How to Read Literature Like a Professor: Tips and Techniques

Many people struggle with reading literature because they don’t know how to approach it. However, by learning some key tips and techniques, anyone can learn to read literature like a professor.

The Importance of Paying Attention to the Title of the Literature

It’s essential to start by examining the title of the literature you’re reading. Titles can provide valuable clues about what to expect from the text and establish the mood and tone. For instance, one of the most famous titles in literature is Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The title is symbolic as Atticus Finch teaches his children about the cruel and unwarranted killing of harmless creatures like mockingbirds.

To analyze a title effectively, ask yourself what the title suggests about the main theme, mood, or subject of the book. Another technique you can use is paying attention to the words that the author emphasized by capitalizing.

Symbolism in Literature

Symbolism plays a crucial role in literature. It’s a way that the author can communicate more profound themes, emotions, or ideas symbolically. One of the most famous symbols in literature is the green light in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” which signifies both the American Dream and the impossibility of attaining it.

When a symbol appears in literature, ask yourself the following questions: what does this symbol represent, how does it affect the story, and how do the characters respond to it?

Identifying Use of Motifs

Motifs are symbols, themes, or concepts that repeat throughout a text and help to create and reinforce the story’s mood and message. An example of a motif is the concept of blindness or sight in Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex,” which represents knowledge, insight, and self-awareness.

To identify motifs, ask yourself if there is any pattern that repeats throughout the story, such as recurring symbols or themes. Look for any imagery or language that appears regularly.

Recognizing the Significance of the Narrator’s Voice

The narrator’s role in a text can significantly impact the story’s interpretation. There are several types of point of views, ranging from the first person (I, we) to the third person (he, she, they). Every point of view has a distinct effect on the story. For example, the first-person perspective used in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” allows the reader to get up close and personal with the protagonist, but at the same time, it restricts the reader’s understanding of other characters’ motivations.

When analyzing the narrator’s voice, ask yourself how the perspective affects your view of the story, what knowledge or insight does the narrator provide that other characters do not, and how reliable the narrator is in telling the story.

Analyzing the Use of Metaphors

Metaphors are used in literature to communicate abstract concepts or emotions by comparing them to concrete things. An example of a metaphor is the comparison of a hero to a lion, which signifies strength, ferocity, and bravery. This technique can add richness and depth to literature. One of the most famous literary metaphors is the “green light” in “The Great Gatsby.”

To analyze metaphors, look for comparisons or similarities between two things that are not alike. Ask yourself how the metaphor contributes to the story’s message, mood, or theme, and why the author chose to use this specific metaphor.

Understanding the Role of Archetypes

Archetypes are universal symbols or patterns that occur in every culture and represent basic human experiences, personality traits, or relationships. They can help the reader to identify and understand the characters, themes, and motifs within a story. An example of an archetype is the “hero,” who represents courage, strength, and honor.

To identify and analyze archetypes in literature, look for characters or events that fit into a specific archetype. Ask yourself what purpose the archetype serves in the story and what it reveals about the character or the theme of the story.

Considering the Historical and Cultural Context

Understanding the historical and cultural context of a text can provide valuable insights into the author’s motivations for writing the story, the themes, and characterizations. For instance, a historical context can explain why an author wrote a story a certain way about a particular era.

To understand the historical and cultural context of a text, research the time period, social norms, prevalent values, or key issues that influenced the author. Try to find connections between the text and the context that greatly enhances understanding and interpretation.

Conclusion

Learning how to read literature like a professor means mastering a set of analytical methods and techniques that can help you to understand and appreciate literature on a deeper level, no matter what kind of literature you are reading. By examining the title, symbolism, metaphors, motifs, narrator, archetypes, and contextual factors, you can engage with literature in a more thoughtful and meaningful way. Take the time to practice these skills and discover the rich world of literature waiting for you.