Response to the introduction of "How to Read Literature Like a Professor" by Thomas C. Foster

When someone reads the text, their experience is affected by their memory of previously read texts, identification of symbolism, and recognition of established literary patterns. By being an avid reader, they may be able to recognize plot or character similarities that they have seen before in previous text. This helps them realize the clichés and trends commonly used in literature being used in their current text, and use it to better understand symbolism. By reading more often, they can better recognize when symbolism is used and give better insight to how that symbolism intends to affect the reader and further advance the plot or purpose of the text. By repeatedly identifying similarities to past text, and the presence and purpose of symbolism, a reader begins to see patterns in their reading. They can begin to see a pattern of similar plot structures or character development and be able to recognize what may be coming next. This makes it easier to break down a complicated text to see the most important details. A reader can then recognize and analyze these details much more easily, as they have seen them before. How memory, symbol, and pattern affect the reading of literature all has to do with how much experience the reader has with reading.

In all of the books I’ve read, there is one repeating detail that has made these stories my favorites. It is a major cliché found in many pieces: some sort of trait that makes the protagonist unique and suddenly puts them at the center of the stories global conflict. I have seen it in the Inheritance Series, by Christopher Paolini. A farmer boy, against his choice, suddenly becomes a dragon rider and is expected to face down an all-powerful tyrant. I’ve recognized it in the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, by Zac Brewer. A demi-vampire lives among humans, away tries to hide is strange diet. As it turns out, being half human and half vampire gives him incredible abilities and fulfills a prophecy. It’s seen in Riordan’s series Percy Jackson and the Olympians, in the Berinfell Prophecies by Batson and Hopper, and in Witch and Wizard by Patterson. The list goes on, and I can not get enough. This type of plot play into the allure of epic responsibility and ability, and always ensures an exciting and epic plot.