What reading techniques do you use when you try to go beyond the surface story to really understand the layers of meaning in a work of fiction?

Historicizing, Thematic, Analytic, Visualization and look for various interpretations.

Explanation: While-Reading a fiction it is very much necessary to read between and beyond the lines for a better understanding of the thoughts and perceptions reflected through the work. For an effective reading, it is very much essential to be organized and productive at the same time. So, while reading it is very much essential to have the background of the work very clearly in mind as it would help to analyze the actions and their causes throughout the course of the work. Thematic reading would provide several dimensions to the story which the author is willing to convey. Visualization can assist in reaching out to the purpose of the work and to transform the surface reality, hence, helping to read beyond the lines. Having Different literary theories and interpretations by different writers in mind while reading fiction would enrich the reader to look at the things from various lenses and thus, thinking creatively and understand bigger, better and wider.

yes, it can be both.