Writer Reader Connection (Prompt Four)
Selecting a book written by an
author, who is unknown to the reader, is much like attending a blind date.
The reader gains a first impression after methodically studying the cover of
the novel, much like two individuals who meet for the first time. Both parties
are aware that there is a chance the hours of preparation before the date were
for naught, and no lasting connection will be created. The chemistry will
be quickly noticed wither within the first ten minutes or one hundred pages.
Once a connection is sparked it will be difficult to suppress and the first
date will turn into dozens, in turn creating a metaphorical series. Then
two series later and a shelf or drawer, must be cleared to place the newly
collected items brought by a partner the reader never expected to have. This
hypothetical situation of a blind date proves that the link between the reader
and writer is necessary, and intimate. It is one that cannot be explained to
another individual without careful word choice, and an analogy. Foster states,
"We -- as readers or writers, tellers or listeners -- understand each
other, we share knowledge of the structures of our myths, we comprehend the
logic of symbols, largely because we have access to the same swirl of story. We
have only to reach out into the air and pluck a piece of it" (200). The power
of literacy is immeasurable because of the vast number of people it can reach
and alter, often permanently.
You speak of the reader-writer/text connection almost as a love story. I love this idea. I like to think about how a book can speak to us and change us forever; that we have a "chemistry" with a text. I think you will find this echoed when we read a piece by Nabokov who talks about this reader-writer/text connection!
ReplyDeleteMrs. Mac
You took the idea of connection and ran with it. I like your idea of how the connection between the reader and the writer starts with what you first see, the cover. Foster dives into the importance of the connection between the writer and the reader to further explain the process on "How to Read Literature Like a Professor", it gives a further understanding of the metal process that Foster went through while writing this book. It also helps the reader of this book, who plans to read other books, understand much more about the process the writer goes through to make the connection with the reader.
ReplyDeleteThis analogy embodies the connection between a reader and writer perfectly. The parallels between a blind date and the first few pages of a new book are infinite. This goes for a relationship in general. Just as couples disagree, a reader may not enjoy every text written by a certain author, but that does not mean that the connection is lost. With every word, the bond between reader and writer grows stronger. The reader becomes more familiar with the author’s work, more comfortable even. If the reader decides that the author’s style of writing is not for them, then they can simply move on to a new book and begin the cycle again.
ReplyDeleteAfter one becomes connected to a book they are forever tied to it. Their ideas and beliefs my change and evolve after reading one book or series. The become more aware and they change because of a book. Books have a lasting impression on people. The teach us so much and are so important to how many of are. They are used as when we are children to teach us to be better humans and they do they same as we get older unintentionally.
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