Spring 2016/ Fall 2022
Generally speaking, Thriller/ Suspense is a broad and popular genre of literature, film, and television that is characterized by intense feelings of suspense, excitement, surprise, dread, and anticipation with a strong focus on a lone protagonist forced to confront seemingly overwhelming odds and daunting enemies in order to accomplish an all-encompassing goal. Authors create this effect using surprising plot twists, intense climactic events and highly specific word choice, tone and mood. Our classic mentor text for both reading and active comparison viewing will include Ray Bradbury's timeless story of sacrifice and redemption titled "Something Wicked This Way Comes". The film version was produced by Disney in 1983 taking its title from a famous line in the Shakespearean play "Macbeth"..."By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes." Additional texts may include short stories/ excerpts from Edgar Allen Poe ("The Tell Tale Heart"), "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs, "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, Alfred Hitchcock's essay "Let 'em Play God", the 2002 film "The Mothman Prophecies", H.G. Wells' "War of the Worlds", and the 1990's film "Arachnophobia" including a variety of classic Fairytales, Fables and Folklore as we move into story plot relationships, theme, and figurative language elements including both metaphor and symbolism. While most consider the genre of Thriller/ Suspense strictly for "cheap thrills" and entertainment purposes, high quality writing in this genre often results in serious and meaningful thematic messages analyzed and discussed in class through literature circles, Socratic Seminars, and presentations. Prepare yourself for "thrills, chills, and sneaky spills!"