Ideal for American Literature classes, Gothic poetry units, and the fall/autumn season, this poetry analysis worksheet helps high school ELA students explore the poem “A Ballad of Halloween” by Theodosia Garrison. An answer key is included. This poem uses personification and surreal imagery to create a turbulent atmosphere, and it explores the idea that making peace with one’s past is not always easy or possible.

By engaging with this poetry activity, students will:

• Analyze word choices to infer their intended effects (e.g., “song of vague alarms,” "procession, “fair, false love,” etc.).
• Discern the intended effect of repetition in context.
• Describe tone in context.
• Infer the greater significance of a given stanza.
• Apply knowledge of literary devices (e.g., personification).
• Explore themes in context (e.g., the uniting power of death, making peace with the past, etc.).
• Articulate how the central figure in the poem is haunted.