1. Pick a Focus for the Close Reading
1.1. Pick an area of literary analysis that you want to focus on before you begin reading. For example, a character, a setting, the use of metaphors, or the use of imagery.
1.2. Make the focus of the close reading as narrow as possible because that will make the assignment more interesting.
1.3.You should always pick an area of literary analysis because the list of elements that you can examine when conducting a close reading is endless.
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2. Choose the Specific Sections of the Text
2.1. Pick the section(s) of the text that you want to focus on because it is impossible to conduct a close reading of the whole text.
2.2. Pick whatever sections pop into your mind first because these sections obviously made an impact on you, and thus, they will make an impact on those reading your assignment.
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3. Read Slowly
3.1. Ensure that you have enough time to conduct the close reading. Close reading requires you to pay attention to the detail.
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Note: The speed of the close reading is dependant on the focus of the close reading. If you are looking at the language of the text, then the close reading will take longer but if you are examining a theme or setting then you can read slightly faster.
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4. Take Notes
4.1. Annotate the text or write out notes on a separate piece of paper.
4.2. Write the bibliographic information of the text at the top of the page if you are using a seperate piece of paper.
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Note: The notes will help you keep track of what you have discovered during the reading and help you formulate the argument of the assignment.
