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Title: How to Read Literature Like a Professor
Author: Thomas C. Foster
Rating: 10/10

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I rated this book 10 out of 10 because I believe the author was able to have fun and learn at the same time. I enjoyed the different forms of literary devices he explains in great detail such as the importance of a body of water or the use of fantasy characters to represent good and bad. While reading this book, I dove into Thomas C. Foster’s classroom and subconscious. I learned about all of the different devices he looks at while reading a novel. In other words, he has a literary checklist. He looks at Greek mythology, Bible references, significance of minor details, imperfections, weather, and basic symbols with deeper meanings. Many other books fail to relate to a reader, but How to Read Literature Like a Professor was able to connect with me. The book incorporates many teaching points that have a bigger importance than at first glance. Overall, How to Read Literature Like a Professor accomplishes the goal to teach and entertain.

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Shakespeare has been dead over four centuries, but he has continued to withstand the test of time. Hundreds of movies and books follow the plot lines, dialogue, and characters from famous Shakespeare plays. For example, the "House of Cards" parallels "Richard III".

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In the book, How to Read Literature Like a Professor, it examines the different literary authors use in their books. There are four main issues the book looks examines and repeats. First, there are thousands of allusions from the Bible and Greek mythology. Many modern day books use similar characters and plot lines from chapters in the Bible and myths. Secondly, the significance of human or character imperfections. When an author creates a handicap for a character, the reader will tend to overlook the deeper meaning behind it. For example, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde represents the dual human nature on the brink of good and bad. A physical mark tends to go beyond the literal description. Thirdly, the power of Shakespeare in modern culture. He lived 450 years ago, but somehow he still manages to find his way into the 21st Century. His impact and influence is a basis for many great pieces of literature, movies, and shows. The last main issue revolves around reading a book in the eyes of the author or character. Instead of skimming through the story, read with passion and an open mind from another perspective. In essence, the four main issues of the book will help the reader understand and take more from reading a book or novel.

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The physical marks and imperfections make a character unique and recognizable. When you read about a boy with a lightning strike for a scar, you think of Harry Potter. If you look at Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Frankenstein, and Dorian Gray, they represent the ugly and uncivilized parts of our human nature. The handicaps the author gives a character are meant to be important on a deeper level.

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In the book, How to Read Literature Like a Professor, the ending was one of the best chapters and most effective endings. Without revealing too much, Thomas C. Foster adds a snippet from Katherine Mansfield’s “The Garden Party”. The final chapter draws from the tools he gave us with the previous chapters. After reading the small snippet, he asks the reader to draw their own conclusions, and then he goes on to tell his point of view. I found this chapter to be a nice wrap up of the various symbols, themes, and allusions. Mr. Thomas C. Foster looks at everything from the color of a dress to the power of a metaphor. He looked at a simple story, but he was able to relate it to Greek mythology, he found religious undertones, and symbols. He points out that reading a story for the literal purpose is less meaningful than making your own conclusion with deeper purposes.

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Where did I see him/her before? Many books, movies, and television shows rely on allusions and snippets from other similar works. The connection between books builds a complex and more interesting story. If you look at television, especially in cartoons, you will notice the cross between shows and popular books, movies, and songs.

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Related Links You Should Visit to Learn More

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Related Links You Should Visit to Learn More

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1. Many books, movies, and shows have allusions to other works that most people would not notice. If you look and read the books suggested at http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/30-books-that-everyone-should-read-least-once-their-lives.html, you will begin to notice the similarities in modern culture.

2. Poetry is a different experience for each reader. However, if you visit http://classicalpoets.org/10-greatest-poems-ever-written/, you will notice one thing in common with all of the great pieces. Each one is able to connect to the reader on a deeper level. Each poem makes you think about the simplicity of life or human nature.

3. There is one name you will never stop seeing- Shakespeare. Everyone has heard of the "The Tempest" or "The Taming of the Shrew", but what are they about? If you look at http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/shakespeare/60secondshakespeare/themes_index.shtml, you will find a 60 second summary of his major plays. If you need a refresher or just want to sound knowledgeable, the site will easily inform you.

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http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/03/house-of-cards-season-4-episode-13-the-live-binge-review-chapter-52-season-finale/472518/
http://nation.wikia.com/wiki/Library_of_Congress
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosencrantz_%26_Guildenstern_Are_Dead_(film)
http://tophdimgs.com/448893-star-wars-3.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lion_King
http://www.icateens.org/node/8116
http://livrosdefantasia.com.br/2013/07/07/especial-harry-potter-filme-harry-potter-e-a-pedra-filosofal/
http://www.internationalhero.co.uk/d/doriangr.htm
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0022835/
https://www.pinterest.com/explore/frankenstein/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Going_After_Cacciato
http://www.kavusclub.it/cinema/film/recensione-foto-commenti-trama-trailer/i-griffin-presentano-blue-harvest-2007.html
http://cbsca2advancedportfolio2015.blogspot.com/2015/06/examples-of-intertextuality.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wise_Children