In this chapter Foster suggest that in order to truly appritiate a work of literature it may be necessary to " try to find a reading perspective that allows for sympathy with the historical moment of the story, that understands the text as having been written against its own social, historical, cultural, and personal background." In other words, take into consideration the social, political, and everyday aspects of the setting of the story. I have found this to be true a number of times. Like when reading the bible. The story of a woman touching the cloak of Jesus for healing from a bleeding problem didn't really strike me as an intense miracle, until I learned that women of that time would have to call out that they were "unclean" during their menstrual period. So not only was the woman suffering from an extremely painful condition, but also an extremely humiliating one. How horrible would that be? Knowing that bit of historical background made the intensity of that story in the book of Matthew really stand out to me, and bring new light that part of Jesus' ministry.
Chapter 26 - Is He Serious? And Other Ironies
Dear Mr. Foster, so you mean, despite showing us all kind of symbolism, and cool tricks of figuring out literature, that sometimes, it just happens because it happens, and irony is the only reason behind it? I could have guessed that myself. Irony can be used to keep a reader on his or her toes, or just because its fun. I like irony. I find the fact that both Romeo and Juliet both died to be quite entertaining, and, I'll admit, kind of satisfactory. That's what you get for being all dramatic, and falling in love long before you should. Ha! And the irony of their deaths does in fact add a richness to the tale, and although it could symbolize something deep and meaningful and life-changing, allowing the irony to be the only ingredient to the tragic, miserable ends to such vivacious youth, is exhilarating on its own. Bravo Shakespeare, Bravo.
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