The 3 Levels of Reading A Close Reading Activity for Antigone

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

1 st 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) 2 nd 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 3 rd 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.

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

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.

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

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