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 you don't have to take his word on symbols as the authority (and I don't think he intends you to, either).

Read this if you intend to deeper meanings in your books. It won't hurt, and it may help. I could have used something like this in high school, and if I had ever taken a literature course in college.