6/13/2014

Thomas C. Foster's critical reading techniques

1.    Figurative language

a.     Highlight

b.    And isolate

                                                   i.     Personifications

                                                 ii.     Similes

                                               iii.     metaphors

2.    Chronological structure

a.     Note what order you receive information in

3.    Influences

a.     Write all stories that the story you are reading reminds you of

                                                   i.     Most influential works should be known

b.    Try to count the other works that have influenced this piece

4.    Archetypes

a.     Look for the commonly recycled characters

                                                   i.     Hero

                                                 ii.     Buddy pair

                                               iii.     Christ-figure

                                               iv.     Scapegoat

                                                 v.     Miss-understood villain

b.    Look for the commonly recycled plots

                                                   i.     Quest

                                                 ii.     Evolution

                                               iii.     Forbidden romance

                                               iv.     Who done it

5.    Symbolism

a.     symbols are true in many ways

                                                   i.     figuratively

                                                 ii.     literally

b.    some symbols are not statements

6.    Reread

a.     At least five times