Close Reading: An Analysis Technique

Introduction to Close Reading

• Close reading is a form of literary analysis.
• It involves examining a passage from a book or a poem to identify powerful writing techniques.
• Useful for students with close reading assignments and for writers to improve their writing.

Steps for Close Reading

1. Read Entire Work

• Understand the full plot or content of the book/poem.
• Essential for recognizing literary techniques like foreshadowing.

2. Understand Context

• Know the plot and the author's background, including their motivations and the time period of writing.

3. Summarize the Passage

• Identify and jot down the obvious details.
  • Characters, dialogue themes (e.g., jealousy).

4. Identify Central Ideas and Themes

• Determine the big ideas or themes within the passage.
• Useful for understanding how authors weave themes into their work.

5. Analyze Point of View

• Consider who the narrator is (first/second/third person).
• Determine if the narrator is reliable or if they present the author's opinion.

6. Examine Language and Syntax

• Look at rhyme schemes, rhythms, sentence length, and tempo.
• Analyze synonyms, metaphors, and how these contribute to the overall themes and ideas.

Example: Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven"

• Step 1: Read the entire poem to understand that the narrator is grieving Lenore.
• Step 2: Research Poe and the poem's historical context.
• Step 3: Identify obvious elements like rhythm and meter.
• Step 4: Themes include grief and its psychological effects.
• Step 5: First-person perspective allows insight into the narrator's mind.
• Step 6: Analyze language like "once upon a midnight dreary" for its fairy-tale inversion.

Tips for Effective Close Reading

• Avoid not diving deep enough: Go beyond surface-level observations.
• Avoid over-interpretation: Ensure interpretations are supported by evidence in the text.

Benefits for Writers

• Close reading helps writers appreciate literature on a deeper level.
• It offers insights into techniques like dialogue crafting and emotional description.

Active Reading Strategies

• Use close reading for active engagement with well-written books.
• Break down impactful scenes to understand the writing techniques used.

Conclusion

• Close reading is a valuable tool for both readers and writers.
• Encouraged to apply close reading strategies to favorite books to discover impactful techniques.

Call to Action

• Share how you plan to use close reading strategies and on which book.
• Engage with online resources for further writing development.