On Close Reading

In Peter Rabinowitz "On Close Reading" he dicusses the different types of reading on the effects they have on the reader.I enjoy how he understands that people shoudn't read just one way because doing so will not allow your mind to correctly appreciate written works.This piece helps you realize the importance of being open minded & explains the conflicts that will be encountered if readers don't.This piece was eye-opening & detailed.

On Minimalist Fiction

In John Barth's "Minimalist Ficton" he discusses what minimalist fiction is & preaches less is more.I found it a bit ironic how the piece is about minimalist but it included so much extra information in parentheses.Ernest Hemingway's quote gave life to the whole piece and simplified it.He basically described how being concise in writing allows readers to understand the piece better & feel closer to it.This piece allowed me to appreciate minimalist just as much as non-minimalist.

On the Dangers of Reading Ficton

In Thomas Jeffersons " On the  Dangers of Reading Fiction" he gives a detailed account of his dislike of fiction.He makes a few main points which include,time lost,mind poisoning, & poor judgement to give examples of why reading ficton is dangerous.I agree with what he is saying to an extent because if the reader has a balance of both fiction & non-fiction the non-fiction can help delete some of the negative effects of reading ficton.On the bright side he admits ficton is not all bad because it helps the reader develop a "sound morality" and if the reader indulges in the right kind of poetry the can appreciate complex writing.This was very informative & enjoyable.

On the Differences Between Poetry & Prose

In T.E Hulme's "On the Differences between Poetry & Prose" he uses this piece to signify poetry is better than prose.He begins by comparing prose to algebra which I thought was excellent because it really made you understand his point.Most people probably wouldn't think to compare english to math which I enjoyed.I also enjoyed how he pointed out poetry is appealing to the sense which strengthens his point while giving you a better idea of the greatness ofpoetry.Reading this piece opened my mind & allowed me to appreciate poetry and the creativity it allows.It also made me think of prose as a literary prison.