Close Readings

We recently received an assignment to blog about our opinion of a close reading. First off, a close reading, according to Dr. McClennens, is "developing a deep understanding and a precise interpretation of a literary passage that is based first and foremost on the words themselves. But a close reading does not stop there; rather, it embraces larger themes and ideas evoked and/or implied by the passage itself. It is essential that we distinguish between doing a close reading and writing one. Doing a close reading involves a thought process that moves from small details to larger issues. Writing a close reading begins with these larger issues and uses the relevant details as evidence." 

When it comes to close readings, I have a very indifferent opinion on it. I don't like having to pick out just one part of the writing, when there are usually more than one part that is confusing. I don't think when taking apart one sentence you're able to fully tell what the author is saying or wants the readers to think. But to contradict that, I like the idea of being able to view the passage in a more abstract way.

I think it's an interesting way of writing and without practice writing this way, i'll remain optimistic.