Prompt #4

        Foster writes that all works are interconnected even if they may not seem to be. The patterns that you recognize, he states, are simply allusions to other work that the author has utilized to let the reader make subconscious connections. This ultimately makes a richer story that can turn timeless because of its borrowed elements from staple works created many years ago. I agree with this theory, although I did not at first. Foster convinced me with later chapters that everything works together with other pieces to create a modern rebirth of a classic piece. In the chapter titled "Biblical Allusions," I could see that even the Bible is a book that is pulled from to create symbolism in modern-day works. When authors use biblical references that then parallel modern stories with classic ones, the reader experiences the story in a whole new, deeper way. I believe that author's play on a reader's knowledge of culture and history to make internal connections, even if they aren't aware that they are combining two works.
        By meshing two stories, and even basing a story off of the standard literature template, an author can create creative, hidden allusions that are up to the reader to be discovered. This one story idea that all others are based off of creates a mold for stories to fit into and build upon. This furthers the reading experience by giving your audience the chance to investigate and recognize intertextuality all on their own. When they independently put two and two together, they have the feeling that they made the story their own, and they are proud that they have reached a richer meaning that their hard-work paid off to discover.