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How to read literature like a professor : a lively and entertaining guide to reading between the lines / Thomas C. Foster.

Foster, Thomas C., (author.).

Summary:
What does it mean when a fictional hero takes a journey? Shares a meal? Get drenched in a sudden rain shower? Often, there is much more going on in a novel or poem than is readily visible on the surface -- a symbol, maybe, that remains elusive, or an unexpected twist on a character - and there's that sneaking suspicion that the deeper meaning of a literary text keeps escaping you. In this practical and amusing guide to literature, Thomas C. Foster shows how easy and gratifying it is to unlock those hidden truths, and to discover a world where a road leads to a quest a shared meal may signify a communion and rain, whether cleansing or destructive, is never just rain. Ranging from major themes to literary models, narrative devices, and form, How to Read Literature Like a Professor is the perfect companion for making your reading experience more enriching, satisfying, and fun.

Record details

  • ISBN: 9780062301673
  • ISBN: 0062301675
  • Physical Description: xxx, 336 pages ; 21 cm
  • Edition: Revised edition.
  • Publisher: New York : Harper Perennial, 2014.

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Formatted Contents Note:
Introduction: How'd he do that? -- Every trip is a quest (except when it's not) -- Nice to eat with you: acts of communion -- Nice to eat you: acts of vampires -- Now, where have I seen her before? -- When in doubt, it's from Shakespeare -- Or the Bible -- Hanseldee and Greteldum -- It's Greek to me -- It's more than just rain or snow -- Never stand next to the hero -- Interlude: does he mean that? -- More than it's gonna hurt you: concerning violence -- Is that a symbol? -- It's all political -- Yes, she's a Christ figure, too -- Flights of fancy -- It's all about sex -- Except sex -- If she comes up, it's Baptism -- Geography matters -- So does season -- Interlude: one story -- Marked for greatness -- He's blind for a reason, you know -- It's never just heart disease and rarely just illness -- Don't read with your eyes -- It's my symbol and I'll cry if I want to -- Is he serious? and other ironies -- A test case -- Postlude: Who's in charge here?
Target Audience Note:
1150L Lexile
Subject: Literature.
Books and reading.
Criticism.
Literature > History and criticism.

Available copies

  • 10 of 10 copies available at SPARK Libraries.

Holds

  • 0 current holds with 10 total copies.
Show Only Available Copies
Location Call Number / Copy Notes Barcode Shelving Location Status Due Date
Albright Memorial Library YOUNG ADULT 808 FOSTER (Text) 50686016184157 Adult Nonfiction Available -
FD Campbell Memorial Library 808 FOS (Text) 32002000350767 FDCM Non-Fiction Available -
Gettysburg Library 808 FOSTER (Text) 35740635730666 Nonfiction Available -
Harbaugh-Thomas Library (Biglerville) 808 FOSTER (Text) 35740635730658 Nonfiction Available -
Harbaugh-Thomas Library (Biglerville) 808 FOSTER (Text) 35740635730674 Nonfiction Available -
Martin Library Adults 808 FOS Arts Literature (Text) 33454005329586 2nd Floor Available -
RACC PN45 .F585 2014 (Text) 33624024673236 Books Available -
Reading Public Library RPL - Main 808 Fos (Text) 33223008741836 Non-fiction Available -
Allentown Public Library 808 FOST (Text) 34455006075937 Adult Nonfiction 1st FL Available -
Bethlehem Main Library 808 (Text) 33062008703259 Adult Nonfiction Available -

Summary: What does it mean when a fictional hero takes a journey? Shares a meal? Get drenched in a sudden rain shower? Often, there is much more going on in a novel or poem than is readily visible on the surface -- a symbol, maybe, that remains elusive, or an unexpected twist on a character - and there's that sneaking suspicion that the deeper meaning of a literary text keeps escaping you. In this practical and amusing guide to literature, Thomas C. Foster shows how easy and gratifying it is to unlock those hidden truths, and to discover a world where a road leads to a quest a shared meal may signify a communion and rain, whether cleansing or destructive, is never just rain. Ranging from major themes to literary models, narrative devices, and form, How to Read Literature Like a Professor is the perfect companion for making your reading experience more enriching, satisfying, and fun.

Additional Resources