Having spent the last few months in literature classes I have come to realize how much I miss in classic literature, simply because I have no clue as to what was going on at the time. I realized that just having read the books was not enough, because what does it matter if you have read something and missed the points that the author was trying to make?
I realized that literature of the past, and all of those really good books that I neglected to read in high school were filled with direct reflections on society at the time. I used to be one of those people that had "read" a lot of the classics, but when it came down to it I missed most of the content simply because I was rusty on my history. I am trying to change this.
I recently started reading War and Peace and have to say that I had absolutely no knowledge of Russian history and all of that drama that Napoleon was stirring up. So I decided that instead of dedicating so much time to read what many consider to be the greatest novel of all time and missing out on all of the subtle intricacies in the book, I would try and educate myself a little bit. I have printed out guides on the history of the book, and looked into the politics of the time and came to the realization that I still, for the most part, have no idea what the hell is happening. But at least I'm trying, right?
Well it may take me 6 months to finish Tolstoy's masterpiece, but by God I'm going to try like hell to understand some of it. Bring it on Russia, bring it on.
Luckily John Sanford just came out with a new Prey novel, so I will be able to give my brain a little breather.
I find that it's like that with a lot of things, though. You think you have an appreciation for something, and then you find out there was SO much you missed. Like if you watch comedy from another country. Even going back and watching movies you last saw as a child is a completely new experience because you suddenly get all those jokes you didn't realize you were even missing as a kid.
ReplyDeleteI recently watched a movie and had to look up information about a conflict between France and Algeria to totally appreciate the movie, even though that wasn't the central theme of the movie.
Same thing with books, I guess. But yeah. Reading things in context gives you a much more enlightened perspective because you can see through the author's eyes and, hopefully, get a better feel for what he or she was going for.
Anyway, good luck with the book. If anyone can soldier through something like that, it's you.
There are too many creative mediums out there that are just taken at face value, and often times that doesn't do the author justice. Many times the story is secondary to the actual purpose of the work...unless you are James Patterson.
ReplyDeleteIn which case the story is secondary to how much cash he'll be raking in. Who can blame him, I guess...
ReplyDeleteMy problem with J.P. is the fact that he just does not give a shit anymore. There is absolutely no reason to read his stories, because I am not sure he even reads them. I'm not against writing stuff that is popular or will make a lot of money, but I know the guy is more talented than what he has been putting out there.
ReplyDeleteYou make an excellent point sir. I recently read Plutarch and although I appreciated it, I feel like I missed out on a lot by not knowing the background. I also completely gave up on Aynn Rand's We the Living because I couldn't relate. Perhaps knowing some history would have helped.
ReplyDeleteOn a different note, keep up the good work my friend. Im glad to have a friend that has something to say.