The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe - Chapter 2

Study guide for 1st – 3rd Grade

Preview

Copywork

About This Passage

After pages of terror in the black hold, Poe lets the dreaded 'monster' melt into a beloved friend: the same whine and caresses Gordon has known for years. Copying it teaches the comma that joins two thoughts and shows how a writer can turn fear into sudden relief.

I could not forget the peculiar whine of my Newfoundland dog Tiger, and the odd manner of his caresses I well knew.

Full copywork activity with handwriting lines available in the complete study guide.

Discussion Questions

Narration Prompt

Tell what happens in this chapter in order: how Gordon still longs for the sea, the secret plan with Augustus to sneak aboard the Grampus, how Gordon fools his grandfather Mr. Peterson, the long scary days hidden in the box, and how Tiger appears in the dark. Slow down at the scariest part and tell what you think about it.

Discussion Questions

  1. Gordon tricks his own family with a fake note about visiting Mr. Ross so he can sneak aboard the Grampus. Was Gordon wrong to fool the people who love him, or can you understand why he did it? Explain why. What part of the chapter helps you decide?
  2. When Gordon's grandfather Mr. Peterson stops him on the foggy street, Gordon answers in a gruff voice and pretends to be a stranger. Why do you think Gordon wants to laugh out loud during this risky moment? What part of the story helps you decide?

+ 2 more questions in the complete study guide

Vocabulary Builder

Item 1

Full of strong, eager feeling.

Item 2

So bright and clear it feels real.

Item 3

Dark and full of sadness or worry.

+ 5 more vocabulary words in the complete study guide

Critical Thinking

+ 4 more questions in the complete study guide

Get the complete study guide — free

Sign up and get your first book with every chapter included. Copywork, discussion questions, vocabulary, and critical thinking.

Sign up free