Close Readings Flashcards
Define Theme
The central idea/s explored in a text often an aspect of human experience such as love, hope, or friendship.
Define Values
Ideas to which people attach importance, and on which they may base their actions.
What is a Dominant reading?
The most common and widely accepted interpretation of a given text.
What is a Resistant reading?
An alternative reading that contradicts the dominant reading.
What is a Alternative reading?
Any reading that differs from the commonly accepted interpretation.
What is a Feminist reading?
Looking at a text through the eyes of a feminist to closely analyse how women are portrayed and presented in comparison to men.
What is a Stylistic reading?
Explores how readers interact with the language of texts in order to explain how we understand and are affected by texts when we read them.
What is the importance of Significance?
The work must make an important contribution to our understanding of life; it must not be trivial or mindlessly entertaining.
What is the importance of Universality?
The work must deal with the common experience of humanity; it’s themes should be recognisable to people of all times and places.
What is the importance of Vitality?
The work should feel alive and powerful; it should tackle it’s subject with energy and intensity.
What is the importance of Artistry?
The writing should be artistically skilled; there should be a focus not only on what is said but also how it is said, and the language should be shaped to achieve an effect.
What is the importance of Durability?
The work should have lasting value; it should not appeal to us only because it is topical or fashionable; it should outlive it’s historical moment.
Define Context
The multitude of factors ‘outside’ the text which shape it’s meanings.
What is context of production?
What has influenced a text’s creation.
What is context of reception?
The way in which a text is received/ read.
