How would I do a close reading?

A close reading involves an engaged and focused discussion of form, meter, language, style and themes. This includes recognising where the writer has used techniques such as metaphors, alliteration or assonance.

We will divide the sample text firstly into separate chunks, and examine those in terms of their language, form and structure firstly. We can use these as a basis for a discussion of the themes of the text. The best close readings will be able to firstly identify the techniques being employed but afterwards link them to the general themes and ideas being presented by the writer.