How to Read Literature Like a Professor (Study Questions) Essays

How to Read Literature Like a Professor (Study Questions) Essays How to Read Literature Like a Professor (Study Questions) Paper How to Read Literature Like a Professor (Study Questions) Paper Essay Topic: Literature *Introduction* *Introduction* 1. What is a Faustian bargain? Where did that phrase originate? The hero is offered something he wants in exchange for his soul (deal with the devil); Dr Faustist 2. What does Foster mean by the phrase language of reading? grammar 3. How does a literature professor read differently from a lay reader? Memory, symbols, patterns 4. What are the three items that separate the professorial reader from the rest of the crowd? Memory, symbols, patterns *Chapter 1: Every Trip is a Quest (Except When Its Not)* *Chapter 1: Every Trip is a Quest (Except When Its Not)* 1. What five things does a quest consist of? Quester, place to go, started reason, trials, real reason 2. What is the real reason for a quest (always)? Self knowledge 3. What is Fosters overall point about journeys or trips in literature? Everything is a quest *Chapter 2: Nice to Eat With You: Acts of Communion* *Chapter 2: Nice to Eat With You: Acts of Communion* 1. What does communion mean? Whenever people eat or drink together 2. For what reason does Foster suggest that authors often include meal scenes? Act of sharing and peace 3. What does a failed meal suggest in literature? Bad sign *Chapter 3: Nice to Eat You: Acts of Vampires* *Chapter 3: Nice to Eat You: Acts of Vampires* 1. What is literal vampirism? nasty old man (steals innocence) 2. What is symbolic vampirism? sucks life out of a person 3. What are the essentials of the vampire story and what do they represent? Older figure, young female/innocent, continuance of life force *Chapter 4: Now, Where Have I Seen Her Before?* *Chapter 4: Now, Where Have I Seen Her Before?* 1. What does Foster mean when he says that theres no such thing as a wholly original work of literature? Everything is inspired 2. What does Foster mean by the term intertextuality? Borrowing from other works of literature 3. What is the benefit, or value, of picking up on the parallels between works of literature? Structure meaning *Chapter 5: When in Doubt, Its from Shakespeare* *Chapter 5: When in Doubt, Its from Shakespeare* 1. Why do so many writers allude to Shakespeare? Easy way to find good stories 2. What are some of the ways that Shakespeare influences writers? It provides plot and language *Chapter 6:Or the Bible* *Chapter 6:Or the Bible* 1. Why is the Bible so often alluded to in literature? Everyone knows Bible stories 2. What are some of the ways that writers allude to the Bible? Plot, titles, motifs, characters, themes 3. Whats the benefit of knowing/understanding Bible allusions in literature? You can find the deeper meanings *Chapter 7: Hanseldee and Greteldum* *Chapter 7: Hanseldee and Greteldum* 1. Why do writers borrow from kiddie lit in their works? Readers can always relate 2. What are some of the ways writers allude to kiddie lit in their writings? Small known details *Chapter 8: Its Greek to Me* *Chapter 8: Its Greek to Me* 1. What does Foster mean by the term myth? Body of a story that matters 2. Why do writers allude to mythology? Stories are ingrained in society 3. What are some of the ways that writers allude to mythology? Components that parallel or represent a myth *Chapter 9: Its More Than Just Rain or Snow* *Chapter 9: Its More Than Just Rain or Snow* 1. How can weather be symbolic in literature? It could be shown as a new awakening (rain) or as a feeling of nothingness 2. How can weather serve as a plot device in literature? It can be used to force two characters together 3. What are some of the common meanings of various types of weather? Rain- Rainbow- Fog- Snow- Rain- cleansing; spring; new awakening Rainbow- divine promise; peace between heaven and earth Fog- misery; ability to not see clearly Snow- a blanket of cleansing; cozy; nothingness *Chapter 10: Never Stand Next To The Hero* *Chapter 10: Never Stand Next To The Hero* 1. What is the problem with being best pals with the hero? The hero always needs to learn some kind of lesson through the death of another character 2. What purpose does the death of a friend serve? to teach the hero a lesson they need to learn 3. Why are not all characters created equal? too much time, too long of a book, might get the wrong idea of a character *Chapter 11: More Than Its Gonna Hurt You: Concerning Violence* *Chapter 11: More Than Its Gonna Hurt You: Concerning Violence* 1. Why does violence occur in literature? basis of plot, interested, plot complications 2. What are the two categories of violence in literature? situational and authorial 3. What questions should a reader ask about the violence found in a piece of literature? misfortune represents famous / mythical resemble, why? 4. What are the four reasons that authors kill of characters in literature? make action, plot complications, end plot complications, put characters under stress *Chapter 12: Is That a Symbol?* *Chapter 12: Is That a Symbol?* 1. Whats the difference between symbolism and allegory? mean different thing / one thing 2. What impacts a readers understanding of symbolic meaning? better understanding 3. What, besides objects, can be symbolic? gesters, movements, emotions 4. How should a reader approach symbolism in a text? What questions should the reader ask of the text when trying to determine symbolic meaning? being aware, assumptions are good, recap/reread, remember *Chapter 13: Its All Political* *Chapter 13: Its All Political* 1. Foster asserts that, Nearly all writing is __________. political 2. In what ways do authors include social criticism in their writings? an underlying theme to get at political views the author may have 3. Why do authors include social criticism in their writings? to oppress the government not publicly 4. What are some of the common political issues that writers tackle? problems government is facing *Chapter 14: Yes, Shes a Christ Figure, Too* *Chapter 14: Yes, Shes a Christ Figure, Too* 1. What are the characteristics of a Christ figure? good with children, self-serving 2. Does a character need to resemble Christ in all ways to be considered a Christ figure? no 3. Why do writers use Christ figures? Jesus is iconic-> he has become a symbol *Chapter 15: Flights of Fancy* *Chapter 15: Flights of Fancy* 1. Why do so many writers toy with flight in their works? it is a culture shared fantasy 2. In what ways might flight be symbolic in literature? escape from reality / freedom 3. What is the symbolic deal with interrupted or failed flight? fear failure / actually failure 4. Does a character always have to actually fly in order for there to be flying in a piece of literature? Explain no, they may love or imagine *Chapter 16: Its All About Sex* *Chapter 16: Its All About Sex* 1. What are some of the things that symbolize sex and / or gender? chalice, swords, building, rolling hills 2. Why does sexual symbolism exist / occur in literature? because they could not right about it *Chapter 17: Except Sex* *Chapter 17: Except Sex* 1. Foster writes When theyre writing about other things, they really mean sex, and when they write about sex, they really mean something else. What are some of the other things that this scene means? freedom, sacrifice, domination / submission, birth, pleasure, espionage, enlightenment 2. Why dont writers usually write actual sex scenes? boring / more meaning *Chapter 18: If She Comes Up, Its Baptism* *Chapter 18: If She Comes Up, Its Baptism* 1. When and how is water symbolic of baptism in literature? start fresh and new 2. What does it mean when a character drowns? rebirth, revelation, violence / guilt, plot complication, being cleansed *Chapter 19: Geography Matters* *Chapter 19: Geography Matters* 1. How can geography reinforce theme? proving the proper tools for interactions with characters 2. How can geography define / develop character? the characters views can change 3. How can geography be character? by giving insight with discribtions 4. How can geography play an important plot role? by setting up an environment 5. What are some patterns of symbolism with regard to geography? going south- bad fog- unknown dark- evil 6. What does it mean when an author sends a character south? bad stuffs, encounters with subconsiance 7. How can a writers personal geography inform his / her work? geography surrounding the author effect his writing *Chapter 20: So Does Season* *Chapter 20: So Does Season* 1. What are the symbolic implications of each major season: spring, summer, fall, winter? spring- youth summer- adulthood fall- decline winter- death 2. What is the symbolic implication of the progression of season (from spring through winter)? circle of life *Chapter 21: Marked for Greatness* *Chapter 21: Marked for Greatness* 1. What might physical marks or imperfections symbolize? moral, psychological, emotional, and imperfections 2. How can landscapes be marked as well? What might it mean physical / spiritual setting have a role 3. Beyond the individual, what can imperfection or deformity indicate? foreshadow setting event and tell about past 4. What are some of the symbolic indications of monsters in literature? extreme physical markings or imperfections *Chapter 22: Hes Blind for a Reason, You Know* *Chapter 22: Hes Blind for a Reason, You Know* 1. What can physical blindness mirror? moral / intertextuality to love 2. What is often the irony behind a blind character? they can see truth 3. How are darkness and lightness related to sight? darkness- no truth lightness- truth *Chapter 23: Its Never Just Heart Disease And Rarely Just Illness* *Chapter 23: Its Never Just Heart Disease And Rarely Just Illness* 1. What are some of the symbolic possibilities associated with the heart? Why? heart attacks or a broken heart 2. What things make a prime literary disease? 1. picturesque 2. mysterious orgin 3. symbolic reason 3. What are some of the conventional symbolic meanings of various illnesses? Tuberculosis- a wasting disease Physical paralysis can mirror moral, social, spiritual, intellectual, political paralysis Malaria: means literally bad air with the attendant metaphorical possibilities. *Chapter 24: Dont Read with Your Eyes* *Chapter 24: Dont Read with Your Eyes* 1. Why did I italicize your in the chapter title, above to emphasize that youre supposed ot read through characters eyes 2. What is Fosters main point in this chapter? to put yourself in the storys setting 3. Do we have to accept the values of another culture to accept the impact those values had on the writing yes *Chapter 25: Its My Symbol and Ill Cry If I Want To* *Chapter 25: Its My Symbol and Ill Cry If I Want To* 1. What are symbols and how do they form? something with a second meaning 2. Symbols do not mean the same thing for everyone, so how do you figure out symbolism? some symbols are personal to a writer to readers can interpret what it means to them self *Chapter 26: Is He Serious? And Other Ironies* *Chapter 26: Is He Serious? And Other Ironies* 1. What does Foster mean when he says, Irony trumps everything? Irony changes everything -> the reader can no longer trust their instincts on what they think is supposed to happen 2. How can you tell if something is ironic? If you realize something didnt happen the way it was intended, you can consider it likely being ironic especially if the result is humorous or tragic 3. What does Foster mean when he says, Irony doesnt work for everyone? Irony only works if a reader can see if something is ironic or else the whole point of the writer making something ironic is pointless 4. There are three types of Irony in literature. verbal, situational / structural, dramatic Verbal irony- character says opposite of what is expected Situational / Structural irony- situation or event plays out in an opposite or abnormal way-not like expected Dramatic irony- audience / reader knows more than the character knows

Miguel de Cervantes, Influential Spanish Novelist

Miguel de Cervantes, Influential Spanish Novelist No name is more associated with Spanish literature- and perhaps with classic literature in general- than that of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. He was the author of El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha, which is sometimes referred to as the first European novel and which has been translated into nearly every major language, making it one of the most widely distributed books after the Bible. Cervantes Contribution to Literature Although few people in the English-speaking world have read Don Quijote in its original Spanish, it nevertheless has had its influence on the English language, giving us expressions such as the pot calling the kettle black, tilting at windmills, a wild-goose chase and the skys the limit. Also, our word quixotic originated from the name of the title character. (Quijote is often spelled as Quixote.) Despite his immense contributions to world literature, Cervantes never became wealthy as a result of his work, and not much is known about the early parts of his life. He was born in 1547 as the son of surgeon Rodrigo de Cervantes in Alcal de Henares, a small town near Madrid; it is believed that his mother, Leonor de Cortinas, was the descendant of Jews who had converted to Christianity. A Brief Biography of Cervantes As a young boy Cervantes moved from town to town as his father sought work; later he would study in Madrid under Juan Là ³pez de Hoyos, a well-known humanist, and in 1570 he went to Rome to study. Ever loyal to Spain, Cervantes joined a Spanish regiment in Naples and received a wound in a battle at Lepanco that permanently injured his left hand. As a result, he picked up the nickname of el manco de Lepanto (the cripple of Lepanco). His battle injury was only the first of Cervantes troubles. He and his brother Rodrigo were on a ship that was captured by pirates in 1575. It wasnt until five years later that Cervantes was released - but only after four unsuccessful escape attempts and after his family and friends raised 500 escudos, an enormous sum of money that would drain the family financially, as ransom. Cervantes first play, Los tratos de Argel (The Treatments of Algiers), was based on his experiences as a captive, as was the later Los baà ±os de Argel (The Baths of Algiers). In 1584 Cervantes married the much younger Catalina de Salazar y Palacios; they had no children, although he had a daughter from an affair with an actress. A few years later, Cervantes left his wife, faced severe financial difficulties, and was jailed at least three times (once as a murder suspect, although there was insufficient evidence to try him). He eventually settled in Madrid in 1606, shortly after the first part of Don Quijote was published. Although publication of the novel didnt make Cervantes rich, it eased his financial burden and gave him recognition and the ability to devote more time to writing. He published the second part of Don Quijote in 1615 and wrote dozens of other plays, short stories, novels, and poems (although many critics have little good to say about his poetry). Cervantes final novel was Los trabajos de Persiles y Sigismunda (The Exploits of Persiles and Sigismunda), published three days before his death on April 23, 1616. Coincidentally, Cervantes date of death is the same as William Shakespeares, although in reality Cervantes death came 10 days sooner because Spain and England used different calendars at the time. Quick - name a fictional character from a literary work written about 400 years ago. Since youre reading this page, you probably had little difficulty coming up with Don Quijote, the title character of Miguel de Cervantes famous novel. But how many others could you name? Except for characters developed by William Shakespeare, probably few or none. At least in Western cultures, Cervantes pioneering novel, El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha, is one of the few that has been popular for so long. It has been translated into nearly every major language, inspired some 40 motion pictures, and added words and phrases to our vocabulary. In the English-speaking world, Quijote is easily the most well-known literary figure who was the product of a non-English-speaking author in the past 500 years. Clearly, Quijotes character has endured, even if few people today read the entire novel except as a part of college coursework. Why? Perhaps it is because there is something in most of us that, like Quijote, cant always distinguish totally between reality and the imagination. Perhaps its because of our idealistic ambitions, and we like seeing someone continuing to strive despite the disappointments of reality. Perhaps its simply because we can laugh at a part of ourselves in the numerous humorous incidents that happen during Quijotes life. A Quick Look at Don Quixote Here is a brief overview of the novel that might give you some idea what to expect if you decide to tackle Cervantes monumental work: Plot Summary The title character, a middle-aged gentleman from the La Mancha region of Spain, becomes enchanted with the idea of chivalry and decides to seek adventure. Eventually, he is accompanied by a sidekick, Sancho Panza. With a dilapidated horse and equipment, together they seek glory, adventure, often in the honor of Dulcinea, Quijotes love. Quijote doesnt always act honorably, however, and neither do many of the other minor characters in the novel. Eventually Quijote is brought down to reality and dies shortly thereafter. Major Characters The title character, Don Quijote, is far from static; indeed, he reinvents himself several times. He often is a victim of his own delusions and undergoes metamorphoses as he gains or loses touch with reality. The sidekick, Sancho Panza, may be the most complex figure in the novel. Not particularly sophisticated, Panza struggles with his attitudes toward Quijote and eventually becomes his most loyal companion despite repeated arguments. Dulcinea is the character that is never seen, for she was born in Quijotes imagination (although modeled after a real person). Novel Structure Quijotes novel, while not the first novel written, nevertheless had little on which it could be modeled. Modern readers may find the episodic novel too long and redundant as well as inconsistent in style. Some of the novels quirks are intentional (in fact, some portions of the latter parts of the book were written in response to public comments on the portion that was published first), while others are products of the times. Reference: Proyecto Cervantes, Miguel de Cervantes 1547-1616, Hispanos Famosos. Quick Takeaways Miguel de Cervantes was one of the most influential writers of all times, writing the first major European novel and contributing to both the Spanish and English languages.Although known best for Don Quijote, Cervantes also wrote dozens of other novels, short stories, poems, and plays.The main characters of Don Quijote are the title character; his sidekick, Sancho Panza; and Dulcinea, who lives in Quijotes imagination.