As I was reading, I came across a nice line that I would like
to elaborate. The sentence goes, "Literature is not a picture
of life, but is a separate experience with its own kind of flow and
enhancement." I believe that so much. Before last semester, I
did not read much, nor did I really care for it. I am glad I chose the
English path because of the different literature I have read in my British and
American Literature classes. All of the experiences that I did not even
knew existed.
Every piece is its
own experience worth adventuring through. The pieces of literature that
stick out to me so far: 1984, Animal Farm, Paradise Lost,
The Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, and many more. I mean the
list goes on. Every piece brings a
different perspective and experience. I have different emotions towards
some but not others. I interpret these writings in completely different
ways than others as well, which is the beauty of literature.
One perceives these works in different ways because of their
background and experiences.
I truly believe
that every single person needs to read literature because it is just so
fascinating and wonderful. The deeper meanings behind each piece can be
so surprising at times. For example, in the Rocking Horse Winner by D. H.
Lawrence was interesting, but after hearing the sexual ties in it, the story
threw me for a loop. I did not see the sexual experiences in it at all,
but I suppose I should have expected it from the sexual deviant Lawrence was.
Thats why writing and storytelling will never die. Think of our oldest sotires - The Odessy, The Bible, Aesop's Fables - each hundreds, maybe thousands of year old, yet still around and important today. This is also the difference between movies and stories - movies are almost always forth-telling, while books allow you to draw your own conclusion. And the more you read, the wider your spectrum for appreciation.
ReplyDeleteI just read Paradise Lost for the first time this semester. I loved it! It's so interesting for me to read which works you like best. I really like Orwell, too. He keeps it real and has an incredible way with words.
ReplyDeleteI meant to add that I love how William Stafford's book led you to a whole blog about literature. Nice.
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