How is reading imaginative literature different than reading expository writing? What four questions should you ask about the book?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In How to Read a Book, <\/em>Mortimer Adler says that reading imaginative literature such as novels, plays, and poetry should be approached differently than informational books. The main difference is that imaginative literature is trying to convey emotions and experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s how you can read imaginative literature like a pro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Most of the principles in How to Read a Book<\/em> apply to expository writing, where the aim is to convey information or lead to action. The goal of imaginative literature is different: to convey an experience<\/strong>. A work of fine art is \u201cfine\u201d because it is an end in itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, as a reader you should open yourself to being emotionally affected<\/strong> – don\u2019t resist the effect. Allow it to move you. Likewise, don\u2019t criticize imaginative writing until you appreciate what the author has tried to make you experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where expository writing defines its terms with explicit precision, imaginative works deal in ambiguity. Having multiple meanings enhances the richness of a set of words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Imaginative works are judged by how well they reflect reality. Not necessarily in verisimilitude (as science fiction or fantasy violate) but rather whether what is being said rings true – characterization, how characters respond to events, whether themes are revealed that reflect your experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reading imaginative works should still be active and critical. When you say you like or dislike a fictional work, you should articulate why, and what is good or bad about the book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Imaginative works don\u2019t contain explicit terms, propositions and arguments, but the analogy works:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The analogy breaks down on inspection, but the purpose of this reasoning is to enhance your pleasure by understanding why you like something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stories\/Novels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Plays<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Poetry<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n How is reading imaginative literature different than reading expository writing? What four questions should you ask about the book? In How to Read a Book, Mortimer Adler says that reading imaginative literature such as novels, plays, and poetry should be approached differently than informational books. The main difference is that imaginative literature is trying to convey emotions and experiences. Here’s how you can read imaginative literature like a pro.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":40024,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[34,15],"tags":[395],"class_list":["post-39919","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-communication","category-education","tag-how-to-read-a-book","","tg-column-two"],"yoast_head":"\nReading Imaginative Literature<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Four Questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Specific Advice for Types of Imaginative Literature<\/h4>\n\n\n\n