The+Quest+Theory

[|Foster Quests.doc] [|How to Read Literature Like a Professor notes.doc] 10H Assignment

English 10H =// Understanding Literature- It’s Always a Quest //= Tom Foster is a Professor of English at the University of Michigan, Flint, where he teaches classes in contemporary fiction, drama, and poetry as well as creative writing and composition. In his latest book, __How to Read Literature Like a Professor__, he offers some helpful strategies for understanding the hidden truths of literature. One of his most useful tips is that, “Every work is a quest.”

Foster encourages students to view every piece of literature as a quest or journey. The basic quest in any work consists of the following five elements:

1. A quester

2. A place to go

3. A stated reason to go there

4. Challenges and trials en route

5. A real reason to go there- THE REAL REASON FOR THE QUEST IS ALWAYS SELF-KNOWLEDGE!

This concept is easily applicable to works of literature you have already read here at TZ. For example, in __Of Mice and Men__:

1. George

2. He is working hard to get to the dream ranch.

3. He wants to be his own boss, and put an end to his vagabond ways.

4. He must deal with Lennie’s disability and numerous run-ins with the law

5. George realizes the value of companionship in a hostile world, and he learns that often despite hard work, people may not always achieve their dreams.