The Death of the Moth

“The Death of the Moth”

Virginia Woolf

Group Assignment: Due at the end of the hour

You have already read this essay once. Now you will do a second, close reading. In a close reading, you must read slowly, carefully, and thoroughly, with an eye to detail—usually you will read each sentence or section several times before moving on. As you read, annotate the essay based on the 4 questions below. DO NOT write out answers to the questions in paragraphs—instead, write your insights right in your text. Every group member must annotate his/her own text, but you should share ideas as a group.

· First, read questions 1-4 together as a group. Figure out what each question is asking you to pay attention to. Look up any words you don’t know.

· Second, individually read a section over several times (all group members will be reading the same section at the same time), annotating more each time you read. Allot a specific amount of time for this; if you finish early, keep re-reading until everyone is done.

· Next, discuss that section as a group. Make sure to address all 4 questions. Add more annotation as you discuss.

· Then, move on to the next section and repeat the process.

When you are finished annotating the entire essay, move on to the Writing Challenge at the bottom.

1) What examples of sensory detail do you notice throughout the essay?

2) Woolf’s style in this essay might be described as discursive, with longer, complex sentences predominating. Yet she uses a few brief, simple sentences. Identify them and discuss their impact.

3) Trace the emergence of combat imagery in the essay.

4) What is Woolf’s overall tone? What sentences support your answer?

Writing Challenge:

On a separate piece of paper, rewrite this essay (in 5-6 sentences) from a scientist’s point of view—that is, describe the death of the moth from the detached, objective viewpoint of a scientist who has observed it and is explaining it to an audience of peers.