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Question: Is it possible to appreciate an author's writing style while disliking the plot/characters of their works!?
How do you separate your opinion in order to objectively read an author's work and appreciate their writing style and literary genius!? Is it possible!?
For example, I read Dickens' "Great Expectations" and absolutely hated the story, characters and plot and all!. I do understand the importance of each of the characters and what Dickens wanted us to see through them and their actions!. But I cannot think of that novel without my opinion of it clouding my judgment on Dickens' writing!. I want to understand and see *why* he (and others) is considered great!.
In short, what I'm asking is this: How can you separate your opinion of the story/plot/characters in order to appreciate the beauty and genius of a great work of literature!?Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
If I am reading something, and I find myself disliking the story, I look for the symbolism and the message!. I try to understand what the author is trying to say!. Classics are classics for numerous reasons, one of those reasons being that the message is applicable through all of time!.
Charles Dickens is one of my favorite authors, and I adore Great Expectations!. I never had a hard time with it because of that!. If you find yourself disliking the story, I suggest either looking for Dickens' message (his books are very message oriented), the symbolism (there's a lot of it), or his foreshadowing (he's good with foreshadowing too)!. Dickens is considered to be great because his writing is superb, even though he is wordy and lengthy!. His stories are very much controlled; everything he sets up comes together in a sensical way at the end!. He's very good with character development and plot development!.
On the other hand, Shakespeare is to me what Dickens is to you!. I appreciate Shakespeare for his work, and I admire his genius, but I hate reading his plays!. I love watching them, but I HATE it when English teachers make you read the plays during class!. Plays are meant to be seen, not read!. Even though I hate reading it, I still appreciate it because I appreciate what Shakespeare did for the English and his wonderful use of the English language!.
If you dislike the plot, try looking for certain literary elements (character development, well crafted plot, the message, the symbolism, the foreshadowing, the imagery, tone, yada yada yada) in the novel!. That's what I do with Shakespeare!. It helps me to understand and appreciate why the work is considered great literature without forcing me into liking it!.
I definitely think it's possible to appreciate an author's writing without liking the plot and characters!. I already used the example of Shakespeare, but another example is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte!. It's my favorite novel!. I loathe all of the characters, but the story both drives me crazy and breaks my heart at the same time!. Even though I dislike the characters, I love the novel for the messages, the writing, and the story!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
Definitely!!! Www@QuestionHome@Com