How To Read Literature Like A Professor Essay

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Introduction
In the beginning of his book, Thomas Foster discusses the differences in the way that a student would read literature in comparison to an English teacher. Memory, symbol, and pattern are 3 elements that separate professorial reading from that of the pupil. By memory, Foster means the thoughts that come to mind (such as movies and previous books that the reader has read) while reading a piece of literature. Memory is what allows a reader to make connections between the text that is being read and the reader’s prior knowledge. Without memory, the reading experience would be very bland.
Foster also states that professors pay close attention to symbols. Everything that the author writes has a meaning beyond what is stated. For example, …show more content…

There are five aspects that make up a quest; a quester, a destination, a reason for going to said place, challenges and trials, and a real reason for going. These 5 aspects of a quest can be found in all pieces of literature as well as in aspects of day to day life.
1.) The quester: A 12 year old, Carley Conners. She has had some pretty tough times as her mom has been a victim of domestic violence for her boyfriend. At the beginning of her endeavor, Carley does not seem like much of a quester, but as her journey continued it was more apparent. Similarly to the example given by the author of how to read literature like a professor, Carley does not know that her journey is a quest, yet it definitely is one.
2.) A destination: Well this one is a little more complicated. Now that she has been taken from her mother and became part of the foster program she definitely needs a home. All though when her journey begins she does not have a definite home in mind, she knows that she wants to find one. I guess a home is a legitimate destination.
3.) A stated reason to their: Her mom is no longer able to take care of her making her in need of a place to live, as simple as

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