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Monday, we discussed how many costume design clues aren't really clues; they're clearly shown in the story. Not every detail is shown in exposition paragraphs, though, and that's where the close reading happens! Here is tip two for finding out how to turn a description into a design.
2. Look for less-obvious clues woven into the story.
Sometimes a character is described in great detail-- you are given a full paragraph of descriptions. However, an author often weaves a character’s look into the dialogue or into small chunks throughout the story. For example, while Scrooge is talking to Marley’s ghost, this disturbing incident happens: At this the spirit raised a frightful cry, and shook its chain with such a dismal and appalling noise, that Scrooge held on tight to his chair, to save himself from falling in a swoon. But how much greater was his horror, when the phantom taking off the bandage round its head, as if it were too warm to wear indoors, its lower jaw dropped down upon its breast! (Dickens). Earlier in the story you would have discovered these details about what Marley’s ghost was wearing:
Pigtail
Waistcoat
Tights and boots
Chain
Coat with two buttons on the back
Kerchief around his head
Now, separate from the main description, you find more information. Marley’s kerchief keeps his jaw from literally dropping! Keep adding to the list of clues you find throughout the text to create a costume that fits entirely with the author’s description. Love the idea of giving your teen an experience that combines art, movement, and literature? Check out the online homeschool literature class that begins January 22. http://bit.ly/Spring2019Lit