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January 31, 2006
(Not so) Close reading details
Roberts on Close Reading. -- Jerz: American Lit II (EL 267)
“If you can read and assimilate a single paragraph, you have then developed your power to read and assimilate an entire book. And if you can follow and appreciate a single poem, you will have acquired the skill to comprehend other poems. In addition, if you can understand a single speech by a dramatic character – any speech - you can go on to do the same for the entire play.”
Those are important words of encouragement, and it’s a good idea to learn the style and technique on small passages if one is to ever expand to larger pieces, but I’ve never felt it is as easy as it’s described. However, with practice I’m sure I can become at least comfortable.
Of note is the statement: “Analyzing an individual part, therefore should bring out not only the meaning of the part but also the function of the part within the larger structure of the work.” I’m not certain I’ve ever accomplished that …
Posted by MattHampton at January 31, 2006 07:59 PM
Comments
Matt, you've hit on an important concept. It's not easy to do right away, and the way it's described on paper really can't teach the process as well as just trying to do it on your own. I'm not expecting everyone to get it right the first time. Like any skill, you have to practice. I hope by the end of the term you'll be able to look back on this blog entry and articulate how far you've progressed in this particular skill.
Posted by: Dennis G. Jerz at January 31, 2006 10:44 PM
I am a little confused by the concept, myself. I'm not sure if Roberts meant that you should try to connect the smaller piece to the larger work with specific details from other passages, or if you should simply make generalizations.
In a close reading essay focusing on one thematic idea, that is.
Posted by: ChrisU at February 1, 2006 05:32 PM