Symbolism In How To Read Literature Like A Professor

The book How to Read Literature Like a Professor written by Thomas C. Foster covers a variety of topics from the hidden symbolism in a novel to hidden allusions made to famous pieces of literature such as the Bible or works by Shakespeare. These tips and guidelines help the audience to better connect with literature, and to really feel involved with a novel. The main character of the novel Hazel desperately wants to go to Amsterdam, the location where her favorite author lives. Her love interest Augustus volunteers to give his one wish from the Make A Wish foundation to take her to Amsterdam, to sightsee and meet with her favorite author. Upon arriving in Amsterdam, Hazel’s overall mood became much more spirited; she was finally at her dream
Chapter 22 of How to Read Literature Like a Professor discusses the symbolism and meaning behind blindness. Isaac is slowly losing his sight due to his cancer, and he found his main source of support in his significant other, Monica, who ends their relationship and leaves him after he ultimately goes completely blind. Isaac is of course heartbroken, but after venting out his emotions through egging Monica’s house, he decided to not let his blindness become a burden on himself. Foster discusses the idea that “ When literal blindness… is introduced into a story, it is nearly always the case that figurative seeing and blindness are at work,” (Foster, 212) - a concept that definitely applied to Isaac’s case. Isaac with almost obsessed over his former girlfriend, and after she left he came to the realization that she was not worthy enough to continue to be a figure in his life. His blindness became a test, not only to him but to those around him; only the people who truly cared about him and were willing to support him in his new lifestyle deserve to be a part of his life. Ultimately, blindness in a novel can lead to a character’s ability to figuratively see who they and the people around them really are for the first
Foster tells readers “Don’t read with your eyes. What I really mean is, don’t read only from your own fixed position…” (Foster, 234). The Fault in Our Stars was difficult for me to relate to. I had never had family who had to deal with such painful illness, and it wasn’t easy for me to put into perspective how horrible cancer really is, that is until Augustus Waters died. I tried to put into perspective how I might have felt if a close friend had died, and during the scene of Augustus’s funeral, I bawled my eyes out. I am usually not an emotional person, but putting myself in the shoes of Hazel really changed how I was interpreting the text, and the entire time I was reading the funeral scene I had butterflies in my stomach. Foster wants people to acknowledge that they cannot have a certain view when reading a novel. Being flexible is a key part to comprehending what an author is saying and you must be ready to change perspectives at any time, otherwise you won’t be able to get the most out of a piece of