Prompt #1
Foster states that
“reading literature is a highly intellectual activity.” I must say that I do
agree with him; reading literature is a complicated process. The “language of
reading” and “grammar of literature” are much more than reading for the heck of
it. There are juicy details lying underneath the surface, and some readers are
missing out on them. Falling down the stairs actually means sex (Foster 144)
and if the main character has malaria in literature, they are metaphorically
ingesting “bad air” (Foster 226). The language in literature is far more
complicated than its dictionary definition. And the grammar? It helps form the
meaning together. The grammar and language are so particular that you have to
train yourself to read that way. Luckily for me, I have an easier time reading
in a literary eye rather than a rhetoric eye. Foster’s goal is to teach us to
acquire this “eye” or “lens” so we can ultimately read just like a professor. It
is important to be “in the know” while reading literature. Not knowing the
juicy details in a book makes it boring. This reading is truly “affective,”
it is a different style of reading, but more engaging and interesting. The
readers are able to make connections faster and can relate to the text.
Lindsay McKelvey
I agree with your point about how challenging it can be for some individuals, and I too feel quite blessed to have the advantage of a decent "literary eye". Being able to comprehend is important; however, to truly enjoy true literature one must also think critically. The transition from comprehension to involving yourself in the text can be frustrating for many because of the sudden change. It causes me to question why we are only taught to think critically once we reach high school or honors courses. If creating literary connections with the text is so crucial, how is it the last skill to be taught in many schools. I also am growing excited to immerse myself in the course, and this novel has helped me see the importance of it.
ReplyDeleteYour statement hits home when in the discussion of trying to find why a story is important. This discussion could mean many things whether the reader(s) try to understand a story for sheer enjoyment or if they are given an assignment, like us AP Lit kids. Yes, there is more to a book than the definitions and grammar alone and I see some people have a hard time realizing that, they must truly know what it is they're getting into before they try to go in and question things, otherwise they might get lost. So this book really helps some readers having problems concerning finding references or even just comprehending any sort of story, I think this book has given more help to us all than anything we've read thus far.
ReplyDeleteLike you and many others, I agree with Foster when he voices that “reading literature is a highly intellectual activity.” Everyone has their own issues when it comes to understanding a text given to them, some larger than others. I have a difficult time interpreting texts because I second guess myself and overthink the passages and chapters. It was clever to include multiple textual evidences to back up your opinion. You have a strong “eye” for literature, and that will be a strong advantage throughout the year with future assignments. After reading this book, it showed me the importance of literature, and everything it can offer me in the real world.
ReplyDeleteI agree that reading literature is a hard process. It can be hard to understand what some of the language means but if I slow down and do not over think it is easier to pick up what the writer is putting down. I have never been good with grammar until these past few years where I have read a lot more books. I really liked where you brought up "falling downstairs actually means sex and if the main character has malaria in literature, they are metaphorically ingesting “bad air." I also agree that reading literature does not look as scary after reading this book.
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