Blog Response to Prompt #1

The phrase, "language of reading," refers to the concepts behind the deeper meaning of a novel and the allusions and metaphors within it. Similar to how English words can have roots stemming from Latin or Greek, Foster believes that every theme or concept within a literature has a root, usually from the Bible or Shakespeare. The "grammar of literature," refers to everything the author chose to represent his or her theme, such as setting, metaphors, archetypes, and allusions. Foster uses the example of rain to prove this point. He explains how rain could mean many different things, for example the idea of cleansing, a character walking through the rain may feel refreshed or transformed upon reaching his destination. Foster also writes, "On the other hand, if he falls down, he'll be covered in mud and therefore more stained than before," (72). On account of its different meanings, the way rain is presented in a work greatly represents the author's idea. The value of these two things lies in the interpretation of a piece. With a greater understanding of the language and grammar of literature comes a greater understanding of the novel or play or whatever medium the author has chosen to best express his or her ideas.

The understanding and comprehension of the theme's of literature is the true value in reading like a professor. The ability to make a connection to the Bible or to Shakespeare or to anything else, or at least to be able to realize that "there's no such thing as a wholly original work of literature," only furthers the reader's ability to comprehend the author's thoughts and further excels the reader's ability to form their own ideas and beliefs in response to the author's.