Assignment:
Creative Writing (Writing a Gothic Short Story or Poem)
Your task is to write an original Gothic-based short story OR poem.
The original short story should range between anywhere from 1,500 to 30,000 words. You must showcase the elements of a Gothic tale. Links are provided below for reference on how to approach this form of writing. Refer to writers, such as Edgar Allan Poe and William Faulkner for your ideas. Your tale should involve unexpected outcomes and plot twists, leaving the reader with unanswered questions. The story can be historically-based or present-day. You are required to include description, symbols, and imagery.
Links for Reference:
https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2014/oct/28/halloween-top-tips-gothic-writing-chris-priestley
https://www.writing.com/main/books/entry_id/613071
https://writerlylife.com/home/2011/03/how-to-write-a-gothic-tale/
The original poem must convey elements of Gothic imagery. Refer to Edgar Allan Poe's "Annabel Lee" or "The Raven." The poem should have a "story quality" to it. The poem must be between 4 to 5 stanzas with about 6-8 lines per stanza. You are required to include description, imagery, and figurative language.
Points to Watch
• Watch tense shifts-write in present tense
• NO contractions
• Thesis statement must be precise and specific; state how you will specifically prove your point using what examples.
• Introduce characters
• Quotations must be part of a larger sentence.
• Quotations must support points and be used in context.
• Answer the question WHY something happens, not just what happens.
• Each paragraph requires a topic sentence.
• New idea/example = new paragraph.
• Write in chronological order.
• Do not overwrite-be precise and concise
• Avoid shallow analysis-dig deep