Nabokov spells it out very early in his essay: imagination, memory, artistic sense, and a handy dictionary are required to be a good reader. Considering the lengths he went to wave the artist's paintbrush in a literary sense within this essay, he obviously feels an artistic sense is of paramount importance. He wasn't simply trying to send a message by Fed-Ex; he accompanied the message with a singing telegram, gold ink on parchment, and a Picasso painting on the envelope.
A trifle overdone, in my opinion, and I don't really agree with him, other than the imagination point.
Comprehension is the key component of a good reader, beyond all else, and this comprehension exists on several levels. Simply understanding the text is, naturally, quite important, and following the progression of the story and development of characters and events is just as important. This is the most simple part of comprehension, and most people fall into this category. They can read Tolkien, Steinbeck, or Poe and follow the storyline, drink in the atmosphere, and walk away from the book with a basic understanding of the novel.
But there is much more to reading than this. True comprehension is much deeper. A good reader recognizes the regional context and historical, political, and socioeconomic era in which the story was written, whether late 1800s Victorian England or 1970s in Maine. A good reader learns something about the author from his writing, divining not just a writer's literary insights but also some of his emotions that are spilled out on the page. Above all, a good reader is aware of his/her own prejudices and biases, and understands that he/she is reading the novel through a filter of preconceived notions.
In short, a good reader learns as much about themselves and the author as they do about the basic story itself.
I like to think of myself as a good reader, other than my impatience with convoluted and flowery prose (apparently I'm not the only one, thank goodness...http://www.writingforums.com/writing-discussion/126161-why-purple-prose-frowned-upon.html) But whether I am a good reader or not is for someone else to decide. We all try to fit ourselves into a nice, glowing image of nobility, intelligence, and compassion, but I somehow doubt we are ever really accurate in our self-assessments.
James
In your blog post, you mentioned that you don't particularly agree with Nabokov about his interpretation of a good reader, other than the imagination part. It is appreciated of your opinion, but a little more of an explanation as to why you don't agree that a good reader needs a dictionary, memory, or artistic sense. Either that or discussing each point more in depth, some way or the other. I appreciate the honesty in your blog post though. I also like the reality in it. I do agree with many of your points though :) It's very well written by the way.
ReplyDelete-Taylor Ivie
Very well written, you have a gift. I agree that comprehension is a key component to being a good reader. My level of comprehension is gauged by why I am reading, to learn, to be entertained, or to be enlightened. The three can co-mingle but my approach will vary. I especially agree with you comment,"A good reader is aware of his/her own prejudices and biases, and understands that he/she is reading the novel through a filter of preconceived notions."
ReplyDeleteI believe society would flow better if we all approached life with that concept.
Great post James. Once again your intelligence and knowledge shine through on another subject. I appreciate that you honesty state what you feel about Nabokov's article; however my point of view differs. I believe our differences come only from where our passions lie. One of my great passions is reading, whereas your passions are directed in areas of family and the social aspects concerning them. I believe a great book in not only read but absorbed by the reader as to wring out all the author has poured into it. Great to have you in another class with me.
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