How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Summary

Introduction

Reading literature like a professor is a way of examining literature that goes beyond a basic plot summary. It involves looking at literary elements such as theme, symbols, and characters in order to gain a deeper understanding of the text. The purpose of this article is to summarize Thomas C. Foster’s book How to Read Literature Like a Professor and provide examples and tips for readers who want to apply these concepts to their own reading experiences.

Summarizing the Main Points of the Book

In his book, Foster outlines three main points for how to read literature like a professor. The first point is to be aware of the author’s arguments and the overall structure of the text. The second point is to analyze literary elements such as theme, symbols, and characters. The third point is to understand the techniques used by the author such as close reading, contextualization, and intertextuality.

Analyzing Literary Elements

Foster argues that understanding the literary elements of a text is key to interpreting it. He defines theme as “the idea or ideas at the core of a work, the message the author wishes to convey about life and the human condition.” Symbols are objects or images that represent something else, usually an abstract concept or emotion. Characters can also reveal important information about the themes and ideas in a text.

Techniques Used to Read Literature Like a Professor

Foster emphasizes the importance of using close reading to interpret texts. Close reading involves breaking down the text into smaller parts in order to understand its meaning. He also suggests contextualizing the text, which involves looking at the historical, cultural, and social context in which the text was written. Finally, he encourages readers to look for connections between texts, known as intertextuality.

Examples from the Book

Foster provides numerous examples from classic works of literature to illustrate his points. For example, he examines the character of Mr. Darcy from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and explains how his actions reveal his inner struggle with pride and prejudice. He also looks at the symbolism of water in Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea and how it reflects the protagonist’s journey.

Tips for Applying Concepts to Personal Reading Experiences

Foster offers several tips for readers who want to apply his concepts to their own reading experiences. He suggests that readers should take notes while they read, pay attention to recurring images or symbols, and think critically about how characters and themes are developed throughout the text. He also encourages readers to make connections between texts they’ve read and look for patterns in the language or structure of the text.

Conclusion

In conclusion, reading literature like a professor requires an in-depth analysis of literary elements such as theme, symbols, and characters. This process can be aided by techniques such as close reading, contextualization, and intertextuality. Examples from classic works of literature as well as tips for applying concepts to personal reading experiences are provided in Thomas C. Foster’s book How to Read Literature Like a Professor. By following these methods, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the texts they read.