1.1 Close reading
9 min read•august 20, 2024
Close reading is a literary analysis method that involves carefully examining a text's language, structure, and literary techniques. It aims to uncover deeper meanings, themes, and artistic elements by focusing on individual words, phrases, and sentences.
Originating in the early 20th century, close reading became prominent with the New Criticism movement. It emphasizes studying the text as an independent object, rejecting external factors like or authorial intent. This approach remains relevant in modern literary studies and has expanded to other disciplines.
Definition of close reading
- Close reading is a method of literary analysis that involves careful, detailed examination of a text to uncover its meaning, themes, and literary techniques
- Involves paying close attention to individual words, phrases, and sentences to understand how they contribute to the overall meaning and effect of the work
- Requires multiple readings of a text, each time focusing on different aspects such as diction, , , and structure
Purpose and goals
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- The primary purpose of close reading is to gain a deep, nuanced understanding of a literary work by examining its language, form, and structure in detail
- Aims to uncover the complex layers of meaning within a text, including its themes, symbols, and motifs
- Seeks to appreciate the artistry and craft of the writer in using language to create a specific effect or convey a particular message
- Enables readers to develop their critical thinking and analytical skills by engaging with a text on a deep, substantive level
Characteristics and features
- Close reading is characterized by a focus on the text itself, rather than external factors such as the author's biography or historical context
- Involves a slow, careful reading process that pays attention to every word and phrase, rather than skimming or reading for plot
- Requires a willingness to grapple with ambiguity and multiple interpretations, rather than seeking a single, definitive meaning
- Often involves annotating the text with notes and observations, and rereading passages multiple times to gain new insights and perspectives
History of close reading
- Close reading emerged as a distinct method of literary analysis in the early-to-mid 20th century, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom
- Developed in response to earlier approaches to literature that focused on historical, biographical, or moral considerations rather than the text itself
- Influenced by modernist literature and the idea that a work of art should be self-contained and autonomous, rather than dependent on external factors for its meaning
Origins in New Criticism
- Close reading is closely associated with the New Criticism movement, which emerged in the 1920s and 1930s and dominated literary studies until the 1960s
- New Critics such as John Crowe Ransom, Allen Tate, and emphasized the importance of studying a text as an independent, self-contained object
- Rejected the idea that a text's meaning could be determined by its historical or biographical context, or by the author's stated intentions
- Instead, New Critics focused on the "words on the page" and the formal elements of a text, such as its structure, imagery, and language
Key figures and theorists
- I.A. Richards, a British literary critic, is often credited with developing the techniques of close reading in his books "Principles of Literary Criticism" (1924) and "Practical Criticism" (1929)
- William Empson, another British critic, applied close reading techniques to the analysis of ambiguity and multiple meanings in poetry in his book "Seven Types of Ambiguity" (1930)
- American New Critics such as Cleanth Brooks and Robert Penn Warren popularized close reading in the United States through their influential textbook "Understanding Poetry" (1938)
- Other notable figures in the development of close reading include F.R. Leavis, Kenneth Burke, and R.P. Blackmur
Techniques for close reading
- Close reading involves a variety of techniques and strategies for analyzing a text in detail, with a focus on its language, form, and structure
- These techniques are designed to help readers uncover the complex layers of meaning within a text and appreciate the artistry and craft of the writer
Analyzing diction and word choice
- Examining the specific words and phrases used by the author, and considering their connotations, associations, and emotional resonance
- Paying attention to unusual or striking word choices, and considering how they contribute to the overall meaning and effect of the text
- Analyzing patterns of word usage, such as repetition, , or assonance, and considering how they create a particular rhythm or sound
Examining syntax and sentence structure
- Analyzing the way sentences are constructed and organized, and considering how this contributes to the meaning and effect of the text
- Paying attention to the length and complexity of sentences, and considering how they create a particular pace or rhythm
- Examining the use of punctuation, such as commas, dashes, or parentheses, and considering how they affect the flow and emphasis of the text
Identifying literary devices and figurative language
- Analyzing the use of literary devices such as metaphor, simile, personification, and irony, and considering how they contribute to the meaning and effect of the text
- Examining the use of figurative language, such as symbols and motifs, and considering how they create layers of meaning and significance
- Paying attention to the use of imagery and sensory details, and considering how they create a particular mood or atmosphere
Interpreting tone and mood
- Analyzing the overall tone and mood of the text, and considering how it is created through language, imagery, and other literary devices
- Examining shifts in tone or mood, and considering how they reflect changes in the characters, plot, or themes of the text
- Paying attention to the use of irony, sarcasm, or understatement, and considering how they create a particular emotional effect or convey a specific message
Considering form and structure
- Analyzing the overall form and structure of the text, such as its genre, plot, and narrative perspective, and considering how they contribute to its meaning and effect
- Examining the use of formal elements such as rhyme, meter, and stanza structure in poetry, and considering how they create a particular rhythm or sound
- Paying attention to the use of structural devices such as flashbacks, foreshadowing, or parallel plotlines, and considering how they create suspense, anticipation, or thematic connections
Applications of close reading
- Close reading is a versatile method of literary analysis that can be applied to a wide range of texts, including poetry, prose, and drama
- By examining the specific language, form, and structure of a text, close reading can help readers uncover its complex layers of meaning and appreciate its artistic qualities
Poetry analysis
- Close reading is particularly well-suited to the analysis of poetry, which often relies on dense, highly concentrated language and complex formal structures
- By examining the specific words, phrases, and literary devices used in a poem, readers can uncover its themes, symbols, and emotional resonance
- Close reading can also help readers appreciate the sonic qualities of poetry, such as its rhythm, meter, and sound patterns
Prose analysis
- Close reading can also be applied to the analysis of prose texts, such as novels, short stories, and essays
- By examining the specific language and narrative techniques used in a prose text, readers can uncover its themes, characters, and overall meaning
- Close reading can help readers appreciate the artistry and craft of prose writing, such as the use of imagery, symbolism, and irony
Drama analysis
- Close reading can also be used to analyze dramatic texts, such as plays and screenplays
- By examining the specific language, stage directions, and character interactions in a dramatic text, readers can uncover its themes, conflicts, and emotional impact
- Close reading can help readers appreciate the ways in which dramatic texts use language and performance to create meaning and effect
Close reading vs other approaches
- Close reading is one of many approaches to literary analysis, and it is often contrasted with other methods that focus on different aspects of a text or its context
- By understanding the differences between close reading and other approaches, readers can appreciate the unique insights and perspectives that each method offers
Close reading vs reader-response criticism
- Reader-response criticism focuses on the ways in which individual readers interpret and respond to a text, rather than on the text itself
- While close reading emphasizes the importance of examining the specific language and formal elements of a text, reader-response criticism emphasizes the role of the reader in creating meaning
- Reader-response criticism may consider factors such as the reader's personal experiences, cultural background, and emotional reactions to the text
Close reading vs historical/cultural criticism
- Historical/cultural criticism focuses on the ways in which a text reflects and responds to its historical, social, and cultural context
- While close reading emphasizes the importance of examining the text itself, historical/cultural criticism emphasizes the importance of understanding the text's relationship to its broader context
- Historical/cultural criticism may consider factors such as the author's biography, the social and political events of the time period, and the cultural norms and values reflected in the text
Limitations and criticisms
- Despite its many strengths and insights, close reading has also been subject to various limitations and criticisms over the years
- By understanding these limitations and criticisms, readers can appreciate the need for a diverse range of approaches to literary analysis
Accusations of formalism
- One common criticism of close reading is that it can lead to a narrow, formalist approach to literature that ignores the broader social, historical, and cultural context of a text
- Critics argue that by focusing exclusively on the language and formal elements of a text, close reading can neglect important aspects of its meaning and significance
- Some critics also argue that close reading can lead to a kind of "cult of the text" that treats literature as a purely aesthetic object, rather than as a product of human culture and experience
Neglect of context and authorial intent
- Another criticism of close reading is that it can neglect the importance of a text's historical and cultural context, as well as the intentions and experiences of its author
- Critics argue that by focusing exclusively on the "words on the page," close reading can ignore the ways in which a text reflects and responds to its broader social and political context
- Some critics also argue that close reading can lead to a kind of "intentional fallacy," in which readers assume that the meaning of a text can be fully determined by examining its language and formal elements, without considering the author's intentions or experiences
Contemporary relevance
- Despite these limitations and criticisms, close reading remains an important and influential method of literary analysis in the 21st century
- By adapting and expanding its techniques to new contexts and disciplines, close reading continues to offer valuable insights and perspectives on a wide range of texts and topics
Close reading in modern literary studies
- Close reading continues to be a central method of analysis in modern literary studies, particularly in fields such as poetry and modernist literature
- Modern scholars have adapted close reading techniques to new contexts and genres, such as digital literature, graphic novels, and film
- Close reading has also been used to examine the ways in which literature reflects and responds to contemporary social and political issues, such as race, gender, and globalization
Interdisciplinary applications of close reading
- Close reading techniques have also been adapted and applied to a wide range of disciplines beyond literary studies, such as history, philosophy, and cultural studies
- In these contexts, close reading is used to analyze a variety of texts and artifacts, such as historical documents, philosophical treatises, and works of art
- Close reading has also been used to examine the rhetoric and language of political discourse, such as speeches, debates, and propaganda
- By applying close reading techniques to a wide range of texts and contexts, scholars and readers can gain new insights into the ways in which language and meaning are constructed and negotiated in different cultural and historical contexts
Key Terms to Review (12)
Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in closely positioned words, often used to create rhythm, enhance mood, or emphasize particular phrases in literature. This technique can be found in poetry, prose, and speeches, serving as a powerful tool for engaging readers and enhancing the auditory experience of a text.
Cleanth Brooks: Cleanth Brooks was a prominent American literary critic and theorist best known for his work in the New Criticism movement. He emphasized the importance of close reading and argued against the heresy of paraphrase, asserting that the meaning of a poem or literary work lies within its structure, language, and imagery rather than in its explicit content. His approach encourages readers to delve deeply into the text itself to uncover the intricacies of meaning and form.
E.D. Hirsch: E.D. Hirsch is an American educator, author, and cultural critic best known for his work on literacy and cultural literacy. He argues that understanding a text requires knowledge of its cultural context and shared background information, emphasizing the importance of background knowledge in reading comprehension and interpretation.
Historical Context: Historical context refers to the social, political, cultural, and economic conditions that surround a specific event or piece of literature at the time it was created. Understanding historical context is crucial because it helps to illuminate how the time period influenced the work's themes, characters, and motivations.
How does the structure affect meaning?: This concept refers to the idea that the arrangement of elements within a text, including its form, organization, and style, significantly influences the interpretation and understanding of that text. Structure shapes how readers engage with the content, affecting their perception of themes, character development, and overall meaning. The interplay between structure and meaning emphasizes that the way a narrative is constructed can convey different messages and emotional responses.
Imagery: Imagery refers to the use of vivid and descriptive language that appeals to the senses, helping readers to visualize scenes, emotions, and experiences in a text. This technique enhances the reader's connection to the narrative by creating mental pictures and evoking sensory experiences that deepen understanding and emotional engagement.
Interpretive Strategies: Interpretive strategies are the various methods and techniques employed by readers and critics to analyze and derive meaning from texts. These strategies encompass a range of approaches, including thematic analysis, character exploration, and contextual examination, all aimed at uncovering deeper insights and interpretations that enhance understanding of a literary work.
Linguistic Scrutiny: Linguistic scrutiny refers to the detailed analysis of language in a text, focusing on the choice of words, syntax, and stylistic elements to uncover deeper meanings and implications. This close examination allows for a better understanding of how language shapes our perceptions and interpretations of the text, revealing underlying themes and nuances that may not be immediately apparent. It serves as a critical tool for readers to engage with the text at a more profound level, highlighting the significance of every linguistic element.
Reader response: Reader response is a literary theory that emphasizes the role of the reader in interpreting and creating meaning from a text. It suggests that each reader brings their own experiences, emotions, and context to the reading process, which shapes their understanding and engagement with the work. This perspective shifts the focus from the author's intentions or the text itself to the individual reader's experience, making interpretation a dynamic and personal act.
Subtext: Subtext refers to the underlying meaning, emotions, or themes that are not explicitly stated in a text but can be inferred through context, character interactions, and word choice. It adds depth to literary works by allowing readers to uncover layers of significance beyond the surface narrative, enhancing the overall understanding of the material.
Syntax: Syntax refers to the set of rules, principles, and processes that govern the structure of sentences in a language. It involves the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences, which can significantly affect the meaning and clarity of the text. Syntax is crucial in understanding how different sentence structures can convey various nuances and rhetorical effects, making it a key component in analyzing both written and spoken language.
What does the text mean?: This phrase is often used to prompt an analysis of a text's meaning, exploring its themes, symbols, and intentions. It invites readers to consider the deeper significance of the language and structure within a piece of writing, assessing how those elements work together to convey specific ideas or emotions.