Noticing details is usually not something you do when you're reading a novel merely for enjoyment. In these instances, you may be so eager to find out what happens next that you miss important bits of information. Although this type of approach is fine for leisure reading, it won't work when you're studying a novel for English class.
To find details in a novel, you will need to revisit the story. This doesn't mean that you have to read the entire novel twice; instead, you skim through the pages where you're most likely to find the information you're looking for. When you skim, you let your eyes travel across the words as you look for one or two keywords or phrases. Then, when you've located a relevant passage, you slow down and reread that part, paying special attention to the details.
This is the same approach you probably use when you're searching for the answer to a science or history question. You go to the section where you think you'll find the answer and begin scanning down the page, looking for a keyword. When you find that keyword, you slow down and reread, noting the details.
It helps to have a specific goal in mind when you're searching for clues in a novel. That way, you can look for very specific information and skip over other parts of the story that are not relevant. Skim and reread Chapter 8 to find the answer to this question: What is Dally's perspective on his injuries from the fire?
Use the questions below to guide you in skimming and rereading.
1. Where would you begin skimming for information about Dally's condition in Chapter 8?
Two-Bit and Ponyboy see Johnny first; then, they visit Dally.
Two-Bit and Ponyboy see Johnny first; then, they visit Dally.
Two-Bit and Ponyboy see Johnny first; then, they visit Dally.
2. What would be a good keyword to skim for when searching for an answer to this question?
Searching for a character's name or some other unique word associated with the situation can be a good way to skim for details.
Searching for a character's name or some other unique word associated with the situation can be a good way to skim for details.
Searching for a character's name or some other unique word associated with the situation can be a good way to skim for details.
3. Once you've found the passage, what three things should you look for to understand Dally's perspective?
Earlier in this lesson, you learned that the character's words and actions, as well as the reactions of others, all indicate the character's perspective.
Earlier in this lesson, you learned that the character's words and actions, as well as the reactions of others, all indicate the character's perspective.
Earlier in this lesson, you learned that the character's words and actions, as well as the reactions of others, all indicate the character's perspective.
4. What detail do you learn about Dally when Ponyboy and Two-Bit first enter his hospital room?
Johnny says Dally is his "usual mean, ornery self."
Johnny says Dally is his "usual mean, ornery self."
Johnny says Dally is his "usual mean, ornery self."
5. What action does Dally participate in while the other two are in the room?
Dally asks Two-Bit for his switchblade, which he hides under his pillow.
Dally asks Two-Bit for his switchblade, which he hides under his pillow.
Dally asks Two-Bit for his switchblade, which he hides under his pillow.
6. What inference can you make about Dally's perspective on his health?
Dally's words and actions, as well as Johnny and Two-Bit's reactions to him, indicate that Dally's perspective is that he will be out of the hospital soon.
Dally's words and actions, as well as Johnny and Two-Bit's reactions to him, indicate that Dally's perspective is that he will be out of the hospital soon.
Dally's words and actions, as well as Johnny and Two-Bit's reactions to him, indicate that Dally's perspective is that he will be out of the hospital soon.
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