A good close reading does two things: it gathers formal evidence, and it interprets that evidence. To gather formal evidence, ask a series of questions to the passage. What is its perspective? Does it use figurative language? Below is a list–not exhaustive–of formal aspects of prose fiction. imagery structure (paragraphs, sentences, etc.) grammar rhythm perspective/point of view tone time (linearity v alinearity) word choice diction repetitions figurative language (similes, metaphors etc.) Once your evidence is gathered, you can begin to interpret it. How does the evidence generate meaning? And how does the meaning of the passage call upon meaning from elsewhere in the novel? (In other words, how is this passage situated in the novel?) Be sure to quote amply, interpreting the textual evidence for your reader. If you can, deepen your engagement with that quote by articulating why it means what it means–in other words, what formal aspect of the passage is generating that meaning? These are the Edwardian Text you can choose from Howards End – https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2946/2946-h/2946-h.htm The War of the Worlds -https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/36/pg36-images.html In the Cage – https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1144/pg1144-images.html
