Have you seen the Edgar Allan Poe PUN Memes all over the internet and social media? The always make me laugh because I love both Poe and PUNS! Here are some examples that you may have seen:
Because these memes target the satirical device of puns, I decided to turn these memes into a creative satire activity in which students create their own Poe Puns to add to a community bulletin board display.
Here’s how to do it!
Supplies
For this activity, you will want to give students a Poe meme template on which to write their Poe puns. I have created a FREE template that you can download from the Bespoke ELA FREEBIE Library, but you will need the password to access the freebies! To get the password, please subscribe to Bespoke ELA by clicking here.
Clear a space on the wall or a bulletin board to showcase students’ Poe Pun Meme creations. I began my bulletin board with a few Poe puns that I found on the internet. I also titled the bulletin board “Poe Puns Please” to use Poe’s name as a pun for the word “more.”
Procedure
Show students examples of Poe puns to give them models for the activity. Talk with students about how the puns are satirical and discuss what makes them humorous. This analysis enables them to interpret satire as well as integrate other satirical and literary devices into their commentary.
Working in groups, give students a few copies of the Poe pun meme template and time to brainstorm examples. I ask my students to brainstorm their pun ideas on a separate sheet of paper before transferring them to the templates. This way, they don’t mistakes on the template and waste them by starting over. I require that each group contribute at least one meme to the bulletin board.
Students create their memes and then add them to the community bulletin board. Then, have each group share their Poe puns with the class and explain the satire behind them. As an extension activity, you can have students write about their Poe puns, analyzing how they create a satirical message.
Allow students time to peruse the Poe Puns Please bulletin board and enjoy the satire created by their classmates.
That’s it! Enjoy this fun activity to engage students in satirical analysis!
Check out these student examples and ENJOY!
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About the Author
Meredith is the founder and creator of TeachWriting.org and Bespoke ELA. She has taught high school English for 10+ years in Dallas, Chicago, and New York City and holds a M.A. in Literature from Northwestern University. She has always had a connection to the written word-- through songwriting, screenplay writing, and essay writing-- and she enjoys the process of teaching students how to express their ideas. An avid tea drinker and anglophile, Meredith enjoys life with her husband, daughter, and sweet pups.