EL 266 Foster (25,26) Eyes wide closed
"It seems to me that if we want to get the most out of our reading, as far as reasonable, we have to try to take the works as they were intended to be taken." (Foster) p.228
Anyone can read a book and be able to repeat back what has happened or tell what a character has done, but to be able to read between the lines takes a bit more to do.
The eyes are not the only organ to use when reading. The author has intentionally written a character in or added an environment to use as a background or a main theme. Using one's mind to look at what something means takes a certain focus.
This may sound weird, but when I read ADH, I read it aloud to my dog. I know, sounds really silly, but it worked. I used the voice of a southerner and a southern slave. This made ADH more understandable. It was like I was trying out for a play. And the book was more like a script.
So, I do agree with Foster in that the eyes are not the only thing to bring to a page when reading. There are so many more things, like I have mentioned above, to make reading more understandable. Think of the era, character, and demographic. I really taught myself a new way of learning by doing so.
Comments
Both I and Jessica talked about this as well. This may very well be a topic for class discussion! Oh, and it's not silly to read to your dog... I have cats :)
Posted by: Heather Mourick | November 2, 2009 9:41 AM
I agree. Much can be lost when we read with only our own perspectives in mind.
Posted by: Jennifer Prex | November 4, 2009 3:55 AM
I agree Jeremy! I too read sections of the text aloud. I think it gives a greater insight. Plus, it makes me laugh when I do read. Even if my neighbors think I am crazy.
Posted by: Katie Lantz | November 4, 2009 5:25 PM