2. King Solomon wrote, "There is nothing new under the sun." Foster applies this precept saying that all "writing and telling belong to one big story." What does he mean by this? How does this idea add to understanding and the richness of the reading experience? How have you seen this principle in action in your own experience with art in general?
By saying that all “writing and telling belong to one big story,” Foster means that all writers borrow ideas from other texts to incorporate into their own work, even if--and often--unconsciously. Teachers have always said that in order to become a better writer, one must read more often and closely. By reading more and more pieces of writing, the writer learns all the different parts of different stories that combine to form the writer’s own ideas. Realizing other works where a certain idea can be found increases a reader’s appreciation for all the texts involved. Knowing that not everyone understands a certain similarity makes readers feel like their experience with the book is special and personal.
This summer, HART (Huntington Area Regional Theater) is showing “Shrek The Musical,” in which I am participating. The show has so many allusions to other pieces of art from a parody of the classic Disney song “It’s a Small World” and references to classic princess tales. At the end of one of Lord Farquaad’s songs, he sings the infamous last notes in “Defying Gravity” from the Broadway show “Wicked.” This reference to Idina Menzel’s lovable underdog character Elphaba adds humor to the song, but only if the audience members understand the reference. It shows the audience that Lord Farquaad, a tiny and villainous man thinks that he is as lovable and strong as Elphaba, even though Elphaba is the protagonist of “Wicked” and Lord Farquaad is the antagonist of his show. What also adds to the humor is the less than stellar delivery of the singing from Lord Farquaad. The borrowing from the “one big story” adds new layers to just the basic storyline of a work.
I appreciate your point where you said that knowing the references make the reading more personal and special, I agree with this. When I'm delving into a new book and there is a reference to something that I have previously read, It's an amazing experience to have background knowledge with what they are trying to pull over. With that being said, It is important to read closely, "like a professor", to get that rich experience from reading. Without reading closely, you may not have picked up the references that made that certain book part of you. I also like your relation to HART, showing that books don't come from one big story, it can be a play, movie, tv show, or anything that can come from "one big story", but it just makes the experience more beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love how you relate this to your theater work and knowledge. This whole concept makes me think about intertextuality and archetypal theory. It interests me even more when I consider how these connections might be subconscious for artists. Everything is everything!
ReplyDeleteI think intertextuality and other references add a certain level of depth to a work that can't be achieved otherwise. The problem occurs at the beginner's level. These outside sources add what is essentially a reader's list that must be completed in order to get the full value out of a text. Although this can be avoided with proper execution. The 1998 film, Shakespeare in Love, is a perfect example. Regardless of the viewers familiarity with the Bard's work, they leave with the feeling that they got all the references to Shakespeare and all the jokes. I will concede however, that the spontaneous and specific references, as described in your post, often evoke a more profound feeling or insight into a character.
ReplyDeleteI agree noticing a reference to another work in a book is rather a nice feeling! like when Foster himself reference Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde, which we read for AP Lang. For writers to incorporate other famous or less known works into their own works it provokes a more attention to detail attitude with the reader, since they may get curious if the author placed more references in their work. I feel this adds more feel and personal connection with the writers work, since they understand and relate to the subtle references.I like how that you show how knowing a reference can make or break some peoples experience with the media, some may not get the humor while others will.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with everything you’ve said in response to this prompt. I have always loved reading and considered it a personal pastime, but never quite realized how personal it can be until now. By bringing up the idea that the referencing of other texts can allow the reader to feel a more personal connection, it made sense to me why I viewed reading as something so personal and unique. There is nothing like spotting a reference in a book that you, as the reader, can understand. It enhances the reader’s experience and increases their interest in the text. I also enjoy you relating the concept to your experience with HART. It supports your claim and shows the concept in action. It makes me want to open my eyes a little more to see if I can catch things like this in my day to day life.
ReplyDeleteI too thought about plays while reading the book. Every text relies on the relationship between the author and the reader, but with a staged production the director interprets the author’s work and then conveys said interpretation not only to the actors, but the set designer, costume designer, choreographer, etc. who build upon the concept with their own interpretations and convey it to the audience who develop their own thoughts as well. I also think staged plays and movies have a greater opportunity for hidden layers than traditional text because you can draw attention to things without being direct. Every character can have reactions without the work becoming to blatant or lengthy. Clues can left on the screen that would be too obvious written out.
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