"And of Clay Are We Made" by Isabel Allende Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and develop critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the short story “And of Clay Are We Made” by Isabel Allende, as translated by Margaret Sayers Peden. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will:

• Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
• Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings
• Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
• Describe tone in context
• Determine the functions of given excerpts
• Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
• Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, metaphor, personification, situational irony, symbolism, and more
• Reflect on what the story implies about the power of the media
• Consider themes in context
• Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
• Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
• Come to class better prepared to discuss literature