In the third section of the class, we had the opportunity to read higher-level literature in the form of plays and novels to see the use of literary techniques and allusions in the context of a longer work in order to effectively convey meaning to the reading audience. Starting with The American Dream and ending with, so far, Hamlet, we have been offered a wide range of literary works that differ on various levels yet remain common in multiple other arenas. Having a chance to read each work and analyzing it through first reads, class discussion, thorough second read annotations, and another class discussion, we were able to strengthen our understanding of the works and recall on their major facets when comparing and contrasting with other works or discussing their significance in general.
After reading the novels, comparison between the works was the most noteworthy task in the class. Weighing the motives and intended meanings of the works allowed us to see the different techniques utilized by the authors based on our different perceptions, giving us an opportunity to consider how their backgrounds and their different inclinations led to differing attitudes towards their work and consequently contrasting portrayal of the events in the novel. However, we were also able to see similarities between the works and apply those concepts to the world at large. Overall, while reading novels is characteristic of English classes, reading them in such a way was unique yet memorable, consistently reminding us of the work’s importance in our contemporary lives.
Furthermore, by being able to read both plays as well as novels, we had the opportunity to appreciate both forms of literature and see how the layout of a work can alter the perception of the author towards his or her own work as well as our own perception towards the work. In essence, the applications of the literary terms and allusions were just a conduit for allowing us to see the deeper meaning of the work and analyzing its significance with respect to various parameters, ranging from the novel’s setting to its outlook towards the world.
Annotating really helped me remember certain parts of the plays and books as well. This is an excellent summary of how annotating and re reading can help with remembering a book and keeping it in the long term memory.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the lengthy perusal of the different works has been tiring at times, I agree that it's helped to deepen my understanding of them. I especially agree with your view of comparing them, because that's something that definitely helps me a lot, and the differences between some authors' perspectives is intriguing.
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