Hello, I have always been an avid reader but lately I have started being interested in something more than just read. I am thinking of reading books more critically and truth be told, since I have not studied something in relation to that, I do not know where to start. I am keen on doing more than just typical annotating. I want to be able to compare writing styles and spot recurring themes throughout the literary work of an author etc. What are some clues you use and could help me get started?
by Tati_D_Avi13
1 Comment
I would find an annotated version of a classic you have read before. The annotations, footnotes, and introduction will give you an idea of what you are looking for.
Another track is to dig into the background of a kind of story. Novels are products of a time and place. If you know that background it can help you spot what the book is trying to speak to.
I would see if a college near you will let you use their databases. There are a lot of literary criticisms floating around for most books. Going through a few might be useful. If you can’t get to a college try public library. They should have the general knowledge/high school level databases. I remember Galenet had this kind of thing.