Activity Overview
The Graveyard Book’s setting, characters, and tone borrow from the conventions of Gothic literature, one of many literature genres popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Have students use storyboards to identify the Gothic elements in the book. Students can make reference to the list below to choose and depict 3-5 Gothic characteristics present in the novel. Beneath each depiction, students should provide a brief description of the element’s connection to the novel.
Gothic Literature Elements
- Supernatural events
- Gloomy, decaying setting
- Subterranean passages, hidden rooms, or trapdoors
- Mystery and suspense
- Supernatural beings
- Curses or prophesies
- Romance
- Heroes
- Intense emotions
- Shadows, moonlight, flickering candles
The Graveyard Book Gothic Elements
Gloomy, Decaying Setting
It doesn't get much gloomier than a graveyard! Bod grows up among gravestones, coffins, and old bones. The inhabitants of the graveyard walk around in the decaying clothing they were buried in and make use of artifacts left in their tombs. A shadowy, ghost-filled cemetery is the quintessential Gothic setting.
Mystery and Suspense
For much of the book, the identity behind the Dorians' killer remains unknown. The existence of the mysterious Jack and his mission to kill Bod keep the reader in suspense throughout the book.
Supernatural Beings
The Graveyard Book contains all sorts of supernatural beings, including ghosts, ghouls, the Jacks of all trades, and the unique members of the Honor Guard.
Curses or Prophecies
The Jacks of all Trades set out to kill Bod and his family due to a prophecy. In ancient Egypt, a prophet foretold of a child who would "walk the borderland between the living and the dead...if this child grew to adulthood it would mean the end of [the Jacks] and all [they] stand for."
Shadows, Moonlight, Flickering Candles
The graveyard comes alive at night and much of Bod's life is spent in the darkness or moonlight. Bod's special powers enable him to see in the dark without difficulty, so he can effortlessly exist in a world of shadows.
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 illustrating Gothic elements in The Graveyard Book.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify different Gothic elements in The Graveyard Book.
- Describe how the elements contribute to the story.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
The Graveyard Book’s setting, characters, and tone borrow from the conventions of Gothic literature, one of many literature genres popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Have students use storyboards to identify the Gothic elements in the book. Students can make reference to the list below to choose and depict 3-5 Gothic characteristics present in the novel. Beneath each depiction, students should provide a brief description of the element’s connection to the novel.
Gothic Literature Elements
- Supernatural events
- Gloomy, decaying setting
- Subterranean passages, hidden rooms, or trapdoors
- Mystery and suspense
- Supernatural beings
- Curses or prophesies
- Romance
- Heroes
- Intense emotions
- Shadows, moonlight, flickering candles
The Graveyard Book Gothic Elements
Gloomy, Decaying Setting
It doesn't get much gloomier than a graveyard! Bod grows up among gravestones, coffins, and old bones. The inhabitants of the graveyard walk around in the decaying clothing they were buried in and make use of artifacts left in their tombs. A shadowy, ghost-filled cemetery is the quintessential Gothic setting.
Mystery and Suspense
For much of the book, the identity behind the Dorians' killer remains unknown. The existence of the mysterious Jack and his mission to kill Bod keep the reader in suspense throughout the book.
Supernatural Beings
The Graveyard Book contains all sorts of supernatural beings, including ghosts, ghouls, the Jacks of all trades, and the unique members of the Honor Guard.
Curses or Prophecies
The Jacks of all Trades set out to kill Bod and his family due to a prophecy. In ancient Egypt, a prophet foretold of a child who would "walk the borderland between the living and the dead...if this child grew to adulthood it would mean the end of [the Jacks] and all [they] stand for."
Shadows, Moonlight, Flickering Candles
The graveyard comes alive at night and much of Bod's life is spent in the darkness or moonlight. Bod's special powers enable him to see in the dark without difficulty, so he can effortlessly exist in a world of shadows.
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 illustrating Gothic elements in The Graveyard Book.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify different Gothic elements in The Graveyard Book.
- Describe how the elements contribute to the story.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Gothic Elements in The Graveyard Book
Organize a class discussion on Gothic elements using student storyboards
Invite students to present their storyboards and explain their choices. This encourages engagement and helps students build critical thinking as they compare interpretations of Gothic elements in the novel.
Prepare guiding questions to spark deeper analysis
Draft specific questions like, "How does the setting affect the mood?" or "What role do supernatural beings play in Bod’s development?" These promote thoughtful discussion and help students connect literary elements to the story.
Encourage students to cite evidence from the text
Ask students to reference quotes or scenes from The Graveyard Book when explaining their storyboard choices. This practice strengthens text analysis skills and supports deeper comprehension.
Facilitate peer feedback to build collaboration
Have students offer constructive feedback on each other's work, focusing on how effectively Gothic elements are represented. This fosters a collaborative classroom community and enhances learning through multiple perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gothic Elements in The Graveyard Book
What are the main Gothic elements in The Graveyard Book?
The Graveyard Book features several key Gothic elements, including a gloomy, decaying graveyard setting, supernatural beings like ghosts and ghouls, ongoing mystery and suspense, ancient prophecies, and the use of shadows and moonlight to create a haunting atmosphere.
How can I teach Gothic elements using The Graveyard Book in middle school?
Have students create storyboards identifying examples of Gothic elements in the novel. Ask them to select 3-5 elements (like supernatural events or mysterious settings), illustrate each scene, and write a brief description connecting the element to the story.
Why is the graveyard setting important to the story’s Gothic atmosphere?
The graveyard provides a classic Gothic backdrop with its decaying tombstones, shadows, and eerie silence. This setting amplifies the novel’s sense of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural, making it essential to the book’s mood and themes.
What is an example of a supernatural being in The Graveyard Book?
Examples include ghosts who mentor Bod, the Jacks of all trades as mysterious antagonists, and members of the Honor Guard who possess unique supernatural powers.
What is the prophecy in The Graveyard Book and its impact on the plot?
The prophecy predicts that a child who can walk between the living and the dead will bring about the downfall of the Jacks. This drives the main conflict and creates ongoing suspense as Bod’s fate unfolds.
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