poe. The first group presented, including Poe’s wife, Virginia Clemm. Next there was a theatrical reading of “The Raven” followed by group two, Poe’s parents. A second theatrical reading of “Annabelle Lee” led to the introduction of Poe’s military commanders and college friends. There was a final theatrical reading, “The Pit & The Pendulum” and the final two groups, Poe’s personal physician and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Clemms. The program ended with closing remarks.
When Poe lost his wife, he lost his mind, but what he didn’t lose was his talent of writing and what resulted was his impact on American literature. This was a creative assignment that made Edgar Alan Poe’s memory come alive for these students.
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Never to suffer would never to have been blessed.
Edgar Allan Poe (1809 – 1849)
Enjoyed your story about Poe.
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