How to Read Literature Like a Professor Ch. 19-20

Questions and Answers

What is geography within a piece of literature?

Usually about people inhabiting spaces and the spaces that inhabit the people.

What does the symbolism of spring represent?

Childhood and youth.

What does the symbolism of summer represent?

Adulthood, passion, love, romance.

What does the symbolism of autumn represent?

Decline, middle age, tiredness, harvest. Signup and view all the answers

What does the symbolism of winter represent?

Anger, hatred, death, old age, resentment. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when the author sends a character south?

To run amok. Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's argument in the interlude?

Nothing remains for the contemporary writer but to retell stories. Signup and view all the answers

What is intertextuality?

The relationship between texts, especially literary ones. Signup and view all the answers

What is an archetype?

A pattern on which a pattern is based. Signup and view all the answers

What does the symbolism of the West represent?

Open possibilities, growth and development. Signup and view all the answers

What does the symbolism of the South represent?

Slavery, oppression, where life does not prosper. Signup and view all the answers

What is one example in which the symbolism of seasons is often used?

Greek mythology. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Geography in Literature

Geography refers to the relationship between people and their environments, influencing characters and narratives.

Symbolism of Seasons

Spring: Represents childhood and youth, signifying rebirth and new beginnings.
Summer: Embodies adulthood, passion, love, and romance, marking a time of growth.
Autumn: Symbolizes decline, middle age, weariness, and the process of harvest, often associated with reflection.
Winter: Conveys themes of anger, hatred, death, old age, and resentment, often reflecting the harshness of life.

Character Movement and Symbolism

Characters moving south typically indicate a loss of control or moral decline, described as 'running amok.'

Writing and Retelling Stories

Contemporary writers face the challenge of retelling existing stories, suggesting a cyclical nature of narrative in literature.

Intertextuality

This concept highlights the interconnectedness of texts, emphasizing how literature references and influences other works.

Archetypes

Archetypes serve as universal patterns or models that structure stories and characters, facilitating shared understanding.

Symbolism by Direction

West: Associated with open possibilities and personal growth, symbolizing hope and exploration.
South: Represents themes of slavery, oppression, and stagnation, indicative of struggles for freedom and prosperity.

Cultural References

The symbolism of seasons is frequently employed in Greek mythology, showcasing their enduring influence and meaning in literature.

Description

Test your knowledge of chapters 19-20 and the interlude of 'How to Read Literature Like a Professor.' This quiz covers key concepts such as geography in literature and the symbolism of different seasons. Challenge yourself to recall the meanings behind these literary elements and enhance your understanding of the text.