Lately I’ve been trying to dive deeper into literature: analyze the books I’m reading; look for the motifs, the philosophies, the meanings the author is trying to communicate. I’ve taken to reading analyses by others to see what their takes are. I’ve been watching YouTube videos on literary analysis. I’ve been underlining, taking notes, and writing chapter summaries of what I’m reading. Having never done any of this before, I’m finding it hard work. And honestly, it makes reading less enjoyable because of that hard work!
I tell myself that all this will get easier and in the end, I’ll get more out of the books I read. But, to what purpose? Maybe it’s the connection I could make with some of my favourite authors. These great people sat and wrote down something so we can connect with what they were trying to communicate, is it really too much to ask if it requires a little effort?
Then again, do I really need to get everything out of the books that I read? I enjoy reading, I do it to relax. What’s wrong with just enjoying the writing? The prose, the characters, and structure of a good book? Sure, I could miss out on the deeper metaphors and meaning, but you get what you get and move on. Hell!, you could even say it leaves something for a reread if you really enjoy the book.
On the one hand, you put in some effort, but you get a type of satisfaction that “you get it”. On the other, you get the enjoyment of entertainment, but you possibility lose out on a deeper meaning and connection. I keep going back and forth, when I think I know what I’m going to do, I second guess myself. It’s getting frustrating! What do I want out of reading?!
by therealredding