How to Read Literature Like a Professor
Books | Literary Criticism / General
3.7
Thomas C. Foster
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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Author
Thomas C. Foster
Pages
336
Publisher
Harper Collins
Published Date
2009-10-13
ISBN
0061804061 9780061804069
Ratings
Google: 3.5
Community ReviewsSee all
"It was an educational book so 3 stars because it really wasn’t that interesting"
A C
Alyssa Czernek
"I'm usually a skeptic about "how to read" guides; the best way to learn to read is, well...reading! But Thomas Foster's pithy, witty and totally accessible guide won me over. A long time literature professor, he skillfully conveys the cultural background and shared symbolism and themes found in most contemporary and classic literature. Reading this with my teenage daughter, I was humbly reminded of how much I take for granted, ("I need to know SO much more about Christianity!" she wailed), and how symbols and tropes which are instantly recognizable to me after 50 years of reading are less so to her.<br/><br/>Foster is patient and kind, assuring students that their initial confusion is perfectly understandable, and giving them plenty of familiar examples; for example in a chapter on how heroes are often "marked" in some visible way he brings up Harry Potter's scar. Other chapters cover seasons and weather imagery, fairy tales, Biblical imagery, quests, Christ figures (watch out for 33 year olds with connections to woodworking and fishing), water/baptism/drowning imagery, feeding/communion imagery (watch out for vampires), the difference between politcal literature and propaganda, and of course sex, sex, sex. <br/><br/>Ever the professor, Foster includes an exercise in close reading using a Katherine Mansfield short story, and a recommended reading list of remarkable depth and variety (clear favorites are Angela Carter, Louise Erdrich, Garcia Marquez, Toni Morison and D.H. Lawrence).<br/><br/>A great gift for high school or college students, and quite a bit of fun for experienced readers as well."
Lesley Williams
"Perfect for anyone who wants to read literature critically or take up authorship."
FLEX LUTHOR