Close Reading

Close reading is a detailed, analytical approach to interpreting texts that emerged from New Criticism in the mid-20th century. It involves carefully examining a text’s language, structure, and literary devices to understand both its explicit meaning and deeper implications.

When performing a close reading, you:

1. Read slowly and deliberately, often multiple times
2. Analyze specific word choices, imagery, and literary techniques
3. Consider how different elements of the text work together
4. Look for patterns, contradictions, and ambiguities
5. Examine the text’s structure and organization
6. Focus on understanding the text itself rather than historical or biographical context