Questions and Answers
What is the difference between symbolism and allegory?
Symbols involve a range of possible meanings and interpretations, while allegories have one mission to accomplish—convey a certain message.
What are the tools we must use to figure out what a symbol might mean?
Questions, experience, and preexisting knowledge.
Why is symbolic meaning different for each individual reader?
Every reader's experience is unique due to their individual history, educational background, gender, race, class, faith, and social involvement.
Symbols in literature can be both objects and __________.
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What are the questions readers should ask of the text when trying to determine symbolic meaning?
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Foster asserts that, 'Nearly all writing is _________.
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Summarize Foster's argument on why most literature can be called 'political'.
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What was Foster's purpose in this chapter?
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What knowledge is essential for reading European and American literature according to Foster?
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What two items would be helpful for others to know about Christ?
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What does Foster mean when he says that 'religious knowledge is helpful, although religious belief, if too tightly held, can be a problem'?
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Why might a character not need all the distinguishing characteristics of Jesus Christ to be considered a Christ figure?
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How is reading a piece of literature a conversation with the author?
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Can a story mean anything we want it to?
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List four reasons why a writer might use a Christ figure.
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If you come across a character in literature flying, list eight possible descriptions.
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What does it mean when literary characters fly?
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Does a character have to actually fly for there to be flying in literature?
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Why is the act of falling and surviving symbolically meaningful?
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Which story piques your interest to read?
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Who does Foster accuse of encoding sexual messages in literature?
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What are some things that can represent male sexuality in literature?
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What are some things that can represent female sexuality in literature?
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What are some other meanings of a sex scene according to Foster?
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What can baptism or immersion in water mean in literature?
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What are some meanings of drowning in literature?
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What is a significant literary 'baptism scene' and how does it change the character?
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What roles does geography play in literature?
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What does it mean when an author sends a character south?
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How can a writer's personal geography inform his/her work?
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What are the symbolic meanings of the seasons?
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Why did the Greeks hold dramatic festivals in spring?
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Why does Christianity celebrate Christmas in December?
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How does the story of Demeter emphasize seasonal modifications?
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Study Notes
Symbolism and Allegory
- Symbols can have multiple interpretations, while allegories convey a specific message.
- To uncover symbolic meanings, use questions, personal experiences, and prior knowledge.
Individual Interpretations of Symbols
- Each reader's interpretation varies based on individual histories, including education, gender, race, and social involvement.
- Unique experiences lead to different emphases on text elements, shaping readers’ understanding.
Exploring Symbolic Meaning
- Essential questions include the author's intent with specific images and the emotional resonance of elements within the text.
Political Dimensions of Literature
- Literature often reflects politics through themes of power dynamics, justice, class relations, and gender issues.
- Foster emphasizes that politics permeates daily life and literature far beyond what is typically presented in media.
Importance of Religious Knowledge in Literature
- Knowledge of religious texts enhances comprehension of European and American literature.
- Familiarity with various religious traditions aids in recognizing allusions and themes.
Characteristics of a Christ Figure
- A character does not need all qualities of Jesus to be considered a Christ figure; key behaviors and sacrifices can establish symbolic connections.
Reading as Dialogue
- Literature is an interactive conversation between the reader and the author, where personal imagination plays a crucial role in understanding narratives.
The Subjectivity of Literature
- While interpretations can be subjective, they must align with the author's intent; distortion of the text leads to misunderstanding.
Functions of Christ Figures in Literature
- Writers use Christ figures to make significant points, exemplify sacrifice, represent redemption, or offer irony.
Symbolism of Flight in Literature
- Flight symbolizes freedom, escape, love, and the imagination, among other themes.
- Characters may not need to physically fly for flight symbolism to apply.
Falling and Surviving Symbolism
- Instances of falling and survival represent elements of rebirth, signifying triumph over death.
Representations of Sexuality
- Male sexuality is often depicted through symbols like lances, tall buildings, and keys.
- Female sexuality can be illustrated through hills, tunnels, and vessels.
Layers of Meaning in Sexual Scenes
- Sexual encounters can symbolize broader themes such as pleasure, sacrifice, rebellion, and enlightenment.
Meanings of Baptism in Literature
- Baptism can represent transformation, new identity, or transition from one phase of life to another.
Drowning Symbolism
- Drowning motifs may signify violence, guilt, character discoveries, and contribute to plot development.
Geography's Role in Literature
- Geography plays a crucial role in establishing setting, influencing character psychology, and shaping thematic elements.
Symbolic Seasons
- Spring represents youth and new beginnings, summer reflects adulthood and passion, autumn signifies decline, and winter embodies death and old age.
Thematic Use of Geography
- Geographic elements in an author's background can inform narrative themes and character development.
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Description
Test your understanding of Chapters 12-26 from 'How to Read Literature Like a Professor'. This quiz will cover key concepts such as symbolism and allegory, along with the tools needed for literary analysis. Perfect for revision and deepening your comprehension of the material.
