Grimms' Fairy Tale "Simeli Mountain" Close Reading Worksheet

Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions on the short story “Simeli Mountain” by the Brothers Grimm. A detailed answer key and a copy of the public domain short story are included. The narrative has an estimated Lexile measure of 1200-1300, making it an appropriate addition to a short story or fantasy literature unit at the high school level. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.

This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.

By completing this exercise, students will:

• Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
• Define complex words and phrases in context
• Explain how situational irony is applied in the text
• Apply knowledge of consonance to the text
• Articulate the protagonist’s internal conflict in context
• Infer what the protagonist’s internal conflict reveals about his sense of morality
• Locate textual evidence in support of the claim that the protagonist practices moderation
• Make logical inferences about character motivations
• Explain how dramatic irony is applied in the text
• Examine cause-and-effect relationships
• Analyze character actions to discern what they reveal or reinforce about their characterization
• Apply knowledge of metaphor to the text
• Articulate the significance of a given detail
• Explain how poetic justice is carried out
• Articulate relevant themes
• Write with clarity and precision