Do you read forewords/notes that precede many classics?
Does it help you or hurt you in your enjoyment/under-
standing of the work?—Sarah from Sarah Reads Too Much
As part of The Classics Club, I have the opportunity to participate in these monthly memes. I’ve never answered one before, but I liked this question and simultaneously have no idea why I’ve never linked up.
This question was more than a cool one to me. . .I’m actually having some firsthand experience with it while I read Charlotte Bronte’s Villette. There’s a lengthy foreword/discussion in my library’s edition, and because I’m not head-over-heels in love with this book, I resort to flipping to the foreword when I get a little bored. Unfortunately, I’ve found that reading some of it spoils the rest of the book for me, because—blast—there are spoilers.
That being said, I think forewords/notes/discussions can be quite helpful in understanding the book. If I hadn’t read a bit of that foreword, I would never understand Villette’s heroine, Lucy Snowe, as well as I do now. Lucy is a character who tends to never show her feelings—even to her confidante, the reader. And because of her hidden emotions I couldn’t understand her that well: there the discussion helped me.
I also tend to be rather prideful on the understanding of a work. If I can’t understand it all myself—and I expect myself to be able to—then that’s bad; and maybe I’ll go and read the foreword. Typically I refrain because of pride. (And in the future it will also be because of possible spoilers.) I don’t think this pride is a good thing—we can always learn from someone else’s studies, particularly if they have more education in that field than we do.
However, there was also a time that I thought reading forewords were essential to reading the rest of the book—I don’t believe that at all now. They aren’t part of the original text, and it is entirely optional to the reader whether they read them or not.
Thank you for the thought-provoking question, Sarah!
Does it help you or hurt you in your enjoyment/under-
standing of the work?—Sarah from Sarah Reads Too Much
As part of The Classics Club, I have the opportunity to participate in these monthly memes. I’ve never answered one before, but I liked this question and simultaneously have no idea why I’ve never linked up.This question was more than a cool one to me. . .I’m actually having some firsthand experience with it while I read Charlotte Bronte’s Villette. There’s a lengthy foreword/discussion in my library’s edition, and because I’m not head-over-heels in love with this book, I resort to flipping to the foreword when I get a little bored. Unfortunately, I’ve found that reading some of it spoils the rest of the book for me, because—blast—there are spoilers.
That being said, I think forewords/notes/discussions can be quite helpful in understanding the book. If I hadn’t read a bit of that foreword, I would never understand Villette’s heroine, Lucy Snowe, as well as I do now. Lucy is a character who tends to never show her feelings—even to her confidante, the reader. And because of her hidden emotions I couldn’t understand her that well: there the discussion helped me.
I also tend to be rather prideful on the understanding of a work. If I can’t understand it all myself—and I expect myself to be able to—then that’s bad; and maybe I’ll go and read the foreword. Typically I refrain because of pride. (And in the future it will also be because of possible spoilers.) I don’t think this pride is a good thing—we can always learn from someone else’s studies, particularly if they have more education in that field than we do.
However, there was also a time that I thought reading forewords were essential to reading the rest of the book—I don’t believe that at all now. They aren’t part of the original text, and it is entirely optional to the reader whether they read them or not.
Thank you for the thought-provoking question, Sarah!
Very interesting! I read most forewards mainly because I don't like to miss one word of a book. I do so hate skipping. But I know what you mean about not wanting to spoil anything. By the way, what a beautiful picture!
ReplyDeleteRebecca
I hate skipping, too, and I used to be just like that, so I understand where you're coming from :) It would be nice if forewords were quite short with no spoilers. . .that one in "Villette" is far too long.
DeleteDepends on the book; sometimes I'll read the notes/foreword, etc., sometimes not. Probably most the time I will admit I don't. The stories are just too interesting to pull myself away and by the time I am done with the book, it's time for me to immediately start a new one. :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, Rissi! Forewords can be really boring, and the real thing is just way better. . . .
DeleteI agree with you. Reading the forwards gives a better understanding of book. and for me from a differential culture it adds more significance to what I am reading
ReplyDeleteOh, I can definitely see where reading forewords can help you, coming from a different culture! Thanks for commenting and adding your thoughts :)
DeleteThank you for your thoughtful answer! I used to completely hate them, mostly because of all the spoilers... but I am starting to see how useful or interesting they *can* be. I think my initial reaction will still be to skip it at first, and then come back later... or reading it before rereading a particular book.
ReplyDeleteOh, you're welcome, Sarah :) I like your ideas! Maybe that's what I'll do.
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