Close reading is key to the analysis and interpretation of literature. A close reading of the title and the epigraph of “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” offers readers an opportunity to examine how even single words or names can contribute to the development of a motif or theme. To begin the examination, individuals respond to several questions that ask them to consider Prufrock’s name. After sharing their responses, groups use the provided questions and focus on the poem’s epigraph. 

Concepts

reading comprehension, t.s. eliot

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Additional Tags

reading comprehension, The lovesong of J. Alfred Prufrock, t.s. eliot, english language arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the exercise to introduce close reading skills

Classroom Considerations

• Most appropriate for strong readers

Pros

• The resource contains everything you need to promote close reading of a challenging text and deserves a place in your curriculum library

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.11-12.1 RL.11-12.4