What is an essential step in closely reading fiction?

An essential step in closely reading fiction is to pay attention to the author's use of literary devices. Literary devices are techniques that writers use to create a certain effect or mood in their writing. Some common literary devices include:

- Simile: A comparison between two unlike things using the words "like" or "as".

- Metaphor: A comparison between two unlike things without using the words "like" or "as".

- Personification: Giving human characteristics to an animal, object, or idea.

- Alliteration: The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of a series of words.

- Assonance: The repetition of the same vowel sound in a series of words.

- Consonance: The repetition of the same consonant sound in a series of words.

- Onomatopoeia: The use of words that imitate the sounds they describe.

By paying attention to the author's use of literary devices, you can gain a deeper understanding of the meaning and significance of the text.