Close reading is an essential skill that literature students continue to develop across the full length of their studies. This book, now in its second edition, is a complete guide to this foundational practice, providing an effective first principles methodology that can be used for poetry, novels, drama, and beyond. Offering model close readings of classic works of literature, including Hamlet, The Great Gatsby and Beloved, David Greenham presents a unique, contextual approach to close reading, while addressing key questions such as:What is close reading?What is the importance of the relationships between words?How can close reading enhance reading pleasure?Is there a method of close reading that works for all literary genres?How can close reading unlock complexity?How does the practice of close reading relate to contemporary theoretical, critical and political concerns?The second edition of Close Reading: The Basics is carefully formulated to bring together reading pleasure and analytic techniques that will engage the student of literature and enhance their reading experience.