"Hypnos" by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Worksheet

Measure reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school and college with this set of analysis questions on H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “Hypnos.” A variety of reading question types facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. With an estimated Lexile Measure of 1300-1400, this text and its corresponding active reading worksheet are appropriate additions to short story, Halloween, or horror units, 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 will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.

By completing this activity, secondary students will demonstrate the following:

• An ability to analyze a paragraph in the text in order to discern its primary function.
• 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 relationships
• An ability to define complex words and phrases in context
• An ability to analyze the text to discern the tone of an excerpt
• An ability to analyze the text for literary devices such as situational irony
• An ability to analyze the author’s craft and articulate the significance of sensory descriptions in the context of a specific excerpt
• An ability to find and articulate relevant textual details in support of a claim
• An ability to read closely to isolate a correct statement about the text.
• An ability to articulate what the text indicates both explicitly and implicitly
• An ability to write with clarity and precision