Study & Annotation Guide for House of Leaves
A practical, spoiler-light How-To for studying House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski—from tools and symbols to footnote maps, page-geometry tactics, and group workflows. Designed to pair with How to read, Layout & typography, and Themes.
Set up your study kit
Tools
- Two bookmarks (main text + active footnote)
- Sticky tabs (theme colors; label by code)
- Notebook or note app (page refs + quotes)
- Soft pencil for margin glosses
- Flat surface for rotated pages
Legend (use symbols, not just color)
| Code | Meaning | Example use |
|---|---|---|
| LBR | Labyrinth / Minotaur motif | Corridor counts, center/threads |
| MED | Media, truth, evidence | Edits, missing frames, exhibits |
| HOM | Home, intimacy, alienation | Domestic distance, tone shifts |
| UNR | Unreliable narration | Contradictions, brackets, [sic] |
| ◊ | Variant/strikethrough noted | Write both readings |
| ☍ | Cross-link | Note page → page reference |
Follow footnotes without getting lost
Footnote map routine
- Park Bookmark A at the main line
- Move Bookmark B with the active note
- Finish a chain before returning to A
- Log note → page in your notebook
Quick template
| Anchor page | Note trail | Sources / exhibits |
|---|---|---|
| p. ___ | #12 → #12a → #27 | Ex. A-3, faux journal, [sic] |
Read the page geometry
Shape → pace
Scan the page first: columns, arrows, frames, rotations. Sparse lines slow your eye; tight columns quicken pace. Rotate the book when text rotates.
- Note orientation arrows or implied flow
- Record line count on staircase spreads (LBR)
- Mark any mirrored/boxed insertions (UNR)
Where to look
Tag themes as evidence, not vibes
Theme tagging
- Confirm the speaker before tagging
- Attach a quote or measurable cue
- Use codes (LBR, MED, HOM, UNR) in margins
Theme index (starter)
| Theme | Trigger | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Labyrinth | Distances, turns, threads | Log counts; map stairs (LBR) |
| Media & truth | Edits, exhibits, cuts | Note evidence type (MED) |
| Home & intimacy | Domestic distance/tone | Compare voices (HOM) |
| Unreliable narration | Contradictory claims | List variants + speakers (UNR) |
Build a personal index
1-line gloss method
One sentence per entry with speaker, claim verb, and page. Cross-link related entries with ☍.
- “Zampanò claims corridor narrows (p. 123) ☍ p. 307”
- “Johnny admits missing pages (p. 198) ☍ Ex. A-3”
Fast skim map (reread)
- Skim only your LBR and UNR tabs
- Jump via ☍ links to exhibits
- Update contradictions table
Study group / class workflows
Roles
- Footnote cartographer (maps chains)
- Source auditor (checks exhibits)
- Timeline keeper (dates, counts)
Shared docs
- Impossible measurements list
- Quote bank (with page numbers)
- Variant readings table (◊)
Session pattern
- 5 min: geometry scan (who/where)
- 15 min: footnote chain audit
- 10 min: theme evidence round
Extras & downloads
Printable aids
- Reading schedule (8–10 weeks)
- Blank footnote-map sheet
- Theme index cards (LBR/MED/HOM/UNR)
Edition notes
Print helps with rotated spreads and spacing. Hardcover is stable for desk sessions; paperback is lighter for quick flips.
Regional info
Storefronts may route by country. If a different region opens, change region in the header and re-select your format. Common regions: US, UK, Canada, Australia.
Study & annotation — FAQ
How do I keep from losing my place in footnotes?
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How do I keep from losing my place in footnotes?
What should I mark on a first pass?
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What should I mark on a first pass?
Is digital okay for studying this book?
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Is digital okay for studying this book?
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