a close reading of zebra. just what is close reading?
TRANSCRIPT
A Close Reading of Zebra
Just what is close reading?
“Every book has a skeleton hidden between its covers. Your job as an analytic reader is to find it.”
-Adler and Van Doren
To be a good close reader, you must..
Understand
your purpose in reading.
To be a good close reader, you must..
Understand
the author’s purpose in writing
To be a good close reader, you must..
See ideas in a text as being
connected
To be a good close reader, you must..
Search for
meaning
Engage a text while reading.
To be a good close reader, you must..
Ask questions as you read.
To be a good close reader, you must..
Search for answers to those questions as you read.
To be a good close reader, you must..
Ask higher order questions
Use LESS of
-What?-When?-Where?-Who?-Which?
Use MORE of
-Why?-How?-Suppose?-Justify-Example
When reading, think of how the TEXT relates TO yourSELF
TEXT TO SELF
Reading comes alive when we make recognize how the ideas in the text connect to our experiences and beliefs
Reading comes alive when we make recognize how the ideas in the text connect to events happening in the world
TEXT TO WORLD
Reading comes alive when we make recognize how the ideas in the text connect
to other books, poems, movies, etc.
TEXT TO TEXT
OUR close reading of Zebra-We will focus on…
characterization
The techniques an author uses to
describe and
develop a characterThe reader learns about a character through:-their thoughts, words, speech patterns, actions-the narrator’s description-the thoughts, words, and actions of other characters.
Speech
Thoughts
Effect on others
Actions
Looks
Characterization
Speech
“You know, you are a very gloomy life form.”“Andrea, get off my case.”
What do you learn about Zebra and Andrea based on their dialogue?
Characterization
Thoughts
“Why was the man asking all those questions? Zebra thought maybe he shouldn’t be talking to him at all. He seemed vaguely menacing in that army jacket, the dark-blue cap with the words LAND ROVER on it in orange letters, and the empty sleeve. Yet there was kindness in his gray eyes and ruddy features
What can you infer about Zebra and John Wilson based on Zebra’s thoughts
Characterization
Effect on others
“When he had finished, there was a silence. Everyone in the class was looking at him.”
What do the actions of Zebra’s classmates show about Zebra’s personality?
Characterization
Actions
Later, in the schoolyard during midmorning recess, Zebra stood near the tall fence, looking out at the street and listening to the noises behind them
How does Zebra standing alone during recess reflect his character and personality?
Characterizatin
Looks
“He was tall and wiry, and looked to be about forty years old. In his right hand he carried a bulging brown plastic bag. He wore a khaki army jacket, a blue demin shirt, blue jeans, and brown cowboy boots. His gaunt face and muscular neck were reddened by the sun.”
How does the author’s description of how John Wilson looks inform the reader about who the character is?