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

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.

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” (2.89-90).

“There is no happiness where there is no wisdom;/ No wisdom but in submission to the gods” (Exodus 139-140).