How To Read Literature Chapter 1 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What are some of the things that symbolize sex and/or gender?

Female symbols: chalice, Holy Grail, bowls, rolling landscape, empty vessels waiting to be filled, tunnels, images of fertility. Male symbols: blade, tall building.

Why does sexual symbolism exist/occur in literature?

Scenes in which sex is coded rather than explicit can work at multiple levels and sometimes be more intense than literal depictions.

When writers write about sex, what are they really writing about?

Writers are usually focusing on the bond between two characters as well as important information about an individual's characteristics.

Why don't writers usually write actual sex scenes?

Sex is mostly used in writing to convey a metaphorical idea. Signup and view all the answers

When and how is water symbolic of baptism in literature?

Water symbolizes baptism when a character enters it and exits in some changed form. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when a character drowns?

When a character drowns, it's like a failed baptism; they do not emerge changed. Signup and view all the answers

What's the difference between symbolism and allegory?

An allegory serves as a one-to-one correspondence, meaning everything directly stands for something else, while a symbol can have a range of possible meanings. Signup and view all the answers

What impacts a reader's understanding of symbolic meaning?

Symbolic meaning is determined by how the individual reader engages with the text. Signup and view all the answers

What, besides objects, can be symbolic?

Actions and images presented in a literary work can also be symbolic. Signup and view all the answers

How should a reader approach symbolism in a text?

A reader should think with creative intelligence, listen to their instincts, and pay attention to their feelings. Signup and view all the answers

How can geography reinforce theme?

The landscape can easily set the mood and tone for a story. Signup and view all the answers

How can geography define/develop character?

The geography that a character is in can shape how they adapt and respond to their environment. Signup and view all the answers

What might physical marks or imperfections symbolize?

Physical marks and imperfections symbolize obstacles or struggles that a character must overcome. Signup and view all the answers

What can physical blindness mirror?

It can represent psychological, moral, or intellectual blindness. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the symbolic possibilities associated with the heart?

Heart disease can show trouble in a relationship, loneliness, depression, and anger. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'conceit'?

A conceit is an extended metaphor used as an organizing device. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the author italicize 'your' in the chapter title?

To emphasize that readers need to understand the text from a point of view other than their own. Signup and view all the answers

What does Foster mean when he says, 'Irony trumps everything'?

Foster means that irony can overshadow other literary elements and themes. Signup and view all the answers

What are the five things that a quest consists of?

A Quester, a place to go, a stated reason to go there, challenges and trials, the real reason to go there. Signup and view all the answers

What is the real reason for a quest, according to Foster?

The real reason for a quest is always to gain self-knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What is Foster's overall point about journeys or trips in literature?

Trips and journeys represent the growth and maturing of the main characters. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'communion' mean in literary context?

Act of peace and sharing. Signup and view all the answers

Why do authors often include meal scenes in literature?

Meal scenes are difficult to write well, necessitating a compelling reason for their inclusion. Signup and view all the answers

What does a failed meal suggest in literature?

A bad sign. Signup and view all the answers

What is literal vampirism?

Taking blood or life force from another being. Signup and view all the answers

What does symbolic vampirism represent?

An older, corrupt individual exploiting a younger, pure being. Signup and view all the answers

What does Foster mean when he says that 'there's no such thing as a wholly original work of literature'?

Every piece of work is inspired by another. Signup and view all the answers

What is intertextuality?

The recognition of the collaboration of one famous work in another. Signup and view all the answers

Why does violence occur in literature?

To promote the theme or events of the book. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two categories of violence in literature?

Specific injury caused by characters and narrative violence causing general harm. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symbolic meaning of sunshine in literature?

Happiness, innocence, youth. Signup and view all the answers

How can weather serve as a plot device in literature?

It can help describe the setting or set the mood of a particular scene. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important thing that characters can do?

Characters have to do things. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a round character?

Round characters have more personality and characterization than flat characters. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a character who dies to help the hero live or develop?

Phil Coulson from The Avengers. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 1: Every Trip is a Quest (Except When it's Not)

A quest includes: a "quester," a destination, a stated purpose, challenges, and the true purpose, which is self-knowledge.
The real objective is often hidden; characters sometimes fail their original tasks.
Journeys in literature signify character growth and maturity, moving beyond mere trips.

Chapter 2: Nice to Eat with You: Acts of Communion

"Communion" signifies peace and sharing, commonly represented through meal scenes.
Meal scenes are complex and often included for significant reasons due to their inherent difficulty.
A failed meal scene signals trouble or negative signs for characters.
Example: In Safe Haven, Katie's meal with Alex represents her struggle with past trauma despite her attempts to move forward.

Chapter 3: Nice to Eat You: Acts of Vampires

Literal vampirism involves bloodsucking, while symbolic vampirism depicts exploitation by an older, corrupt figure.
Essential elements of vampire stories highlight the exploitation of innocence and autonomy.
Example: In The Vampire Assistant, Mr. Crepsley manipulates Darren, leading to the erosion of Darren's moral values.

Chapter 4: Now, Where Have I Seen Her Before?

There are no wholly original literary works; all are inspired by previous texts.
Intertextuality refers to references or allusions one work makes to another.
Recognizing parallels between texts enriches understanding of a writer's intent.
Example: The Poisonwood Bible incorporates biblical themes and references, deepening its narrative.

Chapter 11:...More Than Its Gonna Hurt You: Concerning Violence

Violence in literature often symbolizes larger themes and character experiences.
Two categories of violence: direct actions between characters and overarching narrative violence.
Essential questions include thematic significance of violence and resemblances to known mythic deaths.
Examples of violence types include: shootings (specific injury) and deaths that impact plot progression (narrative violence).

Chapter 6:...Or the Bible

The Bible is frequently alluded to due to historical religious education among writers.
Allusions can manifest in titles, plots, situations, and character archetypes.
Understanding biblical references allows for deeper insight into thematic undercurrents.
Example: The Scarlet Letter uses biblical allusion with the Pearl of Great Price, highlighting sacrifice and loss.

Chapter 5: When In Doubt, It's from Shakespeare...

Themes of class differences and forbidden love in Titanic parallel those in Romeo and Juliet.

Chapter 15: Flights of Fancy

Writers often use flight to symbolize freedom and the desire to transcend limitations.
Symbolism of flight extends to ideas of escape, triumph, and divine influences.
Interrupted flight symbolizes failure and can reflect a character's degradation.
Example: In The Hunger Games, Katniss's mockingjay pin symbolizes her desire for freedom against oppression.

Chapter 7: Hanseldee and Greteldum

Writers reference children's literature to enrich narrative through familiar analogies.
Allusions to "kiddie lit" enhance reader comprehension through shared themes.
Example: Alice in Wonderland reflects a character’s journey in a world where norms are reversed.

Chapter 8: It's Greek to Me

A myth is a significant narrative that helps explain the human experience.
Writers allude to mythology to explore universal themes and struggles.
Myths serve as touchstones for understanding human dilemmas in literature.
Examples include Nike, linked to victory, and Honda Odyssey, named after Odysseus' journey.

Chapter 9: It's More Than Just Rain or Snow

Weather in literature symbolizes mood and can drive plot elements.
Sunshine often symbolizes joy, whereas rain conveys sadness or renewal.
Example: In The Great Gatsby, rain during key scenes emphasizes emotional tension.

Chapter 10: Never Stand Next to the Hero

Characters must take action to propel narrative; their significance is tied to their choices.
Supporting characters often sacrifice themselves for the hero's growth.
Round/dynamic characters are complex and evolve, while flat/static characters lack depth.
Example: In The Avengers, Phil Coulson's death propels the team forward, marking him as a flat character serving a critical narrative role.

Chapter 16: It's All About Sex...

Sexual symbolism can manifest through various objects and forms, embodying gendered themes.
Such symbolism conveys deeper meanings beyond the act of sex itself.

Chapter 17:...Except Sex

Writing about sex typically serves to explore interpersonal bonds and character traits rather than explicit depictions.

Chapter 18: If She Comes Up, It's Baptism

Water often symbolizes baptism, indicating personal transformation post-immersion.
Drowning signifies a failed baptism, representing stagnation in character growth.
Successful emergence from water suggests necessary change and enlightenment.### Chapter 12: Is That a Symbol?
Symbolism has a broader range of meanings compared to allegory, which has direct one-to-one correspondence.
Readers' understanding of symbolism varies based on personal knowledge, experiences, and engagement with the text.
Actions and images in literature can also serve as symbols beyond physical objects.
To approach symbolism effectively, readers should use creativity, trust their instincts, and be aware of their emotional responses.
"The Great Gatsby" employs numerous symbols, such as the green light, the Valley of Ashes, and the eyes of Doctor TJ Eckleburg.

Chapter 19: Geography Matters...

Geography can enhance themes and set the mood for narratives.
A character's personal development is often shaped by their geographical environment.
Geography can act as an antagonist, creating challenges for characters, as seen in "Going After Cacciato."
The geographical setting can serve as a plot catalyst by facilitating or hindering characters' actions.
Symbolic patterns include associations with direction and landscape characteristics, such as south denoting chaos or fertile landscapes signifying security.

Chapter 20:...So Does Season

Spring symbolizes renewal and productivity.
Summer suggests freedom and relaxation.
Fall evokes nostalgia and can foreshadow change.
Winter represents endings and impending troubles.

Chapter 14: Yes, She's a Christ Figure, Too

"Christ figures" typically possess characteristics of sacrifice, suffering, compassion, and wisdom.
A character need not mirror Christ in all aspects to be identified as a "Christ figure"; even a few traits can be significant.
Writers use Christ figures to convey themes of redemption, hope, and sacrifice, often positioning them as heroes.
Aslan from "The Chronicles of Narnia" exemplifies a Christ figure through his sacrificial actions and nurturing nature.

Chapter 21: Marked for Greatness

Physical imperfections symbolize personal struggles or obstacles requiring moral or emotional overcoming.
Landscapes with unique qualities contribute to thematic structure and meaning within literature.
Social imperfections causing individual deformities reflect broader cultural issues.
Literary monsters, like in "Beauty and the Beast," symbolize inner beauty versus outer appearances.

Chapter 22: He's Blind for a Reason, You Know

Physical blindness often mirrors psychological or moral blindness in characters.
Ironic elements arise when a physically blind character exhibits metaphorical blindness regarding plot realities.
Darkness equates to ignorance, while light promotes awareness and truth.

Chapter 23: It's Never Just Heart Disease...And Rarely Just Illness

Heart disease symbolizes relational issues, loneliness, and emotional turmoil.
The heart as a central emotional element implies larger character struggles.
Effective literary diseases should be mysterious, picturesque, and carry strong symbolic connotations.
Illnesses like AIDS represent societal issues, while characters dying from ailments often serve thematic or symbolic purposes.

Chapter 24: Don't Read with Your Eyes

Readers must engage with texts from diverse perspectives, reflecting on historical and cultural contexts.
Foster emphasizes immersion in narratives rather than just reading for comprehension.
Acceptance of another culture's values is not necessary for appreciating their literary impact.
"The Masque of the Red Death" illustrates differing contemporary and historical receptions regarding themes of plague and societal isolation.

Chapter 25: It's My Symbol and I'll Cry if I Want To

Conceits serve as extended metaphors that organize textual meaning.
In John Donne's poem, the flea symbolizes intimacy and connection more than the narrator's relationship with his lover.
Primary meanings in literature often refer to the plot's literal narrative, while secondary meanings involve deeper metaphorical implications.
Yeats’ use of gyres represents complex meanings requiring analytical effort to uncover.
Foster summarizes key insights: utilize existing knowledge, learn from texts during reading, and recognize the depth of understanding.

Chapter 26: Is He Serious? And Other Ironies

Irony outweighs other literary devices like symbolism, making outcomes contrary to expectations particularly impactful.
An ironic narrative features twists where the conclusion contradicts readers' anticipations.
Irony can be complex, making it an easier aspect for readers to misunderstand.
"The Gift of the Magi" demonstrates irony with characters sacrificing for each other, resulting in gifts rendered useless, highlighting the theme of love over materialism.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 1 from 'How to Read Literature Like a Professor'. Dive into the components of a quest and explore the deeper meanings behind characters' journeys. This quiz includes essential concepts and interpretations from the chapter.