Close Reading and Theme Statements

Critical Analysis What do you notice? What questions do you have? What could it mean? Why does it matter?

Critical Analysis- TEWWG Read the last paragraph of chapter three and answer all of the following questions in your journal: What do you notice about word choice, character development, imagery, syntax, etc.? (At least 5) What questions do you have? (3) What could the details mean? Why does it matter? (Theme Statement)

The good, the bad, the ok, the ugly Theme Statements The good, the bad, the ok, the ugly

Theme Statements Answer the question- How does this relate to life/humanity? Treat it like a thesis statement (1 sentence) Be specific The more specific details the better Actually state what the theme is! You must mention the title of the work and the artist!

“The Government Bureau” by George Tooker

The painting shows how the government sees its citizens. Ugly The painting shows how the government sees its citizens. Why is this so bad? Extremely vague Doesn’t mention the name of the painting or the artist Doesn’t include any details from the painting

Bad “The Government Bureau” by George Tooker expresses the government’s apathetic attitude towards its citizens, treating them as numbers instead of people. Why? Doesn’t explain how the painting does this!

Ok Through lines, color, and perspective, “The Government Bureau” by George Tooker expresses the government’s apathetic attitude towards its citizens, treating them as numbers instead of people. What’s missing: Details about the painting need to be more specific!

Good Through sharp lines, a limited color palette, and a faceless perspective, “The Government Bureau” by George Tooker expresses the government’s apathetic attitude towards its citizens, treating them as numbers instead of people. Why? Gives specific details from the painting Connects to the bigger picture Names the painting and painter