Summary Of How To Read Literature Like A Professor

How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Comprehensive Summary

Thomas C. Foster's "How to Read Literature Like a Professor" is a game-changer for literature enthusiasts. It's not just about plot summaries; it's about understanding the deeper meaning, the hidden symbols, and the literary devices authors use to create a rich tapestry of meaning. This comprehensive summary will unpack the key concepts from the book, allowing you to approach literature with a newfound appreciation and understanding.

The Key to Understanding: Recognizing Recurring Patterns

Foster argues that literature is a conversation, a continuous dialogue between authors and their predecessors. Understanding this conversation requires recognizing recurring patterns and archetypes. He introduces various literary devices and themes that appear again and again, providing readers with a framework for deeper analysis.

1. Every Trip is a Quest (Except When It's Not)

A quest involves a quester, a place to go, a stated reason to go there, challenges and trials en route, and a real reason to go there. While the stated reason might be obvious, the real reason often delves into self-discovery or a deeper understanding of the world. This applies to countless works of literature, from epic poems to modern novels. Consider The Lord of the Rings: Frodo's stated reason is to destroy the One Ring, but his journey is truly about self-sacrifice and the corrupting influence of power.

2. Nice to Eat with You: Acts of Communion

Communion, in literature, doesn't necessarily refer to a religious sacrament. It represents any act of sharing and connection, often involving food. This shared act creates a bond between characters, revealing their relationships and underlying emotions. Think about a shared meal in a novel: the food itself becomes symbolic, reflecting the characters' state of mind or the nature of their relationship. A contentious meal might signify conflict, while a peaceful shared meal could signify harmony or a newfound connection.

3. Nice to Eat You: Acts of Vampires

Vampires, in literature, go far beyond the gothic horror trope. They represent selfishness, exploitation, and the draining of life force from another. Foster argues that this theme extends beyond the literal, encompassing figures who exploit others for their own gain, whether it's through emotional manipulation, financial exploitation, or even the suppression of creativity.

4. If She Comes Up, It's Baptism: Significance of Drowning

Drowning, in literature, is rarely just about literal death. It often symbolizes rebirth, purification, or a transformation of the self. The act of being submerged in water can represent a cleansing process, shedding the old self to emerge renewed. The character’s survival or death becomes a crucial element in understanding their journey of self-discovery.

5. Geography Matters…:

Setting is rarely arbitrary. Geography plays a crucial role in shaping character development and plot. Consider the landscape itself as a character, influencing the characters' actions and motivations. A harsh, unforgiving landscape might mirror a character's internal struggles, while a lush, fertile setting might represent growth and abundance.

6. …So Does Season:

Seasons are symbolic representations of life cycles, mirroring the characters' journeys and transformations. Spring often signifies new beginnings, summer vitality and passion, autumn decline and aging, and winter death and dormancy. Authors use seasonal imagery to enhance the narrative and reflect the emotional state of characters.

7. Marked for Greatness: Physical Characteristics

Physical characteristics are rarely accidental. A character's physical features often symbolize their inner qualities or experiences. Scars, deformities, or unusual appearances can represent a character's past traumas or struggles, shaping their identity and relationships with others.

8. He’s Blind for a Reason, You Know:

Physical impairments, like blindness, are rarely just physical limitations. They are often symbolic, representing a deeper lack of insight or understanding. Blindness can signify spiritual blindness or a character's inability to see the truth, adding layers of meaning to their actions and motivations.

9. It’s Never Just Illness:

Illness in literature serves a symbolic purpose, often representing emotional or psychological turmoil. A character's illness might mirror their internal struggles or represent the decay of their morality or spirit.

10. Don’t Read with Your Eyes:

This emphasizes the importance of engaging with the text actively, not passively. The reader should try to interpret the text from the perspective of the time it was written and to understand its cultural context. This helps to avoid misinterpretations based on modern sensibilities.

11. Is That a Symbol?: Yes, But What Does It Mean?

Symbols are rarely straightforward. Their meaning is often layered and multifaceted, depending on the context of the narrative. The reader should not impose their own interpretations without considering the text's context and the author's intention. Many interpretations are often valid, depending on the lens used to view the symbol.

12. It’s All Political:

Literature often reflects the socio-political context of its time. Authors use their work to express their views on political issues, social inequalities, and power dynamics. Understanding the political landscape of the time period is crucial for interpreting the text’s deeper meaning.

13. Yes, She’s a Christ Figure, Too:

Christ figures, in literature, don't always need to resemble Jesus Christ physically. They embody qualities associated with Christ, such as sacrifice, selflessness, and redemption. Recognizing these qualities helps in understanding the character's role and significance within the narrative.

14. Flights of Fancy:

Flights, whether literal or metaphorical, often represent freedom, escape, or a spiritual transcendence. Flights are frequently used to symbolize escape from limitations, or a higher state of being.

15. It’s More Than Just Rain or Snow:

Weather, like other elements of setting, is rarely arbitrary. It often serves a symbolic purpose, reflecting the characters' emotions or foreshadowing events. Rain can represent sadness or cleansing, while snow can symbolize purity or isolation.

16. …And Talking Animals…:

Talking animals aren’t just for children's stories. They often represent symbolic representations of human nature and provide a unique way for authors to explore complex themes.

17. …Is That a Symbol?: Yes, but What Does It Mean? (Again):

Foster reiterates the importance of considering multiple interpretations of symbols. The meaning of a symbol is not fixed but rather open to various interpretations depending on the reader’s understanding of the literary work.

18. Don’t Take Things at Face Value:

This point emphasizes the importance of engaging in a critical analysis of the work. The reader shouldn’t accept the narrative at face value, but should engage critically with the text and look beneath the surface.

19. Irony Trumps Everything:

Irony is a pervasive literary device that often adds depth and complexity to the narrative. Understanding the different types of irony (verbal, situational, dramatic) is crucial for fully comprehending the author's message and the characters' motivations.

Applying Foster's Principles: A Practical Approach

To effectively use Foster’s insights, engage actively with literature. Don’t simply read passively; ask questions:

• What literary devices are present? Identify the use of symbolism, metaphors, irony, foreshadowing, and other literary techniques.
• What are the recurring motifs and themes? Look for patterns and connections between seemingly unrelated elements in the narrative.
• What is the social and historical context of the work? Consider the time period and cultural influences that shaped the author’s writing.
• What are the characters’ motivations and conflicts? Analyze their actions, relationships, and internal struggles.
• What is the overall message or meaning of the work? Consider the author's intentions and the interpretations offered by critics and scholars.

By approaching literature with this framework, you will transform your reading experience, unlocking hidden layers of meaning and developing a more profound appreciation for the art of storytelling. Foster's book empowers you to engage critically and meaningfully with literature, fostering a more insightful and enjoyable reading experience. Remember, the journey of reading literature like a professor is an ongoing process of discovery and learning.