Activity Overview
Often in literature, characters have to make important choices, even when the outcomes are equally unpleasant. This is called a dilemma, and many students will be able to identify with being stuck “between a rock and a hard place”, much like characters are in their various conflicts in a story. Have students analyze the dilemma the narrator encounters in “The Pit and the Pendulum” as they read and speculate on the potential outcomes of the narrator’s choices. Have them incorporate their findings into a storyboard like the example below.
Introduction
The narrator has escaped from the pendulum, but he sees that at the moment of his escape, the pendulum stops swinging and is drawn back up to the ceiling. He knows that he is being watched now. He begins to notice the red-hot smell of the burning walls, and the movement of the walls as they change the shape of the chamber. He is afraid of the pit, but embracing the walls will also kill him.
Problem 1
If the narrator tries to push back against the walls or run into them, he will die, but he won’t die by falling into a dark pit.
Problem 2
If the narrator allows the walls to push him toward the pit, ultimately he will have no other choice but to fall over the side.
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 analyzes a dilemma that a character is facing in "The Pit and the Pendulum".
- Identify the problem and depict it in the "Introduction" cell.
- Show and discuss the character's possible choices under "Problem 1" and "Problem 2".
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Exemplary 25 Points | Proficient 21 Points | Commendable 17 Points | Try Again 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choice of Scenes | Accurately depicts the scenes that show the character's main dilemma. | Mostly depicts the scenes that show the character's main dilemma. | Vaguely depicts the scenes that show the character's main dilemma. | Barley or does not depict the scenes that show the character's main dilemma. |
| Captions | Captions are accurately related to the dilemma and story. The connections are very easy to understand. | Captions are mostly related to the dilemma and story. The connections are easy to understand. | Captions are vaguely related to the dilemma and story. The connections are not easy to understand. | Captions do not relate well to the scenes, or are not related to the dilemma and story. The connections are very hard to understand. |
| Characters | The main characters are accurately and clearly identified. Their actions are well matched to their actions in the story. | The main characters are mostly clear and identified. Their actions are mostly matched to their actions in the story. | The main characters are vaguely defined or identified. Their actions are somewhat matched to their actions in the story | The main characters are lacking clarity or are not identified. Their actions are poorly matched to the story. |
| Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar | There are no spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors. | There are some spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors. | There are many spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors. | There are too many spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors. |
Activity Overview
Often in literature, characters have to make important choices, even when the outcomes are equally unpleasant. This is called a dilemma, and many students will be able to identify with being stuck “between a rock and a hard place”, much like characters are in their various conflicts in a story. Have students analyze the dilemma the narrator encounters in “The Pit and the Pendulum” as they read and speculate on the potential outcomes of the narrator’s choices. Have them incorporate their findings into a storyboard like the example below.
Introduction
The narrator has escaped from the pendulum, but he sees that at the moment of his escape, the pendulum stops swinging and is drawn back up to the ceiling. He knows that he is being watched now. He begins to notice the red-hot smell of the burning walls, and the movement of the walls as they change the shape of the chamber. He is afraid of the pit, but embracing the walls will also kill him.
Problem 1
If the narrator tries to push back against the walls or run into them, he will die, but he won’t die by falling into a dark pit.
Problem 2
If the narrator allows the walls to push him toward the pit, ultimately he will have no other choice but to fall over the side.
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 analyzes a dilemma that a character is facing in "The Pit and the Pendulum".
- Identify the problem and depict it in the "Introduction" cell.
- Show and discuss the character's possible choices under "Problem 1" and "Problem 2".
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Exemplary 25 Points | Proficient 21 Points | Commendable 17 Points | Try Again 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choice of Scenes | Accurately depicts the scenes that show the character's main dilemma. | Mostly depicts the scenes that show the character's main dilemma. | Vaguely depicts the scenes that show the character's main dilemma. | Barley or does not depict the scenes that show the character's main dilemma. |
| Captions | Captions are accurately related to the dilemma and story. The connections are very easy to understand. | Captions are mostly related to the dilemma and story. The connections are easy to understand. | Captions are vaguely related to the dilemma and story. The connections are not easy to understand. | Captions do not relate well to the scenes, or are not related to the dilemma and story. The connections are very hard to understand. |
| Characters | The main characters are accurately and clearly identified. Their actions are well matched to their actions in the story. | The main characters are mostly clear and identified. Their actions are mostly matched to their actions in the story. | The main characters are vaguely defined or identified. Their actions are somewhat matched to their actions in the story | The main characters are lacking clarity or are not identified. Their actions are poorly matched to the story. |
| Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar | There are no spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors. | There are some spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors. | There are many spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors. | There are too many spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors. |
How Tos about Dilemma in \"The Pit and the Pendulum\"
How to Facilitate a Classroom Debate on Literary Dilemmas
Encourage students to express and defend their opinions about the narrator's choices in "The Pit and the Pendulum" by organizing a structured debate. This boosts critical thinking and helps them see dilemmas from multiple perspectives.
Set clear debate guidelines
Outline the rules for respectful discussion and time limits before starting. Clear expectations help students stay focused and ensure everyone gets a chance to speak.
Assign debate roles or positions
Divide students into groups representing different choices the narrator could make. Assigning roles encourages deeper analysis and lets students practice defending positions they may not initially agree with.
Provide supporting evidence
Ask students to use specific examples from the text to back up their arguments. This reinforces textual analysis skills and ensures discussions remain grounded in the story.
Reflect and debrief after the debate
Guide students in a reflection about what they learned from hearing different viewpoints. Debriefing helps solidify understanding and encourages empathy for characters—and classmates—facing tough choices.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dilemma in \"The Pit and the Pendulum\"
What is the central dilemma faced by the narrator in "The Pit and the Pendulum"?
The core dilemma in "The Pit and the Pendulum" is that the narrator must choose between two deadly options: being forced into a deep, unknown pit or risking death by fiery, closing walls. Each choice presents its own mortal danger, highlighting the theme of agonizing decision-making under extreme pressure.
How can students analyze the dilemma in "The Pit and the Pendulum" during a lesson?
Students can analyze the dilemma by identifying the narrator's choices, discussing possible consequences, and creating a storyboard that visually outlines the conflict, options, and potential outcomes. This helps deepen understanding of character motivation and plot tension.
What are some quick lesson ideas for teaching dilemmas using "The Pit and the Pendulum"?
Quick lesson ideas include group discussions about tough choices, having students list pros and cons of each option in the story, or tasking students with creating a visual storyboard to map the narrator’s predicament and decisions.
Why is it important for students to study dilemmas in literature?
Studying dilemmas teaches students critical thinking, empathy, and decision-making skills by allowing them to explore how characters respond to complex, high-stakes situations—skills relevant to both literature and real life.
What is a storyboard activity for analyzing "The Pit and the Pendulum"?
A storyboard activity involves students dividing the narrative into sections—introduction, dilemmas, and possible outcomes—and visually representing each part. This helps students organize ideas and clearly see how the character’s choices drive the story.
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