"Ex Oblivione" by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Worksheet

Measure comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school and college with this set of rigorous questions on H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “Ex Oblivione.” The variety of reading question types also facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. With an estimated Lexile Measure of 1400-1500, this text and its corresponding active reading exercise are appropriate additions to a high school short story unit, especially at the 11th and 12th grade levels. A detailed answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.

This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.

By completing this activity, students will demonstrate the following:

• An ability to define complex vocabulary in context
• An ability to navigate specialized reference materials to clarify a word’s precise meaning(s)
• An ability to analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character motivations
• An ability to analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character mindsets
• An ability to analyze the text for literary devices such as situational irony
• An ability to analyze cause-and-effect relationships
• An ability to analyze the author’s craft to discern and articulate tone in context
• An ability to find and articulate relevant textual details in support of a claim
• An ability to articulate what the text indicates both explicitly and implicitly
• An ability to write with clarity, logic, and precision