1. The Basics:
* Plot: What happens in the story? What are the major events and turning points?
* Characters: Who are the main characters? What are their motivations, relationships, and goals?
* Setting: Where and when does the story take place? How does the setting impact the story and its characters?
2. Deeper Meaning:
* Theme: What is the story trying to say about life, human nature, or the world?
* Symbolism: Are there any objects, characters, or events that have a deeper symbolic meaning?
* Conflict: What are the main struggles the characters face? What are the stakes involved?
* Resolution: How does the story end? What are the consequences of the characters' actions?
3. The Author's Intent:
* Author's Background: Does the author's life experience or cultural background shed light on the story?
* Writing Style: What kind of language does the author use? What is the tone of the story?
* Genre: What genre does the story belong to? How does the genre influence your expectations and interpretations?
4. Your Personal Response:
* Emotions: How does the story make you feel? What resonates with you?
* Connections: Can you relate to the characters or their experiences? Does the story make you think about your own life?
* Personal Interpretation: How do you understand the story? What is your own unique take on its meaning?
Beyond the Basics:
* Historical Context: How does the story reflect the time period in which it was written?
* Cultural Context: How does the story reflect the cultural values and beliefs of the society it came from?
* Literary Devices: Does the story use any literary devices like metaphors, similes, or imagery? How do these devices contribute to the overall meaning of the story?
By considering all these aspects, you can gain a deeper understanding of a story and its meaning. It's like peeling back the layers of an onion, revealing more and more about the story as you go.