How To Read Literature Like A Professor
A guide to interpreting literature beyond surface meanings.
Summary of 6 Key Points
Key Points
- Every story is a quest
- Communion scenes are not just about food
- There’s no such thing as a standalone story
- Weather can be significant
- Symbols can change
- Interpreting literature requires patience and practice
key point 1 of 6
Every story is a quest
In every story, there is a sense of quest that helps to drive the narrative forward. This quest can be either physical or metaphorical, with the protagonist embarking on a journey to achieve a specific goal. It can be as overt as a hero embarking on a journey to slay a dragon, or as subtle as a character seeking to understand their own identity. Regardless of the form it takes, the concept of the quest is ubiquitous in literature and serves as a fundamental structure around which stories are often built…Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 6
Communion scenes are not just about food
In the book, the author emphasizes that communion scenes in literature are not merely about food or eating. They symbolize a variety of intricate human relationships and dynamics. The act of sharing food is an intimate ritual that often represents unity, acceptance, and connection. It can be a powerful tool for the author to reveal more about the character’s personality, their relationships, and the underlying tensions or bonds between them…Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 6
There’s no such thing as a standalone story
In discussing literature, the concept that no story stands completely on its own is essential. Each work is a culmination of narratives and ideas that came before it. This understanding rests on the idea of intertextuality, where texts converse with one another. The author argues that stories grow out of other stories, poems out of other poems, and plays out of other plays. Because of this literary borrowing and referencing, readers with a knowledge of classic works can spot these relationships…Read&Listen More
key point 4 of 6
Weather can be significant
Weather in literature is rarely just weather. It is often used to establish mood, setting, or to foretell events. For instance, rain can be cleansing, a chance for characters to start over. It can also symbolize hardship or distress. It’s not uncommon to see a character experience inner turmoil when it’s raining. Rain may even be used to represent the tears a character might be too proud to shed…Read&Listen More
key point 5 of 6
Symbols can change
The perspective of ‘Symbols Can Change’ is that symbols in literature are not static but fluid. They can shift in meaning depending on the context in which they are used. For instance, a rose in one literary work could represent love, while in another, it could signify death or decay. The interpretation of a symbol could also change over time reflecting societal changes, historical events, or cultural shifts…Read&Listen More
key point 6 of 6
Interpreting literature requires patience and practice
Interpreting literature is not an easy task, it requires both patience and practice. The process is akin to peeling layers off an onion; each text has multiple layers of meaning that can be explored and understood. It’s essential to develop an open mind and be willing to invest time in analyzing every aspect of the text, from its plot to its characters, and from its themes to its stylistic devices…Read&Listen More