Close reading verse the Controlling Idea

Close reading and finding the controlling idea may seem like two opposite views, but in reality they are more close to the same thing than many people may realize. Close reading promotes focusing on the details to come to the correct understanding of what the author it's trying to convey. The philosophy of the controlling idea encourages finding the broad overall point of the essay and dismissing the details. However, if you think about it, both close reading and the controlling idea are strategies to find the same thing, the author's purpose in writing the piece. In my opinion, neither extreme is right. In order to find the complete meaning of the essay, both the techniques should be employed. By finding the controlling idea, you get a general idea of the main purpose of the story and then in a second reading by using a close read, you will fill in the gaps and come to a deeper understanding of the essay. This fits my writing style very accurately because it involves using different strategies to find the single true point of the author. I would be interested in exploring the controversy of Equality in our governmental system. I would like to learn different people's views and form my own opinion based upon the facts.