"The Giant Wistaria" Quiz, Literary Analysis Worksheet & Vocabulary Activities

Engage high school readers with these activities and assessments for "The Giant Wistaria" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, a short horror story (perfect for Halloween) that uses symbolism and characterization to shed light on the effects of Puritanism and the patriarchy on women's lives. A reading comprehension quiz, literary analysis activity, vocabulary worksheet, crossword puzzle, word search game, copy of the narrative, and answer keys are included. By engaging with these materials, students will: * Identify what the text states explicitly. * Explore challenging vocabulary. * Consider historical context to answer questions about social roles in Puritan society (e.g., the power dynamic of a husband-and-wife-relationship). * Interpret metaphorical language (e.g., "eyes of wasted fire" and "hide the blot"). * Explore the relationship between imagery and Gothic literature. * Apply knowledge of literary devices (e.g., hyperbole, personification, simile, situational irony, oxymoron, etc.). * Articulate the greater significance of given details (e.g., the Puritan father's dialogue, George's offer of bromide to his wife, etc.). * Make evidence-based inferences about characters (e.g., the fate of the month-old child). * Explain the symbolism associated with given objects (e.g., the wistaria vine and the scarlet cross). * Support claims with relevant textual evidence.