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Roth
English 2341

Close Reading Homework

Refer to the guidelines on close reading in Blackboard (Power Point on Close Reading and example Close Readings) to do your own close reading of a passage (a few sentences or, at the most, one short paragraph) from one of the short stories we’ve read so far. It is helpful to choose a passage that stands out to you or particularly interests/intrigues you. Remember to pay attention to your first impression, the vocabulary and diction, any discerning patterns, point-of-view and characterization, and symbolism. Try not to analyze everything about the passage, but instead, choose one or two specific aspects to discuss.
You should annotate the text, as per the instructions and example on annotating literary texts. To generate ideas for the close reading, you will want to answer the questions posed in the Power Point on Close Reading in your notes; however, synthesize that information into a more cohesive written piece in the actual assignment.
Write a 1-2 page single-spaced piece that presents an insightful close reading of the passage you have chosen; use direct quotes to support your arguments. Choose one passage (about a paragraph or so) from one story we’ve read so far. It’s up to you which passage and story you choose; again, it’s helpful to choose one that stood out to you or one you may have even annotated already.

At the beginning of the assignment, refer to the page and paragraph number of the passage so I know exactly what you’re analyzing.

Submit to the corresponding Blackboard dropbox when you are finished.