Close Reading, is there anything more important in English? Let's take a look at some common issues with close reading.
Common problems in close readings
Quotes aren’t introduced
Ahab isn’t very smart. “I’d strike the sun if it insulted me.”
In “The Quarterdeck,” Ahab exclaims, “I’d strike the sun if it insulted me.”
In “The Quarterdeck,” Ahab highlights the intensity of his arrogance: “I’d strike the sun if it insulted me.”
The close reading begins with “this.”
In “The Quarterdeck,” Ahab highlights the intensity of his arrogance: “I’d strike the sun if it insulted me.” In this quote Ahab shows how much he hates the sun.
Problem: It’s not clear what about the quote you’re trying to reference. This leads to very general close readings
In “The Quarterdeck,” Ahab highlights the intensity of his arrogance: “I’d strike the sun if it insulted me.” Ahab chooses to reference an object like the sun, with strong mythological connections to God, in order to display his desire to become a god-like man.
The close reading summarizes the quote.
In “The Quarterdeck,” Ahab highlights the intensity of his arrogance: “I’d strike the sun if it insulted me.” Ahab describes how if something as powerful as the sun attacked him verbally, he would strike it back physically.
Problem: Summary doesn’t explain how the quotes help prove your idea. I know what happened.
There are some good opinions/analysis, but they don’t relate directly to the text quoted.
In chapter 132, Ahab begins to reminisce about his past family life and displays the fact that he wishes he had more time on land to spend with his family. "When I think of this life I have led; the desolation of solitude it has been" (Melville 405). When Ahab says this it becomes extremely evident he hates the isolation from society he has had while on the sea.
Problem: Quotes don’t speak for themselves. You need to explain how you get to your readings because different people could come to different conclusions. Explain yourself as if you’re talking to someone who isn’t very smart.
In chapter 132, Ahab begins to reminisce about his past family life and displays the fact that he wishes he had more time on land to spend with his family: "When I think of this life I have led; the desolation of solitude it has been...the slavery of solitary command" (Melville 405). Ahab describes the “solitude” he has created for himself as “desolation.” For the entire novel, Ahab has willfully separated himself, but here he reverses himself and explains that he has been a “slave” to himself, suggesting a lack of control over his own role on the ship.
Making statements and claims without quoting the text
Problem: The basis of literary criticism is that the opinions/claims that are made must be supported through analysis of the text. This is what gives readings credibility. Otherwise, anyone could just say anything.
Note: Every substantial claim or opinion you make in your paper must be substantiated with a piece of the text.
Quotes aren’t introduced
Ahab isn’t very smart. “I’d strike the sun if it insulted me.”
Problem: The speaker and the context is not clear.
In “The Quarterdeck,” Ahab exclaims, “I’d strike the sun if it insulted me.”
Additionally, in this example, it would make it clearer to the reader if the elements of the quote that the writer wanted to emphasize were highlighted in the introduction.
The close reading begins with “this.”
In “The Quarterdeck,” Ahab highlights the intensity of his arrogance: “I’d strike the sun if it insulted me.” In this quote Ahab shows how much he hates the sun.
Problem: It’s not clear what about the quote you’re trying to reference. This leads to very general close readings
In “The Quarterdeck,” Ahab highlights the intensity of his arrogance: “I’d strike the sun if it insulted me.” Ahab chooses to reference an object like the sun, with strong mythological connections to God, in order to display his desire to become a god-like man.
The close reading summarizes the quote.
In “The Quarterdeck,” Ahab highlights the intensity of his arrogance: “I’d strike the sun if it insulted me.” Ahab describes how if something as powerful as the sun attacked him verbally, he would strike it back physically.
Problem: Summary doesn’t explain how the quotes help prove your idea. I know what happened.
There are some good opinions/analysis, but they don’t relate directly to the text quoted.
In chapter 132, Ahab begins to reminisce about his past family life and displays the fact that he wishes he had more time on land to spend with his family. "When I think of this life I have led; the desolation of solitude it has been" (Melville 405). When Ahab says this it becomes extremely evident he hates the isolation from society he has had while on the sea.
Problem: Quotes don’t speak for themselves. You need to explain how you get to your readings because different people could come to different conclusions. Explain yourself as if you’re talking to someone who isn’t very smart.
In chapter 132, Ahab begins to reminisce about his past family life and displays the fact that he wishes he had more time on land to spend with his family: "When I think of this life I have led; the desolation of solitude it has been...the slavery of solitary command" (Melville 405). Ahab describes the “solitude” he has created for himself as “desolation.” For the entire novel, Ahab has willfully separated himself, but here he reverses himself and explains that he has been a “slave” to himself, suggesting a lack of control over his own role on the ship.
Making statements and claims without quoting the text
Problem: The basis of literary criticism is that the opinions/claims that are made must be supported through analysis of the text. This is what gives readings credibility. Otherwise, anyone could just say anything.
Note: Every substantial claim or opinion you make in your paper must be substantiated with a piece of the text.
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