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How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines | |||||||
 
| 80% Recommended by our customers. Publisher: Harper Paperbacks Catalog: Book Release date: 2003-02-18 Media: Paperback Number of pages: 336 Ean: 9780060009427 Book Isbn: 006000942X  Tip: compare prices with similar booksAuthor:
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What does it mean when a fictional hero takes a journey?. Shares a meal? Gets drenched in a sudden rain shower? Often, there is much more going on in a novel or poem than is readily visible on the surface—a symbol, maybe, that remains elusive, or an unexpected twist on a character—and there's that sneaking suspicion that the deeper meaning of a literary text keeps escaping you. In this practical and amusing guide to literature, Thomas C. Foster shows how easy and gratifying it is to unlock those hidden truths, and to discover a world where a road leads to a quest; a shared meal may signify a communion; and rain, whether cleansing or destructive, is never just rain. Ranging from major themes to literary models, narrative devices, and form, How to Read Literature Like a Professor is the perfect companion for making your reading experience more enriching, satisfying, and fun. |
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Written on January 16, 2007 Summary: Entertaining introduction... An easy read and a nice introduction (or reminder to those who've been out of college a while) what goes into reading and appreciating great literature. People in college or who remember their college English lit classes vividly will find it a bit too beginner-level. I also thought the prose sometimes was a bit too informal and chatty. Still, I liked it.  Written on December 29, 2006 Summary: The Game and How to Read It There comes a time in every honest conversation about literature between students and professors when the students' willingness to accept the academic way of looking at things fails. Foster, having no doubt been on the receiving end of this skepticism, cites it: "A moment occurs in this exchange between professor and student when each of us adopts a look," Foster explains. "My look says, 'What, you don't get it?' Theirs says, 'We don't get it. And we think you're making it up.'" Fair enough. In fact, there's a legitimate question in the accusation. Are they making it up? There are two answers to the question. *Yes. Absolutely. Very few writers begin with symbols and go to stories. We actually dream our stories or allow them to pop into our heads while we're walking in the woods or the streets or pumping the elipto-cycle at the gym. The layers of symbol that Foster's talking about represent the creativity of readers, not the creativity of writers. We should, by the way, be grateful to them for making this stuff up. Reading in a professorial way requires a great deal of attention. It actually forces the reader to be aware, and awareness as you probably know is the basic stuff of life. Read like a professor and you will have a lot more fun with your reading. Guaranteed. *The second answer is 'No'. No, they're not making it up. Writers live in the world of symbols just like everybody else and when a writer chooses to post (let's say) a dog at the entrance to a dark lane, it's possible that that author is either connecting with or just unconsciously replicating the Classical image of Cerebus guarding the gates of Hell. Most people intuitively understand both these answers, but the trouble begins when we pay too much attention to writers' intentions. What does Murakami mean when Kafka's mentally feeble guide is able to talk to cats? Wrong question. We'll never know what he meant (even if he tried to tell us).What we can 'know' is what it means to us and what pieces of the universal gold mine of meaning it brings to the surface for our attention. Now it seems like this kind of attention to literature could be an interesting game to play-you get to participate in a book, not just read it. In actual fact, most of the writing on the topic is achingly, profoundly, set-the-house-on-fire-to- escape-it dull. Gigantic egos praying to our Lady of the Unwarranted Assumption and offering definitive answers where what is needed are artful suggestions. Foster's book is brilliant because he is appropriately humble in the face of his topic. He seems like a fellow who enjoys his reading, a helpful waiter who tells you which of tonight's specials would really go with your favorite wine. He has certainly made my reading more fun and I have no doubt that he will do the same for you. --Lynn Hoffman, author of THE NEW SHORT COURSE IN WINE and the forthcoming novel bang BANG from Kunati Books.ISBN 9781601640005 Written on November 23, 2006 Summary: Reading between the lines If only I had had access to HOW TO READ LITERATURE LIKE A PROFESSOR for my Freshman English classes!! Foster provides great insights into those specific points college professors and advanced placement English teachers make concerning classical texts. You may even discover why certain works appeal to you while others don't. Foster clearly explains the literary devices are used to effect mood, attitude, and feelingsto create entertaining tales. Shakespeare may have been original, but he was also a master of understanding what worked for other authors from whom he borrowed much. A number of great works written since Shakespeare use his devices including subtle references to the Bible and the Greek Classics. Written on November 10, 2006 Summary: Interesting and To the Point Foster explores works that are read in most high school and college survey classes. He gives simple explanations for complex concepts and does so with humor. Students who sometimes struggle with commonly used elements will surely find this a helpful addition to their reading and understanding literature. Written on August 20, 2006 Summary: Insightful and Entertaining This book is like a key that helps you unlock the mysteries contained in literary works. It's easy to read and full of insights and helps you dissect the many meanings in literature. My only criticism is that the book is too short. I hope Dr Foster is working on volume two. |
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| Catalog | Book | Book | Book | Book | Book | Book |
| Release date | 2003-02-18 | 2008-07-01 | 2000-04 | 1998-12-29 | 2005-05-31 | 1995-03-14 |
| Media | Paperback | Paperback | Paperback | Paperback | Paperback | Paperback |
| Number of pages | 336 | 336 | 160 | 272 | 576 | 608 |
| Ean | 9780060009427 | 9780061340406 | 9780929895352 | 9780767902892 | 9780060786502 | 9780679732761 |
| Book Isbn | 006000942X | 0061340405 | 0929895355 | 0767902890 | 0060786507 | 0679732764 |
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