"The Lady with the Dog" by Anton Chekhov Close Reading Worksheet

Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Anton Chekhov’s short story “The Lady with the Dog.” An answer key and a copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.

This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.

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
• Describe the tone of a given passage
• Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
• Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
• Discern the functions of a given character and a given passage
• Apply knowledge of literary devices including auditory imagery, invective, metaphor, onomatopoeia, personification, simile, situational irony, and more
• 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