Definitionally, literacy means “the ability to read and write” or “knowledge that relates to a specified subject,” according to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary. The concept of literacy runs much deeper than its definition would imply, because reading and writing are both so much more than simply being able to comprehend words at face value. They are about being able to read between the lines and understand beyond what the words are saying to the deeper meaning that is implied.
There are two sides of literacy: reading and writing. As for writing, Thomas C. Foster states in his book, How to Read Literature Like a Professor, that “you can’t create stories in a vacuum.” By this Foster is reiterating a sentiment often heard, that one cannot be a good writer unless they are a good reader, but he is also saying that successful writing incorporates the world in which it is created. The best works of literature are not only captivating stories, but they also shed some sort of light on a theme, message, or topic that pertains to the world outside of its pages. Readers should be able to walk away from their reading experience with a deeper understanding of some aspect of the world around them.
Readers, however, must know how to read to be able to reap the wisdom of great literature. “Every reader’s experience of every work is unique,” as Foster points out, and the trick to being truly literate is taking one’s unique experiences-- with books and with life-- and applying them to the work at hand to more fully understand the text. Being able to read deeply and understand what the author’s words imply in addition to what is simply stated is the foundation to appreciating literature beyond merely enjoying the plot-- not that merely enjoying the plot is bad, it just won’t lead the reader to the profound realization about the world that the author has made available.
Ginny,
ReplyDeleteYour use of individuality is what grabbed me. You're right; literacy is about being able to understand the concepts beneath the original words of a text. But it also means that a reader must be able to find their own meaning. When I think of literacy, I just think of the agreed upon hidden message of a piece, but I never realized that isn't the only point of literature. Writers leave their words for interpretation, and it's our individual and unique understandings that give those words meaning and life. Many times have I looked at art, writing, or anything, and saw differently than the person next to me.
Ginny and Aaryn I agree with your statements about how readers must know how to read literature to gain the wisdom that comes from it. I like how you relate a quote from Foster because it is true how every reader takes their own journey to finding out the same clarification. It's interesting to think how every reader takes a different approach and comprehends the wisdom in a different way. Additionally I like how you said literature is deeper than the meaning, it's hard to give one specific definition to it because every different person has a different view on how to define the concept that is literature.
ReplyDeleteJust as Hannah, I love how you expanded on the true definition of literacy, Ginny. While reading and writing goes hand in hand, comprehension should also always be in the mix. Because one could read the same page of the same book continuously for the rest of their life but if they don’t understand the passage what really is the point?
ReplyDeleteWhen Foster starts talking about how each person interprets passages in a unique way I was confused. Because within an English class typically, more than one person have the same interpretation. But I get his message, although the point is a bit shaky.