Zombie

Writing Workshop

Workshop Title: Zombie

Step 1

Ask your students, “When have you witnessed or learned about an event that affected people who were not directly connected to you, yet still shaped the way you thought or felt about the world? How did that event influence your emotions, your sense of safety, or the way you viewed other people?” Give them 5–10 minutes to discuss.

Step 2

Read “Zombie” by the Cranberries. As you are reading, think about how the song portrays the emotional weight of violence, especially when it harms people who are innocent or far removed from the conflicts that created the harm.

Step 3

Say, “Think of a moment when something happening around you, whether it was in your community, your school, or the world, changed the way you felt about the people you care about. Use vivid details to show how the shift sounded, looked, or felt from the inside.” Give them a few minutes to brainstorm.

Step 4

Ask your students to compose a poem similar in sentiment to “Zombie,” one that reflects the emotional aftershocks of witnessing or hearing about an event that created tension, fear, sorrow, or confusion.

Step 5

When the students are done, have them share their responses with one another.

The full presentation may be found HERE.

Analytical Lesson

Area of Focus: Various

Step 1

This lesson allows students to analyze various concepts and skills, so it is recommended that you have covered several of the “standalone” lessons before assigning this one.

Step 2

Start by reading “The Names” by Billy Collins. Don’t provide any historical context to the piece; rather, just read the poem aloud to your students. Then ask your students to briefly discuss the text and how they respond to it. 

Step 3

Now tell your students – if they haven’t already realized it on their own accord – that the poem was written to commemorate the victims of 9/11. Ask your students if the poem takes on new meaning with that added historical context. Briefly discuss.

• A discussion with Billy Collins about his poem can be found HERE. 

Step 4

Now play “Zombie” by The Cranberries. Ask your students to simply pay attention to the overarching message of the piece and song goes about conveying that message. Refrain from providing any historical context at this time. 

Step 5

Ask your students to open the following document and go over the instructions with them. In this assignment, your students will read through several historical resources, revisit the song, and explain how the added historical context gives the piece added emotional depth and meaning. When you’ve gone over the directions, give your students time to work.

Step 6

When your students are done, simply ask them about the piece and how the added background to the song adds to a more robust understanding of the text. Discuss.