Ages 13 to 17
School subjects
After viewing the film, discuss the meaning of the word “macabre”: the quality of having or portraying a ghastly atmosphere. Macabre works emphasize the symbols and details of death. Read a short story or poem by Edgar Allan Poe; then, citing the short film Big Swing as inspiration, ask students to create a short story or poem entitled “The Swing.” Record the completed pieces or present them live, in front of an audience or on the public address system in the school.