If it's for study you want to get more out of it than mere entertainment so you would treat it pretty much like any non fiction book under those circumstances.
It a matter of purpose 'why are you reading it? What do you want out of it? How much time do you want to spend with it?
Alex
Right now I have to read The Red Badge of Courage for history class, and I then have to write an essay on it. So I was wondering, if I'm going to treat it as any non-fiction book, then how would I activate it? I mean, how would I know where to superread and dip it? There's no table of contents. Also, what kinds of questions would I ask?
I'd appreciate the help. Thanks.
Basically you need to identify your purpose and with reading 'literature' Your first activation passes would be of plot, characters and setting (you're going to mind map this because it will make it sooo much easier to write the essay) Have 3 main branches, (plot, characters and setting). for the next activation pass you add the branches like, theme, symbolism, philosophy, language, imagry. Using 2 to 4 20 to 30 minute activation passes you're pulling out the information usually sort after in literature. Other branches may be guided by you teacher although you will find if you look for them you are extracting lots of details that you tend to overlook with regular reading. After 2 to 4 hours of regular activation you can then go for a rapid read and probably discover yourself moving a lot faster and perhaps adding one or 2 points to the mind map.
I haven't exactly explained what you are looking for when I say symbolism, theme, language, philosophy if you would like to know more about them email me (my address is in my profile) for my questions article I've already written the information in there.
Alex
--ambiguousendeavors--
Alex
Here is my "great chain of being" for levels of textual complexity. Words in (parenthesis) are examples.
1. pure reference (dictionary)
2. structured non-fiction (small text books like "Natural Brilliance")
3. unstructured non-fiction
4a. biography
4b. structured fiction ("Pilgrim's Progress")
5. Essay collections
6. Unstructured fiction (novels without vauge chapter headings, "Ender's Game")
7. Short-story anthologies
I split #4 into two sections because I find PhotoReading a biography is about the same as PhotoReading structured fiction. Perhaps Pilgrim's Progress isn't the best example, as the author's margin-notes make the job of previewing and specific-activation more-than-easy. It is as if the book was designed with PhotoReaders in mind.
My own personal prejudice is against <I>reading</I> plays, but they would probably fall somewhere around 3.14 on this scale, as they're mostly dialog and direction with little description. The actors and director are left to interpret much of the details.
btw Kaiden, I adore Ender's Game.
[This message has been edited by THEChangLiu (edited August 08, 2003).]