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How To Read Literature Like A Professor Essay

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Every journey begins with one simple step. In Thomas Foster's, How to Read Literature Like a Professor, the first chapter Every Trip Is a Quest (Except for when it’s not), he explains that almost all stories have a quest, be it given or underlying. Each quest contains a quester, a place to go, a stated reason to go there, challenges they face, and the real reason to go (Foster 3). In Foster’s other book, Reading the Silver Screen, it shows the purpose behind their stories and the message behind the film by laying the rules down. Toy Story is a film that represents a journey through many different aspects that Foster has given. Buzz Lightyear is Andy’s new toy, who is known for his bravery and courage. He also believes that following rules is the way people should live their life. Buzz is trained in several forms of martial arts and is a highly skilled warrior in combat. He is shown as a perfect space ranger and is an influence to many. Buzz is not only a toy but a quest taker who is willing to go on any journey that approaches him. Woody is Andy’s favorite toy for this reason making him jealous because of the fear of replacement. As time passes by Andy then has to make the decision into taking one toy to Pizza Planet. Woody knowing he will choose Buzz instead of his Woody …show more content…

In order to return back home, he has to work with Woody, and this will help him on his journey to find out who he is and not what he programmed to be. On this trip, Buzz and Woody faced many obstacles such as a mischievous kid, and constant fighting. Where these challenges allowed them to overcome the hatred between each other. In the end, Buzz was able to work things out with Woody and both of them were able to succeed at returning back home where they belong. The original quest into going back home led to Buzzes new quest into figuring out who he is through the

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The book How to Read Literature Like a Professor, by Thomas C. Foster, teaches readers how to pick up all the hints authors leave in their stories, and thus understand literature better (hence the title). Written in second person point of view, Foster explains how to spot the signs, and addresses questions he assumes most readers would ask about them. He provides well known examples and explanations to further his readers’ comprehension and does not hesitate to repeatedly clarify what he is saying to make sure they get the point. Foster believes this guide will help them better understand the novels that they read, wants them to ruminate the context and content, and hopes they consider his teachings while reading. Written by Kate Cary under

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