Analysis Of How To Read Literature Like A Professor By Thomas C. Foster

In the twelfth chapter of Thomas C. Foster’s How to Read Literature Like a Professor, Foster analyzes symbols, and the great influences they have in literature. To begin the chapter, Foster compares and explains the differences between symbols and allegories. Symbolism is a broad category, and allegories fit under it’s immense hierarchy. Furthermore, symbols “involve a range of possible means and interpretations”, while allegories have single and specific answers (105). Foster continues by stating that symbols are personal and can differ from person to person based on their backgrounds, lifestyles and beliefs. Due to the fact that symbols don’t possess one exact answer, every reader has the freedom to “emphasize various elements to differing degrees” (110). These differences allow the story to become more personal and connected to the reader’s life, possibly giving them a deeper understanding of the text because the variations require the reader “to bring something of ourselves to the encounter” (107).