cornell notes on how to read literature like a professor

2 min read 30-01-2025

cornell notes on how to read literature like a professor

Source: How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster

Note-Taking System: Cornell Notes (Main notes on the right, cues/questions on the left)

Cues/Questions	Notes
What is the significance of the title?	Often foreshadows key themes or motifs. Consider wordplay, allusions, and connotations. Don't just take the title literally.
How do authors use symbols?	Symbols are rarely one-to-one. Look for recurring images, objects, or events that carry deeper meaning and contribute to the overall themes. Consider cultural and historical contexts.
What are the different types of irony?	Foster highlights verbal, situational, and dramatic irony. Understanding these enhances comprehension and reveals authorial intent.
Significance of “Once upon a time…” and other fairy tale openings	These establish a sense of archetypal storytelling, hinting at familiar patterns, myths, and symbols that enrich our understanding of the narrative.
How are quests depicted?	Quests are not always physical journeys. They can represent internal struggles, self-discovery, or the pursuit of knowledge and truth. Analyze the hero's motivations and the nature of their quest.
Role of geography	Geography functions as more than just a setting; it shapes characters, plots, and themes. Consider how landscapes, seasons, and locations contribute to the story's meaning.
How do authors use biblical allusions?	Biblical allusions enrich texts with layers of meaning, often referencing themes of good vs. evil, sacrifice, redemption, or temptation. Recognizing these allusions deepens your interpretation.
What are the common literary devices?	Mastering devices like metaphor, simile, allegory, and foreshadowing allows for a deeper understanding of the author's craft and the narrative's complexities.
How does intertextuality function?	Understanding how texts relate to each other (intertextuality) reveals deeper meaning. Authors often allude to other works, creating a conversation between texts.
What is the importance of the ending?	Endings are crucial. They often resolve or leave unresolved certain key themes, adding complexity to our understanding of the narrative as a whole. Consider different types of endings—happy, tragic, ironic, ambiguous, etc.
Significance of violence	Violence is rarely random. Analyze its purpose within the narrative. Does it represent a larger societal issue, a character's inner turmoil, or a thematic point?
How is weather used symbolically?	Weather often mirrors characters' emotional states or foreshadows events. Analyze its symbolic significance.
What is the role of disease?	Disease frequently represents decay, moral corruption, or societal issues. Its symbolic meaning should be carefully considered.
What is the significance of blindness?	Blindness is often metaphorical, representing ignorance, lack of insight, or spiritual darkness.
How to approach different genres?	Different genres—poetry, novels, plays—require different reading strategies. Understand the conventions and expectations of each genre.

Summary: How to Read Literature Like a Professor emphasizes the importance of recognizing patterns, symbols, allusions, and recurring motifs to achieve a deeper understanding of literary works. By understanding these elements, readers can move beyond surface-level interpretations and engage with texts on a more profound and analytical level.

Further Study: Review specific chapters of the book to delve into the individual literary devices and recurring themes discussed. Practice identifying these elements in different literary works to hone your critical reading skills.

cornell notes on how to read literature like a professor

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