Svingos, D. Question 6

Foster talks about the “symbolic level.”  How does this inform the kind of reading professors (and AP Lit. students) do?  How does one work to read in this manner? What does it require of us as readers?

Foster heavily covers symbolism and the role symbols play in literature in chapter 12, in which he also defines the difference between symbols and allegories. He explains that allegories are often misinterpreted as symbols, when in reality allegories reference one specific idea in contrast to the ability of a symbol to reference any number of ideas. Foster’s main point in the chapter is to encourage readers to pursue the symbols they come across in literature, to find out what the symbol means to them personally. At this “symbolic level”, there are little to no wrong answers: as long as readers can support their assertions with text-based evidence, arguments for what certain symbols reference can grow into amazing discussions and can change the reader's perspective on a text, allowing for an even deeper understanding of what the author originally put forth. Foster casually hints at this when he talks directly to the reader in chapter 12: “Seriously, what do you think it stands for, because that’s probably what it does” (Foster 104). To read in this manner, one first has to choose texts that are written in this manner, as lower-level books simply lack the complexity that more academic literature holds. Scholarly texts are less straightforward than most material, and require a finer attention to detail from the reader. This close reading allows for readers to spot these symbols and find meaning. One of the easiest ways to make connections is to simply consume more literature, as we can make connections between the themes of several texts, and use the knowledge we learned in one piece to make sense of the symbols we find in another. Creativity and open-mindedness are useful tools in reading at the “symbolic level”, as readers must reach beyond the text in front of them to apply meaning to the authors words. A good deal of confidence in one’s own abilities works wonders, especially in an academic setting when sharing personal insights on a particular symbol can give others that same revelation that struck you while reading. Foster sums it up best, advising readers to “...engage that other creative intelligence. Listen to your instincts. Pay attention to what you feel about the text. It probably means something” (Foster 114).