Further Analysis

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1. The first three chapters of How to read Literature like a Professor demonstrate multiple examples of how common situations that are interpreted as simple and denotative actually are symbols. Foster demonstrates how the misconception that the purpose of a journey is the its destination is false, the real reason being "self knowledge" acquired through the journey itself. Furthermore, he states that a meal shared with someone is most likely a communion, showing the trust the individuals participating have in each other. He further elaborates by explaining that sharing something as personal as eating is only reserved to people closest to him because hardly is anyone going to dine with a stranger. Moreover, the author addresses that vampires and the like are in reality symbols of a human's darker traits. He illustrates that Victorian writer could not write about certain subject explicitly, so disguised many beneath figurative language. To conclude, the section highlights the deceiving appearances of writing, and that even though literature has many occult statements, certain patterns of deception can be recognized. After stating his stance of how vampirism is symbolic, Foster writes "So vampirism isn't about vampires?" (16). His use of apophora is to provide means to give a concession as if he was arguing to the reader his opinion. He takes a persuasive tone of writing to his book because he is aware of how most audiences would react to his text, with disbelief due to their inexperience. Conclusively, this demonstrates the skill of the author as it exemplifies that he is completely aware of his audience which is expected as he is an English professor. 2. In the fourth through sixth chapters of How to Read Literature Like a Profes... ... middle of paper ... ...erary devices; Contrastingly, the second point of view is to become sympathetic with the characters and indulge in the culture of the text, which is most effective when used on foreign or historical stories. In addition, the author stresses the importance of irony as it is a profound literary device that is hard to find for some and usually brings about divine truth, the theme. He then brings various elements of previous chapters to demonstrate ironic situations such as showing betrayal followed by dining together which he has shown. Foster’s final bold statement, “irony trumps everything.” defines his mastery of English by acknowledging the chaotic nature of the subject which his guide can only wish to fathom (244). Consequently, he proves that his previous teachings only go so far as irony as it completely disproves them because it is “the least expected result”.

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