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This Halloween (or any time of year), incorporate supernatural and psychological horror into the high school English classroom with this editable, plot-based quiz on H.P. Lovecraft’s suspenseful and imagery-rich short story “Pickman’s Model.” Whether used as a formative assessment, homework assignment, or reading comprehension check, this print-and-go quiz will keep students on task and accountable.

“Pickman’s Model” explores supernatural and psychological horror through the lens of a man who is invited to behold the secret and morbid paintings of a mysterious artist. Lovecraft’s excellent sensory description brings an underground setting and monstrous beings to life, and his allusions to macabre artists (Goya and Fuseli) and historical events and figures (Salem with trials and Cotton Mather) contribute to the story’s ominous tone. Thus, “Pickman’s Model” makes for a compelling addition to a scary short story unit for high school, especially during the Halloween season, and pairs nicely with other narratives like “The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe and “The Minister’s Black Veil” by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. An answer key and copy of the public domain text are included.

Ideal for:

• Engaging students during the Halloween season
• Reinforcing student accountability during independent reading
• Introducing Gothic literature or speculative fiction
• Preparing substitute-friendly reading comprehension activities
• Pairing with celebrated works of horror fiction by the likes of Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne