Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. This story is a blend of science fiction and horror. What are some examples of science-fiction or horror stories that are popular? What do people enjoy about movies or books in these genres? What titles serve as good examples of a horror/sci-fi blend?

Teaching Suggestion: Students might be prompted with examples of titles and suggestions as to what might be the appeal behind being afraid or “enjoying a good scare.” If they need more ideas, you may suggest famous examples such as Frankenstein, War of the Worlds, or Jurassic Park. Small groups might first brainstorm lists together and then add their titles to a board or display them for comparison to those of other groups.

• “The Psychology Behind Why We Love (or Hate) Horror” by Haiyang Yang and Kuangjie Zhang is a discussion of the psychological function and appeal of horror stories.
• “What Horror Films Reveal About Society’s Fears” by Oliver Ward is an article from CU Denver News that explains and discusses the social and psychological benefits of horror fiction.