Curated Video
Introduction to F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is, at it's core, a novel about the American Dream. It takes place during the 1920s, a period that epitomized America's pursuit of freedom and prosperity but also revealed the fragility of that dream. This video...
Oxford Comma
The Forgotten Character in Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher"
Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” is an archetype for the horror genre. So, much has been said about Rodrick, his sister Madeline, and the house they both represent and dwell within. But the third character, Rodrick’s...
Curated Video
Sandra Cisneros
A trailblazer in more ways than one, Sandra Cisneros was the first Mexican-American woman to be published by a mainstream publisher. Her work brought Hispanic culture to a wider audience of readers.
Curated Video
Atmosphere and Allusion
“Atmosphere and Allusion” describes two literary techniques that contribute to an author’s style. Atmosphere includes sensory details to describe the mood that the author creates. Allusion occurs when an author references people, places,...
Oxford Comma
America Teaches "The Cask of Amontillado" Wrong
Is Poe's short story of revenge based a real events? According to some American textbooks? Yes. But the truth is more complicated. Sources: Cody, David. “‘What a Tricke Wee’Le Serve Him’: A Possible Source for Poe’s ‘The Cask of...
Curated Video
Romantic Movement
This video discusses the influences and philosophies of the American Romantic movement, using examples from poetry of the time.
Curated Video
Analyzing Archaic Words
This video explains the best ways to decipher the meaning of archaic words in American literature and gives examples from famous works.
Curated Video
Making Inferences 2
“Making Inferences” explains how to make inferences from given information by using examples from American literature.
Curated Video
Hester Prynne: Strength and Resilience
In Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, "The Scarlet Letter," Hester Prynne is a strong and resilient young woman who faces public condemnation in Puritan Massachusetts for committing adultery. Despite her punishment, Hester refuses to reveal...
Curated Video
Exploring Themes in The Scarlet Letter
"The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a dark novel set in Puritan Massachusetts. It explores themes of sin, guilt, and the corrupting influence of society on individuals. Through the characters of Hester Prynne, Reverend Arthur...
Curated Video
Roger Chillingworth: a Tale of All-Consuming Revenge
Roger Chillingworth is a vengeful and manipulative character in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, "The Scarlet Letter". Consumed by his desire to discover the identity of his wife's lover, Chillingworth becomes a cold and calculating man....
Curated Video
Arthur Dimmesdale: Adultery and Guilt of a Puritan Minister
In Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, "The Scarlet Letter," Arthur Dimmesdale is a respected Puritan reverend who suffers secret guilt and shame for his adulterous relationship with Hester Prynne and being the father of their child, Pearl....
Curated Video
The Scarlet Letter: A Tale of Sin, Society, and Individuality
Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1850 novel, The Scarlet letter is a tragic tale of adultery and revenge. Hester Prynne faces public shame and punishment after an affair that results in a child. Her estranged husband resurfaces and seeks to torment...
Curated Video
Author’s Style
Students will learn about different aspects that go into creating an author’s unique writing style.
Curated Video
Static and Dynamic Characters
“Static and Dynamic Characters” describes the differences between character types used in literature.
The Learning Depot
Analytical and Expository Thesis Statements
In this video, we take a look at the analytical and expository thesis statements and compare them to the argumentative thesis statement. The purpose of your paper will determine your thesis statement. Examples are given.
National Theatre
Angels in America: Behind the Scenes of a Two-Play Day
This video provides an inside look at the busy and complex world of theater production, specifically for the play Angels in America. From lighting and sound technicians to wigs assistants and stage managers, each member of the team plays...
Curated Video
The Mysterious Death of Edgar Allen Poe
Famous American author Edgar Allan Poe’s haunting death may have been a result of cooping, a violent form of voter fraud practiced in the 19th century.
Oxford Comma
Idiom Explained: "Like Ships that Pass in the Night"
In this reading, summary, and analysis of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 'the Ocean of Life" we'll examine where these lines come from, what they mean, and what makes them so memorable. Ships that pass in the night, and speak each other in...
Oxford Comma
Why Do You Remember This Poem? Reading, Summary, and Analysis of Poe's "Annabel Lee"
"Annabel Lee" raises more questions than it does answers - not surprising considering it's by the master of mystery, Edgar Allen Poe. As Poe's last complete poem, "Annabel Lee" is intrinsically tied to his mysterious life and the even...
Oxford Comma
Poetry and the Afterlife: The Unknown
From the Master of monologue poems, "The Unknown" is my favorite piece in Spoon River Anthology. This reading, summary, and analysis of Edgar Lee Master's poem explores the meaning behind the unnamed speaker's tragic journey through life...
The Great War
A Farewell to Arms - Ernest Hemingway
While many can identify Ernest Hemingway's famous works, they may be unaware of his service during World War I and how that affected his literary contributions. An video details Hemingway's service in World War I and explains events and...
C-SPAN
Bell Ringer: The Early Life of Edgar Allen Poe in Richmond, VA
The narrator of a bell ringer video focuses on the influences of Richmond, Virginia, on the Edgar Allen Poe, lauds the materials in the Poe Museum collection, and talks about the challenges Poe faced in dealing with his foster father.
PBS
A Farewell to Arms: Shaping Fact for Fiction
Clips from the documentary Hemingway by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick reveal how Ernest Hemingway incorporated his own war experiences in A Farewell to Arms. Young writers then take an experience from their own lives and craft it...