Getting Started with Close Reading
Start with Close Reading
Close reading is the foundation of literary analysis. It means paying attention to:
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Word choice and language patterns
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Tone and mood
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Figurative language (metaphors, symbols, imagery)
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Repetition or contradictions
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Character development or narrative structure
As you read your chosen text, annotate the passages that strike you. Ask:
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What is the author doing with language?
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What deeper meaning might be hidden beneath the surface?
Visit the “Getting Started with Close Reading” tab for more techniques and examples.
Develop a Literary Argument
Develop a Literary Argument
Based on your close reading:
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Formulate a thesis statement that expresses your unique interpretation.
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Connect your analysis to broader literary themes, such as identity, justice, power, memory, or resistance.
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Consider which literary theory (feminist, postcolonial, psychoanalytic, etc.) might enrich your argument.
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Explore the “Understanding Literary Theory” tab for examples and support.
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