B. Two types of literature:
1) escape
2) interpretive
C. Escape literature
- pure entertainment
- escape from the world
- for pleasure
D. Interpretive literature
- broadens, deepens, and sharpens awareness of life
- takes readers deeper into the real world
- enables readers to understand their troubles
- gives pleasure and understanding
E. Escape and interpretive literature are ends of a continuum
- many books fall at different places in-between
F. Interpretive literature
- provides insight into the nature and condition of human existence
- makes clear the illusions of life
G. An immature or inexperienced reader:
a) seeks only escape
b) wants a pleasant or exciting image of world
Characteristics:
- has fixed requirement of story
- reads only one kind of story
Expectations:
- sympathetic hero to identify with
- exciting plot and suspense
- happy ending
- re-affirming them
H. A discriminating reader:
a) reads fiction which examines life in a serious way
