Chapter 15 Suggestions for Reading Stories, Plays, and Poems
The fourth question we ask of any book is “what of it?” For an expository book, this question implies some kind of action on the reader’s part—whether it’s doing something or just accepting a book as being true. For imaginative literature, however, this question is interpreted differently. Discuss this briefly. (p 211)
Reading imaginative literature does not require us to do anything. While it might motivate us to act, simply experiencing the writing is enough—no further action is necessarily required on the reader’s part.
What do the authors advise for how to read stories? (p 212-213)
When reading stories, the authors suggest reading quickly and with total immersion. While some readers may want to read slowly and savor it, reading quickly and with immersion keeps us engaged. This approach makes us less likely to forget plot developments or lose sight of the story’s unity. Don’t make judgments about characters or events before completing the book. Only after finishing the story can we look back and understand the relationship between events and their sequence. You haven’t truly read a story well until you’ve finished it.
Why do the authors state that fiction is a human necessity? (p. 215)
Fiction satisfies many unconscious and conscious needs. At the simplest level, we enjoy stories where characters we like or dislike receive appropriate rewards or punishments.
We may enjoy stories when we identify with a sympathetic character, or read about love because we desire deeper emotional connections. Stories can satisfy unconscious tendencies toward sadism or masochism when we identify with either the conqueror or victim. We’re also drawn to stories where justice prevails—unlike real life, where injustice often rules and good people suffer while the wicked prosper. This satisfaction of justice in fiction is called “poetic justice.” Even in tragedies, where good people face terrible fates, we often find that the tragic hero gains wisdom through suffering. Such stories allow us to gain insight without experiencing the same hardships as the characters.
What do the authors say about reading Epics? (p. 217)
The authors describe epics as perhaps the most honored yet least-read books in the Western tradition. While acknowledging the effort required to read them, they warn against the loss we risk by avoiding them. Reading any major epic demands attention, involvement, and imagination, but should be included in any serious reading program.
Discuss what is lacking when reading a play and what the authors suggest we do as readers to truly apprehend the playwright’s work? (p. 218-219)
When reading a play, we’re not experiencing the complete work. A play needs to be performed to be fully apprehended. It lacks a physical dimension, which the reader must supply. The authors suggest imagining yourself as the director, considering how actors should deliver particular lines or play specific scenes.
What do the authors mention regarding the reading of tragedies? (p. 220-221)
Because plays are incomplete when merely read, the authors consider many not worth reading on their own. However, they identify a select group of plays that merit reading independently. The tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Shakespeare, Molière, and some modern plays are considered great for their deep and rich insights. The Greek tragedies are particularly important because they not only offer profound commentary on life but also establish the literary framework for many subsequent plays.
What do the authors advise when reading poetry, especially lyric poetry? (p. 222-223)
As with other literary works, the authors advise reading a lyric poem straight through without stopping, even if you don’t fully understand it. This helps comprehend the unity of the writing. The essence of the poem isn’t found in a single line or stanza, but in the whole piece. Additionally, the authors recommend reading the poem aloud. Speaking the words forces better understanding, as the brain can’t easily skip over unfamiliar words or phrases when they’re voiced.
** Note – assume much of the content following each discussion question is a paraphrase and comes from the book How to Read a Book.
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