What reading techniques do you use when you try to go beyond the surface story to really understand the layers of meaning in a work of fiction?

In hard times by charles dickens, the scene in which the characters discuss the depiction of horses on wallpaper and flowers on carpets is the author’s way of showing the absurdity of

In comparing "minerva and arachne" and "niobe," can you establish a common theme running throughout both texts? how do you think this theme might change if the stories were written in first-person point of view? write a journal entry explaining the theme of both "minerva and arachne" and "nirobe." then, consider how the theme might change if the tales were written using a first-person point of view. use examples and evidence from both texts to support your analysis.

What type of external conflict occurs in the excerpt from “stephen crane’s own story”? it was now that the first mate showed a sign of losing his grip. to us who were trying in all stages of competence and experience to launch the lifeboat he raged in all terms of fiery satire and hammerlike abuse. but the boat moved at last and swung down toward the water. a. person versus person b. person versus nature c. person versus society d. person versus self i think its either b or d.