Friday, February 19, 2010
Blogger # 2
We respond in countless ways to literature, sometimes we respond in ways that we would expect and sometime we may find that literature can inspire us to do things or take actions that we would never have thought we could or would. I think almost everyone has an emotional response when it comes to literature. When you read something and are interested in it, the action becomes more of a pass time than a chore. On the other had when you feel that you have to read something you would not normally pick up your emotional response would probably be one that reflects your negative attitude toward the subject. Intellectually, almost, if not everyone, has some kind of response to literature. More than anything I fell that actively reading, meaning you are truly focused on what you are reading, improves your intelligence and improves your understanding of the world. I know that in the book Animal Farm by reading the story and being interested in it I was able to better understand this individual tale and its mirroring of certain governments and the fine line that exists between having a strong leader and tyranny. A book such as this makes you examine the question of to what degree do we employ the practice of justice and equality. There is no way to have both without sacrificing something important. It is lessons such as this hat cause you not only to examine the world around but also your place in it and your reaction to it. You have to wonder what I would do if I were in this situation. The answer to a question such as this shows you who you are and in many ways I do not think there are many mediums that accomplish this feat as much as literature does. Literature can also inspire you to try new things or to believe in new ideals or causes that might have meant nothing to you before. For example, reading Animal Farm made me more aware of the ramifications of not being involved in my government and how ignorance is not bliss. I think what I am trying to say is that literature can change you, for the better or worse. That is why throughout history governments have tried to stifle created thought and burned books to accomplish that. The change that it can inspire can bring down nations or it can build them up. The ways in which literature can change us, be it emotionally, intellectually or inspirationally, comes about through critical analysis and active reading. When your read something it is not enough to simply look at the words, you have to think about what you are reading and try to understand it. When you are reading literature for a class you need to be able to analyze what you are reading because first of all you will probably going to need the information for a test, but you also need to analyze it so you at least gain something out of the experience, even if it is not enjoyment. When it comes down to it is virtually impossible to read and not criticize or analysis what you are reading. In some way you relate or understand what the story is about or what the characters are experiencing.
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I completely agree with you. I do believe that literature can inspire us to live or think a certain way. Many people who don't read or don't like to read know this. They think that reading can't give you something more than just a good story. They don't sit and think about how it might change their thought process or how they feel about things. When I was reading yours, it reminded me of mine completely, you should check mine out. I actually have been one of those people who hate to read, but I have always known what reading can do for a person. To me it's obvious that words can do much more that sit on a page. It just never appealed to me as much as it would for other people. I find passion and all that jibber jabber in other forms of expression. Reading isn't the only thing that speaks louder than a voice. Anyways, good job, can't wait to read what other things you come up with. I think this class is going to be interesting with all these different kinds of people in it.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you that literature in some way moves us to feel something. Of course if the piece of literature is something that we are interested I , it is a lot easier to read and comprehend the meaning. I absolutely love to read for pleasure and to learn about new topics and ideas. It is very hard for me to read as piece of literature that I have no interest in . I think that at that point it becomes a chore, and no one likes to do chores. I like what you said about how active reading and critical analysis are important when looking at a piece of literature. I always read a boo at least two times because I think that it is extremely important to go back through and see what it is I missed the first time. I find that every time I read the story I find a new way to look at it. I see it from another angle each time and it truly is a magical experience.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said on your blog. The part where you wrote “literature can inspire us to do things and take action”. That is very true. People including myself need to read to know what life really is about. Books almost teach us experiences, life, and what the meaning of life is. It can teach us love, lost, hard life, and many more things. A good book can teach anyone that. Like for me I am one of those people who hate to read but once I have something that is to my interest I read that book without being interrupted. As for when I read a book that does not grab my attention I read the book and I do not remember any of the good parts. Like for me once I read a good book, I try to relate to the experiences in the books. When you relate to the book or a good piece of literature you start to understand more of the story and what is being experienced in the book. I liked your blog though like it made me think even more about reading. I liked your last two sentences, because they are very true.
ReplyDeleteI think that you are exactly right, everyone has some sort of response to literature and the more focused you are with what you are reading the more it inspires or changes you. Another great example of this is the Bible, when someone reads the Bible with the true sincerety, it changes them. They have an emotional response to what the book is saying and how it can change their life, if they allow it to. I also think that your statement about reading something, whether you want to or you have to, and putting your focus on that can change you, and no matter what you are reading or why you are reading it, there is always some sort of summary and analysis going on inside your head. I believe that to the fullest, because even if you are not writing something out for a paper or a grade, your mind is constantly working through all of the knowledge and things that you are reading.
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