Rules of Configuration

Perceiving the text's developing shape

Undermining—we know that stasis will be disrupted, and we expect that problems will be resolved. The sub-rule of chutzpah forces us to question the self-proclaimed greatness of Oedipus, and it’s why we kicked ourselves if we trusted Lizzy too much.


Balanced focus—books will focus on some central thing, as in David Copperfield, Emma, or a metamorphosis.


Balanced action—the other shoe must drop. Lydia’s stupidity must have some consequence.




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Rules of Coherence

Finding systems of unity among the details

Insufficient information—we know that holes in a text must be filled in.


Bundling of information—we find patterns that link characters or events. The Song of Solomon uses biblical names for certain characters, but not others.


Consistent reference—a signifier is linked to one signified. It might not be clear to us, but we assume that there is a way to unify discordant impressions. (Think of Piggy’s glasses. Perhaps you assume that they represent the hope of salvation through logic and technology. When they start to fall apart, you don’t say “well, I guess I was wrong.” You adjust.)





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Rules of Signification 

Assigning larger meanings to details

Source—who is speaking and how does that shape whatever information we are getting. “Once a bitch always a bitch, what I say.” Do we trust Jason?


Physical trait links—How you look is who you are. Gregory Peck is trustworthy and Peter Lorre isn’t. (often dependent on genre)


Enchainment of action—a puppy kicker is no good


Realism—conventions of standard human behavior apply to most texts


Causation—all events in a text have causes we can fathom. Gregor is a bug for some reason. We can somehow make sense of Raskolnikov’s decision to murder.


Ironic Voice—ideas in conflict must be remedied; opposites must be deciphered.



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Rules of Notice 

Attending to the most important details

Convention—rules of the genre—symbols for literary novels, suspicious people for mysteries, setting in Romantic texts


Key words—"suddenly", "realized", "truth", etc.


Repetition & Italics—Lolita has clues in italics. Words or phrases that are italicized or otherwise set apart from the rest of the text are meant to call the attention of the reader.  MacBeth repeats the word blood over and over. Repeated actions/ideas are meant to attract the attention of the reader and suggest importance.


Explicit highlights by author—this sounds odd, but think about Huck Finn’s first lines about “stretchers.” Twain is explicitly drawing our attention to a central idea in the novel. (“I am telling you” moments in a narration)


Epigraphs—An epigraph is a quote that comes before the beginning of a text and can serve to raise the expectations of the reader about events to come.


Metaphors and similes —The author may use these types of figurative language to draw attention to a certain aspect or idea in the text. Pay close attention to metaphors and similes.


Ruptures—an odd break in tone or narrative; when the turtle crosses the road in Grapes of Wrath (or when a new anonymous voice begins narrating, as in a mystery novel). 


Spacing and line breaks — Pay attention to how the author chooses to break up the text – it may be a signal for a change in the time structure (like a flashback), a change in narration, etc.


Privileged position—Title, subtitles, first lines, last lines, single sentence paragraphs. Titles and subtitles tell us where to focus our attention and provide a core around which to organize our interpretation.  A valid interpretation of a text will be able to incorporate the message or meaning of the first and last sentences (of a chapter or of the work as a whole). Authors often place important information in these positions.

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The Unspoken Rules of Reading

When reading you might find yourself asking: “How do I know what is important?” Rules of notice refers to the hidden narrative conventions which writers and readers rely on for generating meaning. According to narrative theoretician and practitioner Rabinowitz they are crucial to interpretation and “serve as a kind of assumed contract between author and reader — they specify the grounds on which an intended reading should take place.” (Rabinowitz) 

Click each asterisk (*) to find out more.

Rules of Notice 

Attending to the most important details *

Rules of Signification

Assigning larger meanings to details *

Rules of Configuration

Perceiving the text's developing shape *

Rules of Coherence

Finding systems of unity among the details *

English A: Mining Literature for Deeper Meaning

The highest-scoring exams in English A demonstrate "complexity" and "insight". Deep reading fosters both. This video explains what is meant by deep reading and how your Language A course can help you achieve this.