Close Reading: A 6-Step Process
A close reading describes the careful, sustained interpretation of a brief passage of text. Such a reading places great
emphasis on the particular over the general, paying close attention to individual words, syntax, and the order in which
ideas unfold as they are read. A close reading attempts to link “key” words or phrases to the text as a whole – for instance,
a close reading of a passage from chapter 1 may enlighten and further develop ideas which occur later in the text, such as
the final chapter or paragraph.
Step 1: Choose a short passage, one that you believe may carry significance to the work as a whole.
Step 2: Annotate the passage – highlight, underline or circle “key” words or phrases.
Step 3: Look for patterns in the things you’ve made note of. For instance, if the author is using a specific word numerous
times, this may be a hint to uncovering something noteworthy.
Step 4: Ask questions about the patterns – especially how and why: Does this pattern appear in other places of the text?
What might these patterns mean? (Think of the connotations of words or the order of words.)
Step 5: Attempt to answer your own questions – look back at the text!
Step 6: Come to a conclusion. You want to formulate some sort of theory or argument about your chosen passage.
Usually, this will look like a thesis statement.
Practice Close Reading
Step 1: XXVIII (p. 90)
Edna cried a little that night after Arobin left her. It was only one phase
of the multitudinous emotions which had assailed her. There was with
her an overwhelming feeling of irresponsibility. There was the shock of
the unexpected and the unaccustomed. There was her husband’s
reproach looking at her from the external things around her which he
had provided for her external existence. There was Robert’s reproach
making itself felt by a quicker, fiercer, more overpowering love, which
had awakened within her toward him. Above all, there was
understanding. She felt as if a mist had been lifted from her eyes,
enabling her to look upon and comprehend the significance of life, that
monster made up of beauty and brutality. But among the conflicting
sensations which assailed her, there was neither shame nor remorse.
There was a dull pang of regret because it was not love which inflamed
her, because it was not love which had held this cup of life to her lips.
Annotations
Close Reading: A 6-Step Process
A close reading describes the careful, sustained interpretation of a brief passage of text. Such a reading places great
emphasis on the particular over the general, paying close attention to individual words, syntax, and the order in which
ideas unfold as they are read. A close reading attempts to link “key” words or phrases to the text as a whole – for instance,
a close reading of a passage from chapter 1 may enlighten and further develop ideas which occur later in the text, such as
the final chapter or paragraph.
Step 1: Choose a short passage, one that you believe may carry significance to the work as a whole.
Step 2: Annotate the passage – highlight, underline or circle “key” words or phrases.
Step 3: Look for patterns in the things you’ve made note of. For instance, if the author is using a specific word numerous
times, this may be a hint to uncovering something noteworthy.
Step 4: Ask questions about the patterns – especially how and why: Does this pattern appear in other places of the text?
What might these patterns mean? (Think of the connotations of words or the order of words.)
Step 5: Attempt to answer your own questions – look back at the text!
Step 6: Come to a conclusion. You want to formulate some sort of theory or argument about your chosen passage.
Usually, this will look like a thesis statement.
Practice Close Reading
Step 1: XXVIII (p. 90)
Edna cried a little that night after Arobin left her. It was only one phase
of the multitudinous emotions which had assailed her. There was with
her an overwhelming feeling of irresponsibility. There was the shock of
the unexpected and the unaccustomed. There was her husband’s
reproach looking at her from the external things around her which he
had provided for her external existence. There was Robert’s reproach
making itself felt by a quicker, fiercer, more overpowering love, which
had awakened within her toward him. Above all, there was
understanding. She felt as if a mist had been lifted from her eyes,
enabling her to look upon and comprehend the significance of life, that
monster made up of beauty and brutality. But among the conflicting
sensations which assailed her, there was neither shame nor remorse.
There was a dull pang of regret because it was not love which inflamed
her, because it was not love which had held this cup of life to her lips.
Annotations
Step 2: The key words or phrases I noticed…
Step 3: I noticed these patterns…
Step 4: These are my questions about the patterns…
Step 5: My answer to these questions…
Step 6: My conclusions about Edna…