"My Two Lives," by Jhumpa Lahiri, published in Newsweek on March 6, 2006"The Quiet Laureate," by Lev Grossman, published in Time on Thursday, May 8, 2008
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Lessons in Literature
One: Most things in literature are intentional. Even when this may not seem to be the case, it very well may be. That said, not all things mean more than what they initially seem. But again, it might. Sometimes water is just water. Other times, though, water is not just water, it's the Ocean of Notions, or the Dull Lake. Take Away: As readers, we must assume that writers are smart, know what they’re doing, and have done so with intention.
Three: Literature is full of contradictions, paradoxes, oxymorons, and ironies. So, too, is life. This doesn't make one thing right and the other thing wrong. Both can exist and be in simultaneous harmony and tension. Take away: Embrace multiple perspectives.
Four: Every interpretation is not correct. Without substantial textual support and a clearly articulated, rational analysis, an interpretation is only as good as a guess. Back up your opinion. Validate it. Take Away: Take us there--to the text, that is.
- Addendum A: Rain usually means something. (But not always the same thing.)
- Addendum B: Names do, too. Like Haroun, Kahani, Mali, Bezeban, and Khattum-Shud.
Three: Literature is full of contradictions, paradoxes, oxymorons, and ironies. So, too, is life. This doesn't make one thing right and the other thing wrong. Both can exist and be in simultaneous harmony and tension. Take away: Embrace multiple perspectives.
Four: Every interpretation is not correct. Without substantial textual support and a clearly articulated, rational analysis, an interpretation is only as good as a guess. Back up your opinion. Validate it. Take Away: Take us there--to the text, that is.
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