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Facilitate reading comprehension and sharpen literary analysis skills with this bundle of activities and assessments covering Algernon Blackwood’s Halloween-appropriate short story “The Empty House.” A plot-based quiz, close reading inference worksheet, vocabulary definitions handout, vocabulary application exercise, crossword puzzle, word search game, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.

“The Empty House” involves the exploration of an allegedly haunted residence, resulting in a series of increasingly harrowing paranormal experiences. The narrative’s adherence to the conventions of Gothic literature make it a compelling addition to a high school short story unit, especially during the Halloween season. The narrative pairs well with other works of speculative fiction involving ghosts, such as “The Furnished Room” by O. Henry and “A Ghost” by Guy de Maupassant.

Students will practice and demonstrate the following essential ELA skills:

• Identifying literary devices including irony, metaphor, allusion, personification, hyperbole, pun, and onomatopoeia.
• Interpreting figurative language by identifying implied metaphors and personified settings.
• Exploring irony in both the story’s title and surprising character/setting details.
• Examining narrative technique, including how an omniscient narrator builds credibility.
• Making logical inferences about character relationships, particularly Julia and Shorthouse’s bond.
• Exploring theme with evidence-based responses (e.g., how fear sharpens human senses).
• Defending claims with textual evidence, developing critical reading and analytical writing skills.