![Literary Elements in "The Bells"](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-srcsets/kristy-littlehale/literary-elements-in--the-bells-.png "Literary Elements in "The Bells"")
Activity Overview
When teaching poems, it is often helpful to refresh or introduce students with technical words. “Metaphor", "alliteration", "personification", "imagery", "apostrophe", and "assonance" are a few important terms.
After you have read the poem, ask your students to do a scavenger hunt using the Storyboard Creator. Give them the list again and have them create a storyboard that depicts and explains the use of each literary element in the poem. They will have an absolute blast and gain mastery of the words.
"The Bells" Literary Elements
| DESCRIPTION | EXAMPLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Alliteration | Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginnings of words in a sentence or line | “Runic rhyme” |
| Personification | Giving human-like characteristics to non-human objects or abstract ideas | ”For every sounds that floats / From the rust within their throats / Is a groan.” |
| Imagery | The use of descriptive or figurative language to create vivid mental imagery that appeals to the senses | “Yet, the ear distinctly tells, / In the jangling, / And the wrangling, / How the danger sinks and swells, / By the sinking or the swelling in the anger of the bells—” |
| Assonance | The repetition of a vowel sound | ”What a world of happiness their harmony foretells!” |
| Onomatopoeia | The spelling of a word mimics the sound it represents | ”How they tinkle, tinkle, tinkle, / In the icy air of night!” |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows five examples of literary elements in “The Bells”.
- Identify use of literary elements in the text.
- Put the type of literary element in the title box.
- Give an example from the text in the description box.
- Illustrate the example using using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Literary Elements | All literary elements are correctly identified. | Most literary elements are correctly identified. | Few literary elements are correctly identified. |
| Illustration | Illustrations show attention to the details of the story and demonstrate connection to the literary elements. | Illustrations demonstrate connection to the literary elements. | Illustrations show little connection to the literary elements. |
| Description of Literary Elements | Descriptions clearly explain what the literary elements do to enhance the story. | Most descriptions tell what the literary elements do to enhance the story. | Descriptions are unrelated to the literary elements. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
When teaching poems, it is often helpful to refresh or introduce students with technical words. “Metaphor", "alliteration", "personification", "imagery", "apostrophe", and "assonance" are a few important terms.
After you have read the poem, ask your students to do a scavenger hunt using the Storyboard Creator. Give them the list again and have them create a storyboard that depicts and explains the use of each literary element in the poem. They will have an absolute blast and gain mastery of the words.
"The Bells" Literary Elements
| DESCRIPTION | EXAMPLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Alliteration | Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginnings of words in a sentence or line | “Runic rhyme” |
| Personification | Giving human-like characteristics to non-human objects or abstract ideas | ”For every sounds that floats / From the rust within their throats / Is a groan.” |
| Imagery | The use of descriptive or figurative language to create vivid mental imagery that appeals to the senses | “Yet, the ear distinctly tells, / In the jangling, / And the wrangling, / How the danger sinks and swells, / By the sinking or the swelling in the anger of the bells—” |
| Assonance | The repetition of a vowel sound | ”What a world of happiness their harmony foretells!” |
| Onomatopoeia | The spelling of a word mimics the sound it represents | ”How they tinkle, tinkle, tinkle, / In the icy air of night!” |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows five examples of literary elements in “The Bells”.
- Identify use of literary elements in the text.
- Put the type of literary element in the title box.
- Give an example from the text in the description box.
- Illustrate the example using using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Literary Elements | All literary elements are correctly identified. | Most literary elements are correctly identified. | Few literary elements are correctly identified. |
| Illustration | Illustrations show attention to the details of the story and demonstrate connection to the literary elements. | Illustrations demonstrate connection to the literary elements. | Illustrations show little connection to the literary elements. |
| Description of Literary Elements | Descriptions clearly explain what the literary elements do to enhance the story. | Most descriptions tell what the literary elements do to enhance the story. | Descriptions are unrelated to the literary elements. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Literary Elementsin “The Bells”
Incorporate a quick literary elements warm-up before reading
Activate prior knowledge by starting class with a short matching game or mini-quiz using key literary terms. This helps students recall definitions and prepares them to spot these elements as they read.
Model close reading of one stanza for literary elements
Demonstrate how to analyze a stanza by thinking aloud as you identify examples of alliteration, personification, and imagery. Highlight words and explain your reasoning so students see the process in action.
Guide students to annotate the poem for literary elements
Direct students to use colored pencils or digital highlighters to mark where they find metaphors, assonance, and other devices in the poem. This hands-on activity boosts engagement and helps them visually connect terms to text.
Facilitate a collaborative discussion on the effects of literary elements
Encourage students to share their findings in small groups and discuss how each literary device shapes the poem’s mood, sound, or imagery. This promotes deeper thinking and peer learning.
Connect literary elements to students’ own writing
Challenge students to write a short poem or paragraph using at least two literary elements from the lesson. This reinforces understanding and helps them apply new skills in creative ways.
Frequently Asked Questions about Literary Elementsin “The Bells”
What are the main literary elements found in 'The Bells' by Edgar Allan Poe?
'The Bells' by Edgar Allan Poe features key literary elements such as alliteration, personification, imagery, assonance, and onomatopoeia. These devices enhance the poem’s mood and sound, making it engaging for students to analyze and discuss.
How can I teach literary elements in 'The Bells' with a fun classroom activity?
One engaging way is to have students do a scavenger hunt for literary elements within the poem. After reviewing each term, ask students to find examples and create a storyboard that visually represents and explains each device. This interactive approach boosts understanding and retention.
What is an example of personification in 'The Bells'?
An example is: “For every sound that floats / From the rust within their throats / Is a groan.” Here, Poe gives the bells human-like qualities, making them seem as if they can groan and have throats.
Which literary element is illustrated by 'How they tinkle, tinkle, tinkle, / In the icy air of night!' in 'The Bells'?
This line uses onomatopoeia, where the word "tinkle" mimics the sound the bells make, helping readers imagine the auditory experience described in the poem.
What's the best way to help students identify figurative language in poetry?
The best way is to provide a list of terms (like metaphor, alliteration, and imagery) and have students find and illustrate examples from the poem, such as through a storyboard activity. Visual and hands-on approaches make abstract concepts more concrete for learners.
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