On all of these accounts I agree with Nabokov. The most important characteristics, in my opinion, are an open mind combined with imagination. I believe that to truly appreciate a great piece of literature a reader must be open-minded and willing to read without prejudice, personal or otherwise. Then and only then, can a good reader dive into a book with his imagination and allow the ‘magic’, as Nabokov calls it, of what has been created by the author to come to life as it was intended.
As for myself, I consider myself to be a good reader, at least most of the time. Having an open mind and good imagination are easy for me and make reading very enjoyable, but I find that rereading is something I do often, as well as keeping a dictionary near. Doing these things allows me to go back and catch the nuances of a novel that are meant to be seen but that I frequently miss when first trying to absorb a good book.
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I love how you say that having an open mind is one of the most important characteristics to being a good reader. I totally agree. You said that you have an easy time keeping an open mind and putting aside prejudice, and I think that is a wonderful characteristic. I love this picture at the bottom, a great depiction of keeping an open mind!
ReplyDeleteHI April,
ReplyDeleteI appreciated all of your comments about Nabokov and his thoughts. I agree with you that having an open mind and imagination help with reading. I think if I didn't have an open mind I would stick with the same type of reading material and not be willing to branch out. Sometimes I think I surprise myself with what I choose to read since I like to read anything and will try it all once. Having a dictionary is a great idea as well! Really good points you shared and I look forward to reading more from you this semester.
Thanks,
Heather
I think that saying you have to have and open mind while reading is a very good point and characteristic. I am not a very open minded person when it comes to reading and I think that is one of my weaknesses. I never have read with a dictionary it might possibly be a really good idea! Good luck this semester.
ReplyDeleteHello April,
ReplyDeleteReading without predjudice is as you said essential to critical reading. If we take our biases and attempt to understand an author of the opposite opinion, we will only get frustration. I like your photo of the open door to the intellect. It represents the open mind, unprejudiced in a search for the truth. And while we may not always agree with ideas that come our way, and open mind allows for discussion. Good luck!
Pax et Bonum,
Joseph
I completely agree with what you wrote. A reader must have and open mind, and an imagination. However, I often wonder if it is okay to have your own thoughts on a topic and disagree with the writer. Is that considered having a closed mind towards what the writer has written? I believe that at times it is okay to have a closed mind towards what an author has written. Yet, still be able to understand what they mean and the point that they are trying to convey to you (the reader). However, while you may be able to fully grasp the concept of a piece of literature I do not believe you can experience it and feel it in your spine (as Nabokov wrote) without an open mind.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your opinion that an open mind is needed when reading. Going into a book without already figuring out what’s it going to be about is important. If I go into a reading thinking oh this book is about this but in reality the book is not what you think it is then that mindset can certainly take away from what the author intended. Sometimes I also miss the details when reading. After I first read something if I go back to reread the same thing I commonly miss out the little details that the author included. At times these details are important and I can’t believe I completely read over them.
ReplyDelete