“The Fox and the Horse” by the Brothers Grimm Close Reading Questions

Fairy tales are not just for elementary students; even high school readers can use (and enjoy) fairy tales as a tool for practicing close reading analysis skills. This worksheet composed of rigorous questions covers “The Fox and the Horse” by the Brothers Grimm. With an estimated Lexile Measure range of 1100-1200, the short story is especially suitable for middle and high school students. The briefness of the narrative also makes it an appropriate time-filler for awkward gaps in teaching schedules. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will:

• Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
• Isolate a factual statement from falsehoods in the context of the plot
• Apply knowledge of various literary devices including anthropomorphism, hyperbole, situational irony, dramatic irony, and sibilance
• Make logical inferences about character motivations
• Analyze a character’s actions and statements to discern what they reveal about their morality
• Make a reasonable argument about whether the horse could have benefited from giving greater consideration to the fox’s personal motivations
• Cite textual evidence in support of original claims
• Write with clarity, accuracy, and precision