Friday, August 30, 2013
Foster's Introduction
For homework, read Foster's Introduction in his book How to Read Literature Like a Professor. After you have read, I want you to comment on what you think his main arguments are.
What is he pointing out?
What does he think you need to do to "read like a professor?"
You can also discuss some new insights he pointed out that you didn't think about until you read his introduction...
Requirements:
1. Post thoughtful
2. Watch mechanics, spelling, etc.--revise and reread before you publish!
3. Post by midnight.
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ReplyDeleteIn the introduction to Foster's book, he discusses literature and how experienced readers think about it. He talks about literature having patterns that appear often. A reader may pick up on a theme or symbol in a book that is also present in another. There can even be books with similar plots. By recognizing characteristics, themes, symbols, etc. in books, experienced readers can draw parallels to other pieces of literature. In order to do so, Foster says there is one thing to do. Read.
ReplyDeleteExperienced readers and professors have an advantage because they have been exposed to more literature. They have had more opportunities to analyze and to see how authors write. Over time, they can spot patterns and can make accurate predictions based on their knowledge of literature. It is simply because they have put in time reading and thinking about what they have read.
Foster covers many topics in the intro to his book. One thing that stood out to me was his idea that there is a difference between “professional readers and the rest of the crowd” (Foster, xv). All throughout school, we were trained to look for the simple stuff—exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution. It takes a trained mind to look deeper into a piece of text. His example of Mr. Linder from A Raisin in the Sun representing the devil is something extremely deep into the story. Even his own students didn’t go along with his idea—but it makes sense. He proved that by giving examples of other similar stories that could also contain a representation of the devil. You just need to know what to look for. He pushed his point further with the idea of a “language of reading” (xiii). Looking deeper into a story is a difficult task until we learn what to look for. He is saying that learning to look deeper is similar to learning a new language. It takes time to master, but once you know what to look for, you’re on your way to becoming a professional.
ReplyDeleteIn the introduction to his book, Foster provides us with plenty of advice on how to become an experienced reader. His main point is to look closely at what we are reading and identify things of importance. Look at patterns; sometimes there are key pieces of characters or a plot that are similar to something we have read before. Themes are often repetitive and connect many different pieces of literature.
ReplyDeleteFoster also emphasizes the difference between the general reader and an experienced reader. An experienced reader reads a lot – obviously – and will be able to pick up on important details in the literature, whereas a general reader is “emotionally and instinctively involved in the work” (xv) and will most likely overlook a lot of the true meanings. A tragic death pulls on everyone’s heart strings, but an experienced reader knows to ponder the ‘why’ and the ‘where’ and look for patterns and connections to other works. To become an experienced reader, we need to step back from the basics of literature, and learn to dig deeper. The only way to gain the experience we need to uncover all the deeper parts of literature is to just keep reading.
In Foster’s introduction, we can learn a lot about becoming a better reader by paying closer attention to patterns and symbols throughout literature. Foster argues that literature is full of patterns and that one piece of literature can often be connected to another through the similar themes, characters, plots, etc. Foster points out that, because of their experience, professors are often better at not only finding these patterns, but understanding why they’re important and what they add to the literature. Foster also says that when professors read, “We ask is this a metaphor? Is that an analogy? What does the thing over there signify?”(Foster, xvi)Enjoy the story, but don’t forget to dig for a deeper meaning and look for other patterns. According to Foster, reading becomes “much more rewarding” (Foster, xvi) this way.
ReplyDeleteIn the introduction to How to Read Literature Like a Professor, Foster highlights on key skills a reader must acquire in order to be a successful literary analyzer. Foster tells us to first look at the smaller problems in literature and symbolize them; to do this, we compare or relate the literature we are analyzing to reoccurring themes or plots from other pieces of literature. Next, Foster tells us to look at the set of convention a piece of text uses, which is the repetition—-or regurgitation, depending on how similar one piece of text is to another—-of plot, types of characters, premises, and symbols that authors use: writers “borrow” ideas from other pieces of literature in order to produce an emotional reaction from their readers. Once we are aware of the set of convention certain literature uses, we apply the memory, symbol, and pattern we have seen in other media forms in order to analyze it.
ReplyDeleteHowever, Foster reminds his audience that learning the “language of reading” (Foster, xiii) takes patience, practice, and time. In fact, he explains to us that “veteran” readers will have an easier time picking up on analysis skills than novice readers just based on their additional secular knowledge: this means veterans will be able to make literary connections with more ease because of the wider selection of film, literature, and life experiences they have encountered.
In the introduction, Foster provides a lump sum of information on how to become an elite analytical reader. Throughout the passage he points out on what a reader must realize when they are analyzing, such as: "types of characters, plot rhythms, chapter structures, and point-of-view limitations"(xiv). He also emphasizes on certain characters or plot themes that repeat throughout the book. He says if there are types of emotions or actions that repeat during a piece of literature it is likely that the author did that on purpose and it is significant. However, only experienced readers usually notice all of these analytical techniques. Which brings me to what Foster says a reader must to do read literature like a professor, and this thing is gaining experience. He says that the the best way to get better at reading analytically is to practice, practice, practice. According to him it may seem like the "professor is either inventing interpretations out of thin air or else performing parlor tricks"(xiii) but these are not accurate. They can only develop these interpretations because they have far more expertise in the area of reading.
ReplyDeleteOnce you observe the generic, yet intriguing title of Foster’s instructional novel, How to Read Literature Like a Professor, you then feel inclined to make an attempt at reading his introduction like a professor. Throughout this text, Foster elaborates on the essential set of skills an aspiring literature analyst must possess. Foster argues one of his many philosophies: “Professors also read, and think, symbolically. Everything is a symbol of something, it seems, until proven otherwise” (Foster, xv). A prosperous professor-like analyzer must search between the generic black and white, and dissect intricate details that signify importance. Foster also introduces us to “pattern recognition” – and states that in order to possess the ability to thoroughly analyze, you must acquire the skill of “distancing oneself from the story, to look beyond the purely affective level of plot, drama, characters” (Foster, XVI). By comparing similar pieces of literature you may find vital pieces of a plot that is shared between more than one text. We must dig deeper. Rather than becoming emotionally consumed in your novel’s traditional happy ending, you must reconsider the author’s choice in satisfying you this way, or relate it to other pieces. The only possible technique to effectively evolve from a novice reader, to an expert analyzer is to practice pondering and analyzing as a professor would.
ReplyDeleteIn Foster's introduction he talks about the importance of becoming a professional reader because otherwise you miss out. His three simple tools are "Memory. Symbol. Pattern" (xv). He says that these tools are what truly separate professional and average readers. To find symbols and patterns a reader has to "distance oneself from the story, to look beyond the purely affective level of plot, drama, character" (xvi). He wants readers to read between the lines because there can always be another meaning behind the words. A great example Foster uses for symbolism is Mr. Linder representing the devil in A Raisin in the Sun (1959). Most readers would have missed that connection. The other tool Foster gives is memory; comparing what one author wrote to another author's work is great idea because literature is borrowed work. The most important thing to remember is that this won't come easy, it takes practice.
ReplyDeleteIn Foster's introduction, "How'd He Do It?", he discusses the importance of reading like a professional and how to read as a professional. Foster points out that a mindset to have is, "Everything is a symbol of something, it seems, until proven otherwise" (xv). By saying this he's pointing out that sometimes you need to look at everything as a symbol--everything has a deeper meaning; more so,being over analytical can bring one many other meanings and things to think about. This key point shows that Foster believes that looking closely into detail can have one reading like a professor. Foster also mentions that pattern recognition is huge when reading a book. Themes, settings, characteristics, symbols, etc. which are relative to the current literature someone is reading can help the reader see more when there's something else the reader can compare with, and remind there self with. A major key point in Foster's introduction was the repetition of the phrase, "Experienced reader" (xiii). Throwing in this set of words a plethora of times throughout his introduction wasn't just a coincidence--it had a bigger meaning. Analyzing every aspect of a book isn't the only way Foster says you can begin reading like a professional, but by reading many books, many times. The quickest and best way to begin Reading like a professional according to Foster's introduction is simple; the first thing is the three basic points, "Memory. Symbol. Pattern" (xv), and by plain and simple, just reading.
ReplyDeleteBaylee Hayes wrote...
ReplyDelete"Foster grabbed my attention when he says, "It may seem at times as if the professor is either inventing interpretations out of thin air or else preforming parlor tricks, a sort of analytical sleight at hand," (xiii). This is how I honestly used to feel in English class. I didn't give authors all the credit they deserved because I assumed when it came down to things like what color curtains are in a room they just guessed. I obviously know now that this is not the case, but some students still don't grasp that and that's one of the things Foster shows us; the students just don't have the experience! Luckily for us, Foster already knows this and has written an entire book to try and help us students out. (Isn't that so nice?) He says that memory, symbols, and patterns are what actually sets professors above us as readers and that practicing your analytical skills can help! You can do that by just reading more pieces of literature and just becoming more familiar with it so it gets easier to do. The most important thing Foster says in the introduction is the last sentence when he reminds you that you need patience. This is vital, especially for me, because I have to be the best at it RIGHT NOW! He gives a friendly reminder that it will be able to happen, given time and effort."