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

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.