the layer cake of literature: making complex connections with every bite

The Layer Cake of Literature:

Making complex connections with every bite.

a.k.a.Close Reading

Unlock your

memories and

associations

Find symbols in the text

Light = Goodness

Darkness = Evil

See Patterns in words and actions

Blood

Night

BloodBlood

It

Blood

It

Night

Nature

Fair

Foul

Memory Symbol+ Pattern_________Meaning

Memory

and

Meaning in Macbeth

Symbol Pattern

+

+

A Close Look at Banquo

“Good

buddies...’

till the

end?”

And

Macbeth

“Wherever we go...it’s together”

Every complex character needs sidekick, foil, partner...an opposite...

Symbols and BanquoAct 2 Scene 1Enter Banquo, and Fleance bearing a torch (II.1.19)

Banquo: Hold, take my sword. There’s husbandry in heaven,/Their candles are all out. Take thee that too.A heavy summons lies like lead upon me,And yet I would not sleep. (II.1.19)

After a brief exchange, Banquo, Fleance and servant—all torch-bearers exit—leaving Macbeth in the dark—to see a dagger.

Where there is Banquo; there is Light.

Where there is Light; there is goodness.

Banquo = Goodness

Patterns & BanquoThe Pattern within Banquo’s words:

“Why do you start and seem to fear/Things that do sound so fair? (I.III.6)

“...have we eaten on the insane root...?” (I. III.8)

“The instruments of darkness tell us truths,/Win us with honest trifles...” (I.III.8)

Time to

Frost...

Your Layer Cake...

Make new meaningfrom complex connections

Memory: Mac & Banquo are good buds

+ Symbol: Banquo is goodness through light

+ Pattern:Banquo speaks of truth and is not afraid

Banquo represents Macbeth’s “good” side. The killing of Banquo by Macbeth leaves Macbeth alone and in total darkness...to be consumed by evil.

Add it up...

Works CitedFoster, Thomas C. How to Read Literature Like

a Professor. New York: Harper, 2003.

Do your equations 2x in your journal

Memory __________________________________

Symbol ___________________________________

Pattern_____________________________________

New Meaning from Complex Connections: