"The Golden Goose" by the Brothers Grimm 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 “The Golden Goose” by the Brothers Grimm. The brevity of the narrative and the nature of the learning targets help teachers fill awkward gaps in schedules without sacrificing academic rigor. An answer key and copy of the fairy tale are 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
• Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
• Compare two groups of characters
• Apply knowledge of literary devices including sibilance and situational irony
• Generate a relevant theme
• 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