STOP NOTICE AND NOTE SIGNPOSTS FOR CLOSE READING

STOP, NOTICE, AND NOTE SIGNPOSTS FOR CLOSE READING

WHAT ARE SIGNPOSTS? • • Important moments in the text worth examining Like “red flags” in literature saying “Pay attention!” Common across narrative (both fiction and non-fiction) Represent commonly-used literary techniques that authors expect you to pick up on

HOW DO I USE SIGNPOSTS? • Pay attention! • Stop! Notice the signpost, and note your answer the accompanying question • Sticky-notes, margin notes, chart, etc. • Choose the style that fits your text (library book vs. photocopied handout, etc. ) and your thinking style (chart vs. bullet points vs. mind map) • Use these key moments as evidence for the analysis you’re asked to do in class (ie. Questions, essays, discussion)

#1: CONTRASTS AND CONTRADICTIONS Enjoy the cheesy graphics and inspirational music!

A character behaves in a way we don’t expect OR An element of setting is something we would not expect Question A sharp contrast between what we would expect and what we observe the character doing; behavior that contradicts previous behavior or well-established patterns Clues Definition CONTRASTS AND CONTRADICTIONS Why would the character act/feel this way?

#2: AHA MOMENT

Phrases, usually expressing suddenness, like: • “Suddenly, I understood…” • “It came to me in a flash that…” • “The realization hit me like a lightning bolt” • “In that instant, I knew…” Question A character’s realization of something that shifts his actions or understanding of himself, others, or the world around him. Clues Definition AHA MOMENT How might this change things?

#3: TOUGH QUESTIONS

Phrases expressing confusion: • “What could I possibly do to…” • “I couldn’t imagine how I could cope with…” • “Never had I been so confused about…” Questions a character raises that reveal his or her inner struggles Clues Definition TOUGH QUESTIONS What does this question make me wonder about?

#4: WORDS OF THE WISER

The protagonist and another more experienced character are usually off by themselves in a quiet, serious moment, and the wiser figure shares wisdom/advice in an effort to help the main character with a problem/decision Question The advice or insight a wiser character, who is usually older, offers about life to the protagonist Clues Definition WORDS OF THE WISER What’s the life lesson and how might it affect the character?

#5: AND AGAIN

a word is repeated, sometimes used in an odd way, over and over. OR An image reappears several times during the course of the narrative Question Events, images, or particular words that recur over a portion of the novel Clues Definition AGAIN AND AGAIN Why might the author bring this up again and again?

#6: MEMORY MOMENT

The ongoing flow of the narrative is interrupted by a memory that comes to a character, often taking several paragraphs to recount before we are returned to the events of the present moment Question A recollection by a character that interrupts the forward progress of the story Clues Definition MEMORY MOMENT Why might this memory be important?