A major aspect of your Literary Analysis essay will be performing Close Readings. It’s important to identify and choose scenes and quotes from the story you’re analyzing that have significant content and “meat” that you can use to support your overall claim. In order to hone that skill, in this assignment you’ll practice the process of close reading on some selected quotes from our stories. Complete the following assignment for TWO (2) quotes from the attached powerpoint. Review the Performing a Close Reading powerpoint (attached). At the end, I’ve provided five quotes or passages from each story: choose TWO (2) quotes from one of the stories. Ideally, choose the story you’ll be analyzing for your paper, but that’s not a requirement. For each quote, answer the following prompts: Identify the speaker, the point in the plot (exposition, rising action, etc.), and the basic meaning of the quote (what’s happening on the surface). Focus on the diction or language of the quote. Choose TWO (2) words or phrases that are significant or unique to the quote and define or explain them. Consider why an author would use that specific word choice or phrasing. Identify at least ONE (1) symbol or metaphoric language and explain what they represent. Explain how this quote or passage connects or exemplifies a theme present in the text. If there are other quotes you would rather use for this assignment (such as one you know you are using for your paper), please email me to get it checked before using it for this assignment. But it’ll probably be fine!
