College in the High School English

Gut Reactions

Joe Smith

Title/Author of the piece you’re critiquing

Your Title

Gut reactions are short, incisive, personal, written reactions to literary works made while reading them. They are intended to be no more than initial, personal responses to a new reading experience, though they can lead to longer, more substantial responses dealing with questions of theme, meaning, imagery, style, technique…

Respond to these questions with your gut reaction toward the work.

1. My first significant reactions to the characters (or events). What in the work caused them?

2. The first thoughts, ideas, or themes found in the work. What caused them?

3. What is the central problem or plight or issue in the work? Why do you think so?

4. What were the first things you liked/disliked about the work? Initially, did you think you’d like or dislike it?

5. What details (actions, dialogue, imagery, symbols, descriptions) initially interested you in this work? Why?

6. What is your reaction to the ending? Was it what you expected? Was it “good”? Why?

Submit 2 gut reactions to Mrs. Dahl before the end of the semester. Make sure you complete your reaction shortly after you read the work.