Most of you are probably teaching from somewhere other than a classroom full of students. If you’re looking for short stories that get you through the chaos, you’ve found them.
Short Stories in the Time of Coronavirus
Ever feel like the bell to start 3rd period is similar to the ebony clock’s monotonous clang that portends death? Good “Masque of the Red Death” lesson plans might help.
“Masque of the Red Death” by Edgar Allan Poe. “The “Red Death” had long devastated the country. No pestilence had ever been so fatal, or so hideous.” (1). Of course, this virus was the real deal. It involved extreme pain and lots of blood. Prince Prospero thought he could keep it out by self-quarantining with his closest friends. The Prince–perhaps because March Madness was canceled–hired all sorts of entertainers to keep away boredom. Luckily,you have Netflix. And these “Masque of the Red Death” lesson plans.
“Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut. Look what happens when media uses a fake crisis to strip away civil liberties and crush individuality. Perhaps the year 2081 will look back at Coronavirus as the start of a Utopian kingdom. Or maybe the threat is real and toilet paper will become the new currency. Either way, I’ve got some awesome “Harrison Bergeron” lesson plans.
“The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson. Teaching on a small island in the Caribbean has its advantages, not the least of which is there are zero reported cases of Covid-19 and school is still in session here. We are all eager to find out who the first case will be. Much like in Shirley Jackson’s short story, this is not a lottery I want to win. These “Lottery” lesson plans, though, are a winner.
“The Fun They Had.” Isaac Asimov created a future in which students did all their school work at home with the help of computers. The unfortunate students could only dream of how much fun students must have had in the old days, when students went to a central meeting spot to learn. Perhaps your students can relate? These “The Fun They Had” lesson plans sure are relatable.
“A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. If you thought strange things were going on where you live, then you need to check out what’s going on in this town. A guy with wings just crashed in the courtyard. These people seem to be handling the chaos a little better than the toilet paper hoarders next door. And these “Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” lesson plans will help you handle your class.
“Dead Men’s Path” by Chinua Achebe. The new school administrator finds out what happens when you modernize the school without any thought of how it might upset the locals. Perhaps teaching a story called “Dead Men’s Path” isn’t the best idea during a pandemic. If you refuse to heed my advice, these “Dead Man’s Path” lesson plans will help.
Science Fiction. If you feel you’re living the life of a science fiction protagonist, then you should study your role. These Science Fiction short stories are a good read before, during, and after an apocalyptic pandemic.
Last Updated on March 17, 2020 by Trenton Lorcher
Share This:
I would rather share stories that are a bit more hopeful. Why emphasized the anxiety that so many of our students are feeling.
Perhaps the problem is I’m feeling absolutely no anxiety and was being a little playful. I do appreciate the suggestion, thought. I think I’ll make that my next blog post. Of course, there aren’t a ton of hopeful short stories floating about.