Introduction
In her insightful book "Reading Like a Writer," Francine Prose invites readers to rediscover the art of close reading and to approach literature from a writer's perspective. This book is not just for aspiring writers but for anyone who loves books and wants to deepen their appreciation of the craft of writing. Prose argues that the best way to learn how to write is by carefully studying the works of great authors, paying attention to every word, sentence, and paragraph.
The Art of Close Reading
Rediscovering Childlike Curiosity
Prose begins by encouraging readers to rediscover the art of close reading, reminiscent of how children approach books. As adults, we often fall into the habit of skim-reading, always searching for quick information or entertainment. However, this approach can cause us to miss the subtle nuances and deeper meanings hidden within great literature.
By slowing down and paying closer attention to the words on the page, readers can uncover multiple layers of meaning and gain a deeper appreciation for the author's craft. This careful reading not only enhances our enjoyment of literature but also brings us closer to understanding the techniques employed by master writers.
Finding Patterns and Connections
One way to practice close reading is by looking for patterns and connections within the text. Prose shares an anecdote about how her English teacher suggested paying attention to motifs of seeing and blindness in Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" and Shakespeare's "King Lear." This simple suggestion opened up new dimensions of meaning in the texts, dramatically changing her reading experience.
By actively searching for patterns, parallels, and connections, readers can slow down their reading pace and discover the hidden treasures within each sentence. This approach not only deepens our understanding of the text but also helps us appreciate the intricate craftsmanship behind great literature.
The Power of Word Choice
The Writer's Challenge
With approximately 170,000 words in use in the English language, writers face the daunting task of selecting the perfect word to express their ideas. Prose emphasizes that every word in a great work of fiction is the result of meticulous decision-making. To truly grasp the genius of a writer, readers should consider the alternatives the author might have used and reflect on the impact of their chosen words.
First Impressions Matter
The opening lines of a novel or short story provide an excellent opportunity to examine the power of word choice. Prose uses the example of Flannery O'Connor's short story "A Good Man Is Hard to Find," which begins with the line: "The grandmother didn't want to go to Florida." By introducing the character simply as "the grandmother" rather than giving her a name, O'Connor immediately sets the tone for a story about family dynamics while avoiding sentimentality.
Character Development Through Dialogue
Word choice is equally crucial when it comes to a character's speech. Just as in real life, a character's background, experiences, attitudes, and emotions are reflected in the words they use to express themselves. Prose points out that even the use of incorrect words can be a perfect choice for certain characters, as exemplified in James Joyce's "The Dead," where the incorrect use of "literally" hints at a character's social background and perspective.
The Beauty of Sentences
Simplicity and Clarity
Prose argues that some of the most beautiful sentences are also the simplest, using only the words necessary to communicate powerfully with the reader. She cites the opening line of Heinrich von Kleist's "The Earthquake in Chile" as an example of a clear, clean sentence that packs a lot of information without feeling overcrowded.
Rhythm and Musicality
Great sentences often have their own music and rhythm. Prose highlights the last sentence of James Joyce's "The Dead" to illustrate how repetition, alliteration, and half-rhymes can create a sentence that mimics the gentle falling of snow described in the text.
The Art of Paragraphing
Paragraphs as a Writer's Fingerprint
Prose introduces the idea that paragraphing is one of the most revealing aspects of an individual's writing style. She references a detective in Rex Stout's "Plot It Yourself" who claims that paragraphing is the one element of style that even a clever person would struggle to disguise successfully.
Creating Emphasis and Rhythm
Paragraphs are a powerful tool for creating emphasis, with the first and last few words carrying particular weight. Prose suggests thinking of paragraphing as a kind of literary breathing, allowing readers to inhale at the beginning of each paragraph and exhale fully at the end. This approach helps create a natural rhythm and gives readers time to reflect on the content.
Visual Storytelling
Paragraphs can also be used to create a visual effect, similar to shots in a film. Prose uses the example of Stendhal's "The Red and the Black," where each new paragraph zooms in a little more on the setting, gradually introducing the reader to the story's world and characters.
The Art of Narration
First-Person Narration
When writing in the first person, Prose emphasizes the importance of creating an intriguing narrator. While the narrator doesn't necessarily need to be likable, they must be interesting enough to hold the reader's attention throughout the story. She uses Vladimir Nabokov's controversial character Humbert Humbert from "Lolita" as an example of an unlikable yet captivating narrator.
Third-Person Narration
Third-person narration offers a different set of challenges and opportunities. While this perspective allows for a more detached and objective voice, Prose points out that even third-person narrators can hint at a unique personality. She cites Jane Bowles' "Two Serious Ladies" as an example, where the narrator's blend of formal and childish tones creates an intriguing narrative voice.
Bringing Characters to Life
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Some writers, like Heinrich von Kleist, define their characters primarily through their actions. By observing how characters react to various situations, readers gain insight into their personalities without the need for explicit descriptions of their thoughts.
Inner Monologues
In contrast, authors like Jane Austen bring their characters to life by sharing their private thoughts and musings with the reader. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of a character's motivations and inner conflicts.
Revealing Dialogue
Brilliant dialogue can reveal a character's fears, passions, and hidden agendas through both content and delivery. Prose uses an example from Jane Bowles' "Two Serious Ladies" to illustrate how a character's brief, unfiltered response can provide profound insight into their state of mind.
The Power of Details
The Art of Lying and Writing
Prose draws an interesting parallel between great writers and skilled liars, noting that both rely on specific, realistic details to make their stories convincing. By including trivial yet particular aspects in a story, writers can create a sense of authenticity that draws readers into their fictional world.
Bringing Characters to Life
Details play a crucial role in making characters feel real and unique. Prose highlights how specific physical gestures can become defining traits for characters, citing an example from Ivan Turgenev's "First Love" where a young woman's unusual gesture of tapping suitors on the forehead with flowers sets her apart from other characters.
Conclusion: The Joy of Slow Reading
Prose concludes by encouraging readers to slow down and savor every word when reading great literature. By paying close attention to patterns, details, and the nuances of language, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the craft of writing and the worlds created by talented authors.
This approach not only enhances the reading experience but also provides valuable insights for those who aspire to write. By studying the techniques of master writers and understanding the careful decisions behind every word, sentence, and paragraph, readers can develop their own skills and find inspiration for their own writing.
Final Thoughts
"Reading Like a Writer" is a celebration of the art of close reading and an invitation to approach literature with fresh eyes. Francine Prose's insights remind us that great writing is the result of meticulous craftsmanship, and that by paying attention to the details, we can unlock new levels of meaning and appreciation in the books we love.
For aspiring writers, this book offers a wealth of practical advice and inspiration. By learning to read like a writer, one can develop a keener sense of language, structure, and storytelling techniques. This knowledge can then be applied to one's own writing, helping to hone skills and develop a unique voice.
Even for those who don't aspire to write, "Reading Like a Writer" offers a new way to engage with literature. It encourages readers to slow down, savor the language, and dive deeper into the worlds created by their favorite authors. This approach can lead to a richer, more rewarding reading experience and a greater appreciation for the power of the written word.
Ultimately, Prose's book is a reminder of the magic that happens when a skilled writer puts pen to paper. By learning to recognize and appreciate the craftsmanship behind great literature, we can all become more discerning readers and, perhaps, better writers ourselves. Whether you're a budding author or simply a lover of books, "Reading Like a Writer" offers valuable insights that will change the way you approach literature forever.