Fairy tales are not just for elementary readers; even middle and high school students may use fairy tales as tools for extending beyond reading comprehension and practicing close reading analysis skills. “The Girl Without Hands” by the Brothers Grimm, also known as “The Maiden Without Hands” and “The Armless Maiden,” is a short story about the plight of a maiden whose poor father makes a bargain that results in her disfigurement and confinement. English Language Arts teachers may assign this set of rigorous questions to complement the story and evaluate students’ high-order skills. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will:
- Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
- Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others
- Isolate a factual statement from falsehoods in the context of the miller’s characterization
- Explain how situational irony and dramatic irony are applied
- Discern the significance of the maiden’s decision to draw a circle around her
- Explore cause-and-effect relationships (how losing her hands affects the maiden physically, psychologically, and interpersonally)
- Analyze the silver hands for symbolic value
- Define complex words in context
- Apply knowledge of literary devices including alliteration and foreshadowing
- Cite textual evidence to support claims and ideas
- Write with clarity and precision
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