Final answer:
Close reading is the stressed intensive study of a literary work through detailed examination of its content and form. It is essential for literary analysis and is a foundational skill for all forms of literary criticism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stressed intensive study of a literary work through close reading and literary analysis is called close reading. This process involves examining the words on a page closely to extract deeper meaning and an interpretation of a work's greater themes. While literary analysis and close reading are often used interchangeably, it is important to note that literary analysis is specific to literature whereas close reading techniques can be applied to any written material. During a close reading, one focuses on the literary work as a whole, considering elements such as character development, plot construction, imagery, and the overall unity of the piece. It is a skill at the heart of literary criticism that must be honed through practice to interpret and analyze texts effectively from any critical perspective.
When engaging in a close reading, students respond to the text by looking closely at literary devices and narrative elements. This not only involves over-analyzing but also includes forming questions which later help in constructing an argument or writing a paper. By doing so, students develop essential skills for literary criticism which allow for richer understanding and more nuanced interpretations of texts.