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A Close Reading of Zebra

Explore the techniques of close reading through a detailed analysis of Zebra, focusing on characterization. Learn how the author's use of speech, thoughts, actions, and appearance reveals the depth of the characters.

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A Close Reading of Zebra

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  1. A Close Reading of Zebra

  2. Just what is close reading?

  3. “Every book has a skeletonhidden between its covers. Your job as an analytic reader is to find it.” -Adler and Van Doren

  4. To be a good close reader, you must.. Understandyour purposein reading.

  5. To be a good close reader, you must.. Understand the author’s purpose in writing

  6. To be a good close reader, you must.. See ideas in a text as being connected

  7. To be a good close reader, you must.. Search for meaning

  8. To be a good close reader, you must.. Engage a text while reading.

  9. To be a good close reader, you must.. Ask questions as you read.

  10. To be a good close reader, you must.. Search for answers to those questions as you read.

  11. Ask higher order questions Use LESS of -What? -When? -Where? -Who? -Which? Use MORE of -Why? -How? -Suppose? -Justify -Example

  12. 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

  13. Reading comes alive when we make recognize how the ideas in the text connect to events happening in the world TEXT TO WORLD

  14. Reading comes alive when we make recognize how the ideas in the text connect to other books, poems, movies, etc. TEXT TO TEXT

  15. OUR close reading of Zebra-We will focus on…

  16. characterization The techniques an author uses to describe and develop a character The 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

  17. 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?

  18. 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

  19. 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?

  20. 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?

  21. 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?

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