The Purloined Letter is a short story written by Edgar Allan Poe in 1844 It is a detective fiction that tells a tale of a letter, stolen from a government minister by an agent of the queen, and hidden in plain sight. The story follows the protagonist, C. Auguste Dupin, an amateur detective, as he attempts to solve the mystery and locate the letter. The Purloined Letter introduces readers to the practice of ratiocination, or logical deduction, which is the process of using reason and logic to solve a problem.
The Purloined Letter is a great topic for active learning, as it introduces readers to ratiocination, encourages problem-solving, and gives students an opportunity to identify and examine clues related to the story. Here are five active learning activities to use when teaching The Purloined Letter:
1) Brainstorming & Problem Solving. Have students brainstorm and come up with theories about the letter’s disappearance and its whereabouts. Then, have each student present their theory to the class, and have their peers critique each one.
2) Clue Hunt. Create a series of clues based on the story and have students work in groups to identify each clue and solve the mystery. This is a great way to engage students in the story and have them practice their deductive skills.
3) Detective Role Play. Have students take on the roles of detective and suspect, and have them act out the story. This is a great way for students to practice their communication and negotiation skills, as well as their problem solving skills.
4) Debate. Have students form two teams of advocates and opponents, and each team must come up with their own arguments related to the story. This activity requires critical thinking and analysis, and encourages students to explore their own opinions.
5) Mystery Writing. Have students create their own mystery story using the same principles of logic and deduction that were used in The Purloined Letter. This will give students an opportunity to practice their writing skills, while also allowing them to apply the principles they learned in class.
These five activities are great for engaging students and encouraging them to think critically and logically. They allow students to practice their communication, problem solving, and analytical skills, which are essential for any college student.