When I reread, I typically do so because I wish to understand why the text struck me in the way it did. I closely study the author’s use of language and how it stands out from other pieces of literature. I then apply what I learned by incorporating the stylistic device, sentence structure, or other element of language into my writing, if possible. Like all great works of art, however, some elements simply cannot be replicated to produce the full effect of the original.
The application of what we learn from others with higher authority or credibility is what drives the human race forward. Professional athletes, dedicated musicians, and exquisite chefs all have one thing in common: their success depends on learning from the successes and failures of others. By analyzing why a game play, music chord, or special ingredient worked the way it did, the amateur is able to develop his or her own understanding of the profession. Likewise, any writer who wishes to hone their writing abilities must also learn from rereading profound pieces of literature. As we discover more through our reading, we view ideas in a different light, which in turn illuminates the intellectual darkness.
Of course, there are countless other benefits to rereading. We can also apply this task to sift through eloquent and complex language which may not come naturally to us at first. For instance, while reading Shakespeare’s Hamlet, I found myself more often than not going back over what I had just read in order to interpret Shakespeare’s perplexing vocabulary. While rereading is not a necessary task for all forms of reading we come across, it is an occasion that is fundamental to the development of our reading skills, our writing abilities, and ultimately, our intellect.
ReplyDeleteI’m glad that you mentioned that you reread to understand why the text struck you in the way it did because I often do this too but I didn’t realize that was quite the reason I was rereading, I ended up reading “The Fault In Our Stars” a second time because it struck me emotionally(much like other teenage girls). While I did not find “The Fault In Our Stars” to be a wonderful piece of literary work, It was a story that stuck out to me and I had to reread because I was not emotionally ready to let go of it yet.
What struck me and brought me to liking your post were the examples you gave in the second paragraph. It helped show what rereading means and can do for a reader by relating it and showing its equal in other forms like for the chef or musician. When you included those examples it showed that readers are not the only ones that have to go back sometimes. It is a useful tool in a plethora of industries and you opened my eyes, at least, to show that everyone can miss something and may need to go back to verify from time to time.
ReplyDeleteZack, although our reasons for rereading slightly differ, both cause us to look deeper into the text. I agree with your statements, and particularly enjoy your metaphor, "...illuminates the intellectual darkness." Your post also included the professions of athletes, musicians, and chefs. Your intelligent examples display how every profession, and every person, can benefit from rereading and discovering deeper meaning in literature. Finally, in your third paragraph you connect rereading and intellect. This connection stuck out to me because in one of my posts I stated a similar claim. Rereading can increase one's literacy and allow him or her to realize hidden meanings or deeper understanding of a text, thus amplifying his or her intellect as a result.
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