We Have Always Lived in the Castle Lesson Plan

Gothic Horror

Kind of Activity:

Classwide Discussion

Objective:

Students will learn about the genre known as “Gothic Horror” and discuss how the novel fits into, and redefines, that genre.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.2; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.3

Structure:

Many consider We Have Always Lived in the Castle to be a Gothic horror novel. In this activity, students will learn about the main elements of the genre known as Gothic horror and how these elements are manifested in Shirley Jackson’s novel.

Begin by asking the students to define the term "genre." You can then refer to the following, which lists the top ten elements...