Close Reading

            A close reading is a very special way to look at something like a text or film that involves monitoring and comprehending hidden or underlining meanings and themes throughout the story. Close reading is almost like reading between the lines. It involves putting together your previous experiences and knowledge with the information you are being given to uncover the true purpose or message. While this kind of critical analysis of a text can be quite difficult to do, the more effort one puts into it, the more they can get out, especially when dealing with more quality work. Watching a poorly made action movie may not be enhanced by a layer of close reading since everything going on is usually one dimensional. However, films and texts that are considered classics throughout history all share the common trait that they have a large amount, if not the majority of their information under the surface of the dialogue and actions.

            After learning what I have about close reading, it is easy to see the appeal in picking apart a story to attempt and understand every detail about it. It most defiantly changes the way I view texts. While I use to simply read books or watch movies, with close reading, I find myself trying to comprehend everything that is going on more and once I believe I understand the meaning behind everything, I try to understand the reason that it was included in the story. This may seem unnecessary, but it is highly rewarding in the end and a very good way to stimulate your mind.

            When you close read, you can attain a much high appreciation for the stories you are witnessing. Especially when you read a book or see a film that is critically acclaimed, but you do not understand why, close reading can reveal the complexity and intelligence under a story that transforms it from a one-dimensional timeline to a web of interweaving narratives. (326)