Quote (MidnightRider @ Jan 26 2014 07:37pm)
Reading will help, obviously :P
In fact, reading more literature will provide, in a sense, double returns: Not only will you receive practice recognizing literary conventions, you will also gain broader knowledge of literature, which in turn will facilitate an appreciation for elements relying on intertextuaity.
While you're reading, definitely try to pay attention to elements beyond simply plot.
Symbolism and meaning isn't always buried as deep as readers sometimes think.
Take Chillingworth, from the Scarlet Letter: Do you think his physical deformity is an accident? Knowing Chillingworth's character, what might deformity of the body represent on a deeper level?
Moving back to the math analogy: You're right, it's much easier to practice with math than with literature. Reading a book can be a hefty time investment.
My advice would be to analyze some your favorite movies. Many times, people who struggle interpreting literature fare better when applying similar processes to movies.
Think back to some of your favorite movies, movies where you don't need to expend mental energy on the characters or plot because you already know them well.
Similarly, try to identify archetypes you've become familiar with through exposure to movies.
If you can recognize archetypes in movies, you can do it in literature, and that is a huge step forward in interpreting literature. Whenever you come across an archetype, you should "feel" it.
There's a good example of literature I can't interpret; I don't really know what his deformity might represent. He's an intelligent man,
so is it like a sacrifice for his knowledge?
And you're right, watching movies and thinking about it is sooo much easier. The Crucible movie was very similar to the book,
yet I understood it much better.
Quote (Sefira @ Jan 26 2014 07:39pm)
It depends on your teacher. In my Honors class, it's very easy. We only use an anthology to look over short stories and interpret them.
You should read a lot of books. Preferably ones from different genres to see what techniques they use and as you read more, you will come to find something you like and things can flow more easily when you think about what's going on.
If you're also doing a lot of writing and stuff, there are some very good books you can read to see the different techniques they use.
e/ You should also read books that bring in more powerful styles of meaning, something that may be a large impact. Ex: Escape From Camp 14 instead of some stupid book like Fifty Shades of Grey that makes no sense.
Haha yeah I've strayed away from dumb books. And we definitely do tons of reading. I think we have 12 books to read over
this semester, so that'll keep me busy for sure. 20-30 pages a night
