For many, reading is a purely pleasurable escape, a journey into different worlds and lives. The idea of analyzing every word might seem to suck the joy out of it. This is a sentiment echoed by the original author of the review, who initially resisted academic dissection of literature to preserve the simple joy of reading. However, as they discovered, and as Thomas C. Foster’s book, “How To Read Literature Like A Professor,” suggests, a deeper understanding of literary techniques can actually enrich, not detract from, the reading experience.
“How to Read Literature Like a Professor,” despite its somewhat clickbait title, is a valuable guide for anyone wanting to move beyond surface-level reading and appreciate the craft behind storytelling. It’s not about turning every reader into an academic, but rather about equipping them with the tools to recognize patterns, understand literary devices, and ultimately, enjoy literature on a more profound level. This book is particularly useful for those looking to refresh their analytical skills, whether they are avid readers, aspiring writers seeking plot and character inspiration, or students delving into literary studies.
The book is structured into 27 concise and engaging chapters, each tackling a specific literary element. Foster explores what he terms a “grammar of literature,” presenting concepts in a chatty, accessible style. Chapters like “Every Trip Is a Quest (Except When It’s Not)” exemplify his approach, using examples from the Western literary canon, ancient Greek texts, and even some Chinese literature, to illustrate his points. While the examples lean towards US classics, reflecting Foster’s background as an English professor at the University of Michigan-Flint, he provides sufficient context for readers unfamiliar with the specific works to grasp his analysis. The book also includes a helpful reading list and an index, further enhancing its utility.
Understanding the Reader’s Role
At its heart, “How to Read Literature Like a Professor” emphasizes enjoyment as the primary goal of reading. It proposes that this enjoyment can be significantly enhanced by a deeper understanding of the connections and intertextuality within literature – the ongoing conversation between texts across time. The book highlights the dynamic relationship between the author, the characters, and the reader, acknowledging that personal experience inevitably shapes interpretation. While the reading process is often one-way, Foster encourages readers to actively engage with the text, trusting their own experiences and interpretations. As he aptly puts it, readers should “Use what you know” and “Own the books you read.” This perspective counters the notion of a single, definitive interpretation, embracing the rich and varied discussions that literary scholarship, and even online communities like GoodReads, thrive on.
Decoding Symbolism and Irony
Symbolism is, of course, a central theme when learning how to read literature like a professor. Foster argues that symbolism is pervasive, extending beyond objects to encompass actions and events. He explains how symbols can be culturally specific, acting as literary shortcuts or sometimes, clichés. He provides compelling examples: disaster survival as rebirth, rivers symbolizing change or baptism, rocks representing stasis, the heart embodying love or disease, and shared meals signifying communion. He also delves into the complexities of violence in literature, noting that it can be literal, symbolic, or both, and that “accidents” are rarely accidental in a carefully crafted narrative.
Irony is another crucial element Foster explores, highlighting how things are often not as they initially appear. He points out that irony can be present even in seemingly non-humorous stories, particularly when expected symbolic meanings are subverted. While symbolism provides depth, Foster cautions against allowing the search for symbols to overshadow the story itself, reminding readers that the narrative remains paramount.
The Significance of Setting and Character
Setting, encompassing location, culture, time period, and societal context, plays a vital role in literary interpretation. Foster emphasizes that these elements are never arbitrary. A seemingly simple meal, for instance, might carry significant weight within a particular setting, conveying messages of sacrifice or generosity depending on the circumstances. Similarly, the portrayal of disease in literature, particularly before the 20th century, often held symbolic weight. Conditions like consumption were romanticized, while others like syphilis carried negative moral connotations. Heart ailments, he notes, frequently mirrored emotional turmoil or failed romances, adding another layer of symbolic meaning.
Foster, paraphrasing Aristotle, underscores the primacy of character, stating that “Plot is character revealed in action.” He argues that character-driven narratives are central to much of literature. While exciting plots can be captivating, he urges readers to pay attention to character development and transformation, recognizing that a character’s capacity for change is often the most significant element of a story.
The Universal Story and Literary Allusions
Foster provocatively claims that “There’s only one story,” a statement he reiterates to emphasize the universality of human experience explored in literature. He posits that this “ur-story” is fundamentally about “ourselves, about what it means to be human.” While this broad assertion might be debatable, it encourages readers to seek common threads and universal themes across diverse literary works. He highlights the balance between strangeness and familiarity in stories, suggesting that the more we read, the more we recognize familiar patterns even in seemingly novel works.
He emphasizes the pervasive influence of Shakespeare, the Bible, and fairytales as foundational texts that resonate throughout literature. Foster encourages readers to consider allusions to these “older and bigger texts,” recognizing them as “Stories that are deeply ingrained in our group memory, that shape our culture and are in turn shaped by it.” Recognizing these allusions enriches the reading experience by connecting contemporary works to a vast literary and cultural heritage.
Conclusion: Reading with Enhanced Awareness
“How to Read Literature Like a Professor” serves as a valuable reminder that analytical reading and reading for pleasure are not mutually exclusive. By becoming more conscious of literary construction and intertextual connections, readers can deepen their appreciation for stories without sacrificing the joy of reading. While the book might not offer constant “aha” moments for seasoned readers, it provides enough “ah, yes” confirmations and insightful perspectives to make it a worthwhile read for anyone seeking to enrich their literary journey. Ultimately, learning how to read literature like a professor is about enhancing awareness and unlocking deeper layers of meaning within the stories we love.
