In the introduction of “How to Read Literature Like a Professor” , Thomas C. Foster focuses on the grammar of literature and the qualities of a professorial reader. He asserts that practise is crucial to learn how to read literature in a more rewarding way. In addition, he defines main elements of the context such as pattern , symbols, and conventions. The purpose of Foster appears to be informing students who is beginning to be introduced to literature. Although Foster’s style is slightly condescending, he utilizes the conventions of literature quite well, and mentions the arbitrariness of these conventions in a sensible way. From the beginning to the end, general disposition of the reading seems to be condescending towards lay readers. Foster …show more content…
He starts with the example of Hansberry’s ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ intentionally to make mention of the Faustian bargain as a pattern, and to emphasize the distinction between the professor and student. Then, he connects these distinctions with one of the main points, conventions. He also digresses and then successfully comes back to the main point to explain how is ‘the grammar of the essay’ works. Using these apparatuses in his own writing enables reader to both learn the definitions of these conventions and study how they are applied in a literary text. Stating this conventions as arbitrary, Foster focuses on their usage and …show more content…
What he is suggesting here is that all these literary conventions are determined at one point ‘arbitrarily’ in the same way the languages were born. I agree Foster’s perspective on this point. Since the literature is a result of individual creativity, it is not possible to constitute strict and inalterable rules to govern literature. Nevertheless, there are some patterns and symbols have been used commonly in writing. However, neither using these conventions is obligatory, nor there is a consensus for their meanings. These conventions are established and internalized arbitrarily by individuals, societies, and cultures. We can observe this situation in different interpretations of same stories. For instance, in ‘Rocking Horse Winner’, Paul’s rocking horse can be perceived as a symbol of his troubles over sexuality or be seen as an analogy since Paul fails to gain his mother’s love despite all his effort like the rocking horse remaining in the same place regardless of the rider’s effort. However, as mentioned in class, for Ray Bradbury it may be just symbolizing an autistic child rocking back and forth. Hence, the meaning of a symbol depends on the reader’s point of view. In addition, the conventions of literature are different in
Xander Carrasco Mrs. Mary Smith AP Literature 6 21 September 2017 How to Read Literature like a Professor The book, How to Read Literature like a Professor, was written by the well-known author, Thomas C. Foster, with a purpose to further educate readers who wish to better their understanding of literature and analysis strategies. Major focuses of Thomas C. Foster was to aid or train readers to recognize, patterns, symbolism, foreshadowing, etc. Throughout the work, Foster cites other pieces of fiction or classics in order to further his own arguments made on the approach of reading analysis.
In Chapter One of Thomas Cooley’s The Norton Sampler: Short Essays for Composition, the audience was exposed to several strategies recommended for reading pieces of literature. These strategies were divided into three segments: Previewing the Text, Reading Closely and Critically, and Responding to What You Read. Each segment contained a list of either advice or questions the reader could heed to while analyzing their given text. Later, the chapter exposed the audience to the four traditional types of writing utilized.
In How to Read Literature Like a Professor, Thomas C. Foster teaches readers the meanings behind commonly used symbols, themes, and motifs. Many readers of all ages use this book as a guide to understanding messages and deeper meanings hidden in novels. The deeper literary meanings of various symbols in Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale are explained in How to Read Literature Like a Professor. By using Foster’s book, readers can better understand the symbols in The Handmaid’s Tale.
How does How To Read Literature Like A Professor applies to every piece of literature? This novel is written by Thomas Foster and he gives the better understanding on many things, including patterns, symbols, and other literary devices. He helps the reader to gain knowledge on how to recognize each small detail of the story. This novel makes the connection with The Scarlet Letter and makes it easier to comprehend. The Scarlet Letter is written by Nathaniel Hawthorne; this novel is about Hester Prynne, who is a young and beautiful woman and committed adultery with town’s minister, Reverend Dimmesdale.
After reading the first chapter, writing with Style, from “Thinking Well”, by John R. Trimble, he made it seem as if he was writing about my writing when he explained a novice writer. Trimble explains how a novice writer would write by giving examples of how their style of writing looks like. For example, Trimble explains how new writers unconsciously write and how they are not aware of their egocentrism. He states what a novice would have to achieve objectivity, empathy, courtesy and social sensitivity in order for him to have a readable style. Trimble then discusses what makes a veteran writer and how their thinking process reflects their writing situation.
The book How to Read Literature Like a Professor, by Thomas C. Foster, teaches readers how to pick up all the hints authors leave in their stories, and thus understand literature better (hence the title). Written in second person point of view, Foster explains how to spot the signs, and addresses questions he assumes most readers would ask about them. He provides well known examples and explanations to further his readers’ comprehension and does not hesitate to repeatedly clarify what he is saying to make sure they get the point. Foster believes this guide will help them better understand the novels that they read, wants them to ruminate the context and content, and hopes they consider his teachings while reading. Written by Kate Cary under
In the thirteenth chapter of Thomas C. Foster’s How to Read Literature Like a Professor, Foster asserts that “nearly all writing is political” (118). To begin the chapter, Foster states that he hates political writings which are solely one minded, programmatic and root for a single cause. These novels, poems and plays ー which are more reports on the authors ideal culture ー “don’t travel well, don’t age well, and generally aren’t much good in their own time and place” (116). Political works which are more in depth, have several differing viewpoints and even are disguised with stories are, in Foster’s eyes, much more interesting. Furthermore, writers are people who commonly take great interests in the world around them.
Behind each movie lies the meaningful aspects and significant features worth noticing. All movies and books can be carefully examined and interpreted. Thomas C. Foster’s How to Read Literature Like a Professor provides a new view on interpreting literature. In the novel, Foster identifies and analyzes common patterns, themes, and motifs found in literature, many of which are also present in Disney’s film, Maleficent. This movie showcases several of his ideas, including quests, flight, geography, and symbolism.
How to Read Literature Like a professor chapter1 In the first chapter of How to Read Literature Like a professor author Thomas C. Foster discusses how almost every story has some type of quest, the title of chapter is “ Every Trip Is a Quest (Except When It’s Not)” he clearly alludes to the fact that the chapter is about the quest aspect of a story and its significance. As the chapter developed Foster began to cover the essentials of a quest and the purpose behind a quest, according to him there are five significant aspects of a quest “(a) a quester, (b) a place to go, (c) a stated reason to go there, (d) challenges and trials en route, and (e) a real reason to go there. He then expands of each of these things.
In order to create those fears, In How to Read Literature Like a Professor, Foster uses the example of the metaphorical “vampire” to represent the corrupted authority figure. Foster’s vampire is one who believes
Because different characters possess different qualities based on their experiences. Symbols are used to illustrate both the beauty and the ugliness in humanity. And the setting in which the character is raised has either a negative or positive effect on the characters actions. This topic is relevant because it is important to understand that the slightest things such as the tone you use to raise a child can have an effect on the way they will conduct themselves in the
And lastly, they differ in style of writing and plot development. First, the two authors differ in character development. This element is essential since it provides the reader an implicit or explicit descriptions of all the characters.
Symbolism in literature was appeared in mid 19th century in France. It is the use of an item that causes the reader to think about what it stands for. The meaning it holds depends in the individual. Therefore, different people may have different understanding to the same
Symbolism in general is the building blocks to all sources of literature and can shape a piece of writing in many ways. Symbols in general can portray what something or someone represents, giving a deeper and metaphorical meaning to a symbol. Symbolism is often used within poetry, literature, music, or even art. This is how an author conveys a different meaning to the audience. For example artists may use the color “red” not only because of the color theory, but to convey love, passion, and maybe even health.
In John Green’s Video, “How and Why We Read” Green states that reading allows us to be able to basically communicate with the dead. I agree with him because even after one dies their message is still portrayed in their book or article. Without people writing and documenting their thoughts and ideas down while on this earth our technology today would not be as advance as it is. Without these ideas being preserved through their writing we wouldn’t have been able to know what one was doing or trying to invent. One of John Green’s arguments was that with reading “we have a fuller understanding of lives other than your own”.