How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines

Additional How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines Information

What does it mean when a fictional hero takes a journey?. Shares a meal? Gets drenched in a sudden rain shower? Often, there is much more going on in a novel or poem than is readily visible on the surface -- a symbol, maybe, that remains elusive, or an unexpected twist on a character -- and there's that sneaking suspicion that the deeper meaning of a literary text keeps escaping you.

In this practical and amusing guide to literature, Thomas C. Foster shows how easy and gratifying it is to unlock those hidden truths, and to discover a world where a road leads to a quest; a shared meal may signify a communion; and rain, whether cleansing or destructive, is never just rain. Ranging from major themes to literary models, narrative devices, and form, How to Read Literature Like a Professor is the perfect companion for making your reading experience more enriching, satisfying, and fun.

What Customers Say About How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines:

Unfortunately, the book is redundant and dry for those of us already with degrees in literature. An accessible, engaging and easy to read instructional book on how to read. But I sure wish I had it in high school. It's pretty much my four years of literature degree compressed into a quick reference, discussing everything from intextuality/allusions (Shakespearean, Biblical, mythological, etc). to symbolism (death, illness, weather, setting), and why authors do what they do and why real reading is a deeply intellectual and active process. A great beginners/amateur's guide to reading. Grade: B+

There are plenty of examples used. This was an impulse purchase that I made just before a business trip. The author keeps the chapters, and his points about reading literature, concise. And the author absolutely has a sense of humor. I wish I had read this in junior high and then had a refresher each year at the beginning of English class.

The English department chair at the school I taught at bought a copy of this book for each teacher in the department, to rekindle our love of literature. What an investment. We were all inspired to dig deeper into literature and bring some of Foster's insights into our classrooms. This book was one of the reasons I decided to pursue a Master's degree in English; I wanted more from the books I was reading, and this book opened my eyes to a deeper level of reading.I highly recommend this book--and Foster's follow-up _How to Read Novels Like a Professor_--to anyone who wants the keys to unlock literature for themselves.

This book could just as easily be titled "How to read like a writer." Good writers have to be extensive and selective readers; and they have to develop an understanding of techniques that will deepen their approach to telling their own stories. This book helps writers develop their understanding of the structures and symbolism behind stories, while enhancing one's grasp of a wide range of literature. It also includes a reading list of vital literature that influences both readers and writers today.

This book does what its title implies. I like the way you learn to look at literature and look for patterns - all aimed at gaining understanding. Enjoy an easy read on a fascinating topic. Memorable.