As young readers, it has become apparent to me that reading a text only once can lead to not understanding all that it has to offer. Whether some of us have loss of focus, comprehensive issues, or are simply reading too quickly, I believe that we miss details of a text that re-reading could essentially bring into the light. As we have learned in Foster's book, literature is full of symbolism, religious reference, and political opinions. Most often these points are represented in a figurative fashion, therefore as readers we must develop the ability to see behind the curtain of the literal words. I have run into issues such as this with summer reading books before. In 9th grade when I read, The House on Mango Street, I could barely keep my head up from falling asleep. This lack of focus and interest resulted in me not understanding the social and political message that was present in the entirety of the book (although looking back its as clear as ever).
I wholeheartedly believe this notion, however I will not say I am following my own convictions. It is especially easy as students to glide quickly over a text in order only have enough information to get the grade we want. As we embark on the journey that will be AP Literature, I hope that we will follow this advice. The sooner we do, the sooner we will be able to reap the benefits of greater and more complex understanding.
James, I agree that we readers often miss the beauty of a work in the first read. Some of us have hectic lives, dislike reading, or lack focus. With that said, rereading allows readers to look at the text in a different light and realize the symbols and intertextuality they missed. However, rereading a story is in no way, shape, or form an obligation to the author. The desire and drive to reread is internal. I bet most teachers do not demand their students to reread, so it must be reader motivated. Although I may not have the desire and time to reread, I believe it is a valuable and inspiring opportunity.
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ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you about The House on Mango Street. Reading that type of book composed entirely on vignettes was blurry for me as well. The thought of having to reread a page that was difficult to read in the first place was not pleasing at all. With that being said, I agree with what Kelly said, it's entirely self-motivated. Rereading isn't only for those who didn't understand then text the first time around. Rereading is for anyone who is willing and motivated to see the deeper meaning in a piece of work, whether it be hard or easy to read.
ReplyDeleteJames, along with you, I have learned in a somewhat brutal manner to re-read for comprehension, symbolism, and overall message in many, if not all higher level literature. Only a few years ago, I prided myself on reading for speed, and with lower level books I could read in a faster pace along with comprehension. However, when reading higher level books that are confusing in plot and simply word choice, I find rereading a must. And I agree with Isabella in regards to rereading not only for understanding of the plot, but more for symbolism and how the themes work together to create one story. Also, rereading the text can give a reader a deeper understanding of authorial intent, what they mean, and why they mean it.
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