"Memory" by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Worksheet

Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help students analyze a brief, yet complex short story: “Memory” by H.P. Lovecraft. This narrative has an estimated Lexile Measure of 1200-1300, making it an appropriate addition to a high school short story or fantasy unit, especially at the 11th and 12th grade levels. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will demonstrate an ability to do the following:

• Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
• Discern the most accurate description of setting
• Analyze the author’s craft with emphasis on how adjectives enhance the story
• Define complex words in context
• Analyze given excerpts to discern which literary devices are applied
• Justify claims using reasoned thinking
• Articulate the purpose of architectural remnants in the context of the story’s setting
• Demonstrate knowledge of simile and explain its intended effect in context
• Analyze the plot to infer the author’s perspectives on human existence
• Write with clarity, logic, and precision