How to Read Literature Like a Professor

A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines

Paperback, 314 pages

English language

Published Sept. 11, 2003 by Harper.

ISBN:
978-0-06-000942-7
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3 stars (8 reviews)

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.

5 editions

Review of 'How to Read Literature Like a Professor' on 'Goodreads'

No rating

Not necessarily an eye opening read but I really cannot comment since I happened to be blessed with one of the most enlightening and merciless literature professors during my 11th year of the lobotomy-sing institution we refer to as obligatory education.

I would recommend this book to be read by those that find themselves beginning to develop an interest in classical literature, there is a certain depth that is left forgotten when a novice reader filled with cunning is faced with how ‘boring’ classics can be, not every story is solely about the characters and their actions, you must go beyond the apparent plot and truly allow yourself to dissect the inherent interconnectivity of the text with the various literary traditions that came before it, and consequently, the humanity it contains within the unending flow of words.

Review of 'How to Read Literature Like a Professor' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

An interesting take on reading deeper and noticing echoes and connections to past works, myths, and meanings. It definitely has a Freudian bent to interpreting meaning behind various items in literature that can be interpreted as symbols, and therefore interesting ideas what those symbols may mean.

Mr. Foster mentions Freud fairly early on, but the overt influence of Freud on the work didn't click until the 2 chapters that discuss symbols that represent sex or representations for sexual organs (standard fare, such as swords, lances, poles, chalices, bowls, cups), or how sex doesn't represent sex. Those chapters were harder to believe. That, and I'm not a fan of Freud.

In terms of recognizing references to past literary works, this is helpful. But as for interpreting symbols, Mr. Foster points out that symbols can be different to different people, and their interpreted meanings can vary based on your life experiences. So …

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Subjects

  • Literature
  • Books and reading
  • Criticism
  • Literature -- History and criticism