Close readings are a critical and analytical examination of literary texts, aimed at deriving deeper meanings, insights and interpretations of the text. Synonyms for close readings include thorough analysis, in-depth scrutiny, careful examination, meticulous inspection, critical scrutiny, and deep exploration. Other synonyms include attentive reading, detailed investigation, focused observation, and close inspection. These synonyms emphasize the importance of careful and attentive reading, aimed at uncovering hidden messages, symbols, and metaphors in the text. Close readings require readers to pay close attention to every detail in a text, including the author's choice of words, the structure of the text, and the cultural context in which the text was produced.