The most prevalent example of close reading that I engage in is studying the scriptures. To me, analyzing scriptural text is the most important use of close reading; the more I comprehend, the greater truth and knowledge I will receive.
The processes of close reading that I typically utilize are similar to some suggestions listed under the Reading a Short Story in Appendix B in Seeing and Writing 3: What is the setting of the story? Who are the characters in the story? What is the author trying to say? Why did the author choose to write the material in the way they did (i.e., word choice, structure, connections or themes from what the author had written previously). In addition to synthesizing these techniques, I enjoy writing down my impressions of what I have learned. The process of writing helps me to organize my thoughts. I notice when I write, I usually remember what I have learned more concretely as opposed to times when I do not. Additionally, the act of fleshing out ideas on paper helps me to find connections between the various thoughts I receive when I analyze a text. I have discovered that my mind will not sufficiently analyze a text until I have written down my thoughts.
There are many media texts that I love to engage in on a daily basis. I must admit that I am not always consistent in analyzing media texts. I am usually good at analyzing books and short stories, but I often cut corners when reading brief media texts such as posts on Facebook, blogs, news reports, or magazine articles. Although I don’t analyze brief media texts as often as I should (for I know there is much wisdom I could gain by doing so) I love to engage in this method of quick reading. I find the most joy however in reading novels and short stories, as well as graphic novels. I employ many of the same techniques discussed in my close reading procedure as I do when reading novels, short stories, and graphic novels. I don’t write down my impressions as often as I should with these texts, and that is something I will work on, for I know it would enhance my experience with the text greatly. I have much to learn in analyzing media texts more effectively, but I am grateful for the experiences I have had with close reading and analysis. One of my favorite thrills of engaging in media texts, particularly through narrative, is the ability of vicarious experience. It is a powerful outcome that produces wisdom and knowledge.
In discussing different media texts, for whatever reason, the scriptures didn't occur to me. But in all reality they are the text we analyze more than any other work. In fact the church leaders never tire in imploring us to do so. We belong to a church that encourages us to pick apart a story. To do more than just skim through, and they want us to do it daily.
ReplyDeleteI also cannot fully embrace anything that I don't write down. As I write something down on paper I feel as though I am recording it to memory, even if I never glance at that paper again. The thought of taking notes while reading "Watchmen" before would have seemed silly to me, but I think you make a good point about employing these same techniques in everything.