The 3 Levels of Reading

1. The 3 Levels of Reading A Close Reading Activity for Antigone

2. The three levels of reading are: • Reading on the line • Reading between the lines • Reading beyond the lines

3. 1st Level of Reading: the concrete meaning (the innermost circle) • Write the most significant topic word of the play (ideas on next slide) • Write multiple dictionary definitions of the word (denotation) • Explain why the word is important by placing it in the context of the narrative (tell me what it adds to the story) 2nd Level of Reading: the abstract meaning (the middle circle) • Referring to the text, draw 4 images inspired by parts of the reading that relate to the word • Give the full MLA quotation to show the link between each image the word you have written 3rd Level of Reading: the thematic level (the outside circle) • Write 2 thematic statements drawn from the significant word you wrote in the innermost circle and the images you drew in the middle circle. Tie everything to the work as a whole.

4. Words to Consider You may choose from the following words, or choose your own: • Pride • Fate/Prophecy • Crime and Punishment • Civil Law (Laws of the land) • Anarchy • Leadership • Divine Law (Laws of the gods) • Vengeance

6. When you finish… Select one of your thematic statements (from the outer circle) to use as a thesis statement . On the reverse side of your paper, compose a lengthy paragraph analyzing meaning / theme in Antigone.

7. Rubric • Level 1 information intact • Level 2 information intact • Level 3 information intact • Proper MLA format • All information is relevant • Provides a true theme statement • Paragraph is complete • Paragraph is thoughtful and thorough • Assignment is neat and organized • Information is creatively displayed

8. MLA Format for Plays “Her mind’s a traitor: crimes kept in the dark / Cry for light, and the guardian brain shudders” (2.89-90). “There is no happiness where there is no wisdom;/ No wisdom but in submission to the gods” (Exodus 139-140).