WebQuest: Exploring Fred Chappell and his novel Brighten the

Corner Where You Are.

Overview: In this WebQuest, you will learn about the life of our 2004 Writer-in-Residence, Fred Chappell. You will take a look at his novel Brighten the Corner Where You Are and a few of the issues found in the book. You will also learn about Shepherd’s Writer-in-Residence program and sample some poetry written by Fred Chappell.

Step 1: Learn about Appalachia.

What is Appalachia? What are the characteristics of Appalachian writing? Take a look at this map to get an idea of what areas of the U.S. are a part of the Appalachian region. Take a look at how Appalachian culture spills over into art and music.

Listen to three examples of Appalachian music: “Loving Henry”, by Kyle Wooten; “Sweet Farm Girl” by Tom Ashley; and a banjo piece called “Foggy Mountain Breakdown”. You can also browse this same site to listen to other audio clips. The sound quality is great!! Take a look at this Appalachian quilt collection.

Step 2: Learn about Shepherd’s Writer-in-Residence Program.

What is a Writer in Residence? Check out the Shepherd University Writer-in-Residence website to see what the program is about and who our past writers have been. Be sure to take a look at the activities that have been planned around Chappell’s visit and make plans to attend one. Also, click on this link to get information about the Fiction Competition that is linked to the Writer-in- Residence program. You may be interested in entering the competition next year.

Step 3: Learn about Fred Chappell.

Read Fred Chappell’s biography. Here is another short biography on Chappell that you can read. Also note the list of Chappell’s works on this same page. Have you ever heard of the term Poet Laureate? Fred Chappell was North Carolina’s Poet Laureate for a five year term beginning in December 1997. Listen as Chappell discusses his thoughts on being Poet Laureate.

Step 4: Investigate some of the topics that surface in Brighten the Corner Where You Are.

Storytelling has been around for thousands of years. What is storytelling? Look at this site for more information on storytelling. What are the specific characteristics of storytelling? Can you find a variety of instances of storytelling in Brighten the Corner Where You Are? Mark them for class discussion. Another topic discussed in the novel is Darwin’s theory of evolution. Can you imagine why this issue was so controversial in this small mountain town? Be prepared to discuss in class.

Step 5: Chappell’s poetry.

Chappell is known for his extraordinary poetry. Read Chappell’s essay “The State of Poetry.” Now take a look at some examples of his poetry. Click on this site to view his poem titled “Elizabeth Retreats.” An audio clip of Chappell reading this poem is available on the same page. Listen to a few more of Chappell’s poems to hear his voice embrace his words. Be prepared to discuss in class one of his poems that you found enjoyable.