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/
I’ve never been here on your page before, have rad exactly one article and am already in ecstasy and thriving with anticipation for the 2. Part! Literature is such an intriguing gallon of thought which I’m never done at thinking through it seems - So this has been fun, looking at it through the lens of its history in terms of individuals painstakingly going off on a limb about it.
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.
I love your substack Robin! As a language learner myself, I’d love to read more of your journey reading in a different languages, notably French. Thanks a lot :)
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 !!
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/
I’ve never been here on your page before, have rad exactly one article and am already in ecstasy and thriving with anticipation for the 2. Part! Literature is such an intriguing gallon of thought which I’m never done at thinking through it seems - So this has been fun, looking at it through the lens of its history in terms of individuals painstakingly going off on a limb about it.
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 !!
Thank you for your ideas!
You’re so welcome!
🔥🔥🔥
I love your substack Robin! As a language learner myself, I’d love to read more of your journey reading in a different languages, notably French. Thanks a lot :)
I’ll keep that in mind! Would love to write about language learning in-depth!