How To Read Literature Like A Professor Chapter 1 Summary

Summer Reading – Chapter Summaries

How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster

1. A lot of writing follows the quest tale theme. Structurally, the quest consists of 5 things; a quester, a place to go, a reason to go there, challenges and trials, end route, and a real reason to go there. At first glance a book can seem really different or weird, but it most likely follows a basic rubric.

2. A meal is sometimes not just a meal. Sometimes it hold deeper meaning. A meal could signify characters getting along or not.

3. Sometime writers will use supernatural being to stand for specific things. A vampire can be used as a way to show selfishness and exploitation. Or a ghost. Hold be used to have a symbolic significance.

4. Sometimes,

Rain can sometimes have a symbolic meaning. It can be shown as something pure or the washing away of someone's wrong doings. On the other hand snow can be seen as something different. Wether it's cold and inhuman and stark. However it can also be seen as pure.

12. Many things in literature can be seen in different ways by different people. Usually there will be no distinct meaning, but places, events, and characters have a specific relationship.

14. Many stories throughout American and European works include some sort of religion or Christ. Some characteristics of a Christ figure are; good with children, crucified, very forgiving and many more. A Christ figure can deepen the feelings with the reader especially if the story has hope or miracles.

16. Sex can me symbolized in different ways. For females it could be Holy Grails, rolling landscapes, and tunnels. For men it could be tall buildings and blades. By using symbols it can be more intense for the reader instead of literal descriptions.

17. On the other hand, when an author writes about sex it can have a symbolic meaning. They could be trying to depict something else. Such as sacrifice, rebellion, domination