Annotate the novel, writing questions and comments in the margins. Ideally, you

Annotate the novel, writing questions and comments in the margins. Ideally, you should read the
novel once, and annotate the novel upon a second reading. Annotations consist of TWO PARTS:
A. Highlighting or marking w/sticky notes specific lines or phrases in the text you wish to
comment on. These should be color-coded (see below). Do not mark entire paragraphs!
B. Notes written in the margins of the book commenting on a specific idea such as character, plot,
style, etc. You should have at least 5 annotations per chapter. This minimum will earn you a
passing grade, but does NOT guarantee an “A.” It is a minimum.
Your annotations should reflect a CLOSE READING of the novel.
Use the following code to guide your comments:
– BLUE HIGHLIGHTING/STICKY NOTES: IDENTIFY MOTIFS — a motif is a dominant
idea in an artistic or literary composition. In a motif, you may have any literary element that
repeats and forms a pattern that gives the audience a feeling of unity, recognition, or completion.
Repeated elements may include but are not limited to characterization, conflict, verbal expression,
symbols, action, setting.
– YELLOW HIGHLIGHTING/STICKY NOTES: IRONY (verbal, situational, dramatic). Where
do you see the author using irony, and what kind of irony is being used? What does the reader
learn about human behavior?