English 102 Intro Video

Nabokov - Good Readers

Nabokov wrote that a good reader should have imagination, memory, a dictionary and some artistic sense.  He also noted that readers should enter a book without preconceived notions of how it applies to the world and that rereading is essential to truly understand and get a feel for the writing.  In addition, he wrote that a good reader should not identify with a character or make sentimental associations to the setting or happenings.    

I agree that a good reader should have the four characteristics he listed, and rereading has always been enjoyable to me; I tend to comprehend and embrace the nuances and details on the second or third time through, so I believe rereading is essential.  In our world of instantaneous information I think it’s unrealistic to expect to not have some type of preconceived notion about a book.  The biggest point of disagreement I have is that I feel part of a writer’s job is to create characters that readers can identify with, and as a reader I become more immersed in the story if I do so.  The other quality of a good reader, in my opinion, is one who enjoys reading and is willing to take the time to delve into the story and savor the written word.  I feel that I have these qualities and am a good reader.

 The link explores, among other things, creating intimacy and identification for the reader  http://davehood59.wordpress.com/.