The Art of Reading

3.7 Analyzing the Text

1. The author sees reading as an activity that should be enjoyed. He therefore, sees reading as an art form, as reflected in the title.

2. Liu Yutang believes that there is a difference in what the people experience by seeing or living through an event which we did not live through first hand. By reading about a past event that we did not live through, the writer believes that we view it as a detached spectator. The ‘contemplative mood’ that the writer refers to is the reaction of reading about an event that we have no prior experience of. We are further led to imagine, draw our own conclusions about the people and characters associated with the event, rather than just relate to the hard facts surrounding the event.

3. “In Class”

4.

a. People who do not read only experience the real world directly surrounding themselves. They experience nothing beyond the confines of the immediate world. Reading is a form of escapism from the world of reality into the imaginary.

b. If reading is undertaken only for pursuit of intellectual development, it becomes a chore. Reading should be an activity undertaken for enjoyment and pleasure.

c. Just as we choose the food we eat based on our own individual tastes, reading likewise should be based on our individual tastes and preferences for topics and writing styles.

d. If a reader can find affinity with an author, it will be equal to spiritual and intellectual enlightenment.

e. Reading should be based on our desire to read. Being forced to read would deprive one of the enjoyment and pleasures of reading.