Hi Robin! Reading your article and reaching the section of Matthew Arnold reminded me that one of the goals of literature (namely in fiction) is to nurture empathy with the reader. In joining the characters in their struggles, hopes, and dreams, the reader learns to empathize with the characters and real people who undergo similar struggles. I remember reading somewhere that a lack of reading can lead to a lack of empathy, and unfortunately, I see it with my younger relatives. I've had to put my foot down and introduce some of my younger relatives to bookstores and libraries, and I can happily say that they are learning to think for themselves and empathize with their schoolmates. I don't think I'm the only one facing this issue, and I hope a long-term solution comes along soon. Thanks again for the article, Robin!
This is actually the first thing I’ve read from you and I LOVED it, it was SO good! I would also love a part 2, and 3 and 4 and however many you want to do.
i absolutely loved the literary flashbacks. i couldn't help but think of Plato as the ultimate hypocrite back when I was doing my literature degree- because of his love for Sappho and her works! But Aristotle literally made up for it! Also, if we take a dive into Modernism, I feel Ulysses by Joyce also takes the challenge up a notch, where he rejects ordinary prose and sort of sets the stone for stream of consciousness/
If you are a fan of the stream of consciousness, then I will happily recommend Dujardin's We'll to the Woods No More; which, I believe, is the first example I know of this style of writing. Modernism in general, & European Modernism in particular, is my favorite period of writing, so if you are wanting other things to read from this era, just let me know.
Thanks for this; I am on to part two immediately afterwards. Reading this has reminded me of the various thoughts on how to approach literature. I am currently working on two fiction projects, one more literary & the other a blend of Lovecraft & Surrealism. Your piece here has reminded me that I should be both more playful as well as more serious in both of these projects.
I really appreciate your breakdown & I am looking forward to Part 2. I would also like to applaud your desire to make your page free for all. It will really help those of us retired folks, who are trying to keep the edge to our minds (or regain what edge we might have, at one point, had).
I have come to this page from your Utube videos. Please keep up the great work on both fronts.
This eases the guilt that I enjoy reading fantasy and romance books but hesitate to call myself a bookworm, bibliophile, etc because “literature” seems too high brow. What’s a lowly engineer who’s into straight lines and logic to do?
I absolutely loved this article. This was the first one I read from you and you said it's free. Wow! What a great way to start free articles. A conversation starter for sure. I love to learn and I'm would like to know more such as everyone else. Can't wait to learn more from you.
Pleasant read! I’ve been going through the biography of Johnson and just recently read one of Arnold’s long essays on poetry. I’m starting to fit things together.
as someone who has been following you since the beginning of the pandemic, and coming to appreciate greatly your turn of phrase, your tone, your well of information.
I would genuinely and honestly say if you would ever to conduct a course or workshop on literature and reading.
I would run to sign myself up with my card at the ready.
I’m often hesitant to join courses put together by people outside of india because they do cost me a pretty penny.
However, I’d find such a course very worthwhile.
Just a small idea incase you find yourself ever interested.
This was phenomenal i want part 2 already, i also once again want to read everything !
Part 2’s coming your way next Monday!
thank you thank you !!
Agreed!
Hi Robin! Reading your article and reaching the section of Matthew Arnold reminded me that one of the goals of literature (namely in fiction) is to nurture empathy with the reader. In joining the characters in their struggles, hopes, and dreams, the reader learns to empathize with the characters and real people who undergo similar struggles. I remember reading somewhere that a lack of reading can lead to a lack of empathy, and unfortunately, I see it with my younger relatives. I've had to put my foot down and introduce some of my younger relatives to bookstores and libraries, and I can happily say that they are learning to think for themselves and empathize with their schoolmates. I don't think I'm the only one facing this issue, and I hope a long-term solution comes along soon. Thanks again for the article, Robin!
This is actually the first thing I’ve read from you and I LOVED it, it was SO good! I would also love a part 2, and 3 and 4 and however many you want to do.
Glad you loved it! Time to return to my desk to write more!
i absolutely loved the literary flashbacks. i couldn't help but think of Plato as the ultimate hypocrite back when I was doing my literature degree- because of his love for Sappho and her works! But Aristotle literally made up for it! Also, if we take a dive into Modernism, I feel Ulysses by Joyce also takes the challenge up a notch, where he rejects ordinary prose and sort of sets the stone for stream of consciousness/
If you are a fan of the stream of consciousness, then I will happily recommend Dujardin's We'll to the Woods No More; which, I believe, is the first example I know of this style of writing. Modernism in general, & European Modernism in particular, is my favorite period of writing, so if you are wanting other things to read from this era, just let me know.
Mr. Waldun,
Thanks for this; I am on to part two immediately afterwards. Reading this has reminded me of the various thoughts on how to approach literature. I am currently working on two fiction projects, one more literary & the other a blend of Lovecraft & Surrealism. Your piece here has reminded me that I should be both more playful as well as more serious in both of these projects.
I really appreciate your breakdown & I am looking forward to Part 2. I would also like to applaud your desire to make your page free for all. It will really help those of us retired folks, who are trying to keep the edge to our minds (or regain what edge we might have, at one point, had).
I have come to this page from your Utube videos. Please keep up the great work on both fronts.
This eases the guilt that I enjoy reading fantasy and romance books but hesitate to call myself a bookworm, bibliophile, etc because “literature” seems too high brow. What’s a lowly engineer who’s into straight lines and logic to do?
I absolutely loved this article. This was the first one I read from you and you said it's free. Wow! What a great way to start free articles. A conversation starter for sure. I love to learn and I'm would like to know more such as everyone else. Can't wait to learn more from you.
Pleasant read! I’ve been going through the biography of Johnson and just recently read one of Arnold’s long essays on poetry. I’m starting to fit things together.
Great work!! I’m looking forward to Part 2 🙂
This is my first time discovering A Mug of Insights. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and look forward to more of your work :)
Enjoyed your historical analysis of literature and was happy to see you commence the topic with Aristotle's Poetics. Looking forward to part 2 :)
the mutton chops sentence took me out and i had a good chuckle about it. loved the article too.
We need part 2 soon. :)
Dear Robin,
as someone who has been following you since the beginning of the pandemic, and coming to appreciate greatly your turn of phrase, your tone, your well of information.
I would genuinely and honestly say if you would ever to conduct a course or workshop on literature and reading.
I would run to sign myself up with my card at the ready.
I’m often hesitant to join courses put together by people outside of india because they do cost me a pretty penny.
However, I’d find such a course very worthwhile.
Just a small idea incase you find yourself ever interested.
Thank you and have a good day !!
Great suggestion! I'm actually putting together a 90-minute workshop + qna because I really enjoy teaching to a live audience! Thanks for the note!
Thank you for your ideas!
You’re so welcome!
🔥🔥🔥