A Therapeutic Rant

“Is that a symbol? Sure, why not. It's the next question where things get hairy: what does it mean, what does it stand for? When someone asks about meaning, I usually come back with something clever, like 'Well, what do you think?' Everyone thinks I'm either being a wise guy or ducking responsibility, but neither is the case. Seriously, what do you think it stand for, because that's probably what it does. At least for you.” Chapter Twelve: “Is That A Symbol?” page 97
I chose to reflect on the introduction of Chapter 12 rather than the more descriptive passage at the top of page 103, because this section is the first time in which Foster gives full responsibility and ownership of the reading experience to his audience. It was almost impressive, I was unsure his ego would allow it. Instead of demanding that his readers inherently trust him that all quests lead to self-knowledge, or that rain is cleansing Foster finally gives the reader permission to interpret symbols as they please, as long as they have sufficient textual support. For once Foster stops being a sophist and infuses a small amount of self-doubt into this chapter. It doesn't last for long though as he relays his theories on A Passage To India, but I appreciated the sentiment, and rightly so. Literature belongs to all readers. Besides that, when talking about symbols it helps to be vague. Why say that one thing represents something, when more than likely there is an author who has used a symbol ironically or with a different intention? Why describe one set of symbolic actions, such as eating dinner, when most novels and the like consist of more than plot developing event, all of which are symbolic and essential? Individual analysis of reoccurring events and objects in literature can be helpful if all you intend to do is cover the most common devices used in the literary world. However, if a book were to include analyses concerning prevalent conventions used in literature, and a catch-all section declaring that all symbols can be interpreted in this way, why wouldn't you just cut to the chase and only insert that single section, since it encompasses the entirety of the content?! Or at least leave it as a disclaimer for the end of the book, by saying “all symbols not addressed in this book are up to you to figure out.” But, no. This chapter is in the middle of the book saying “hey you know all that time you spent reading about specific symbols, where I told you that certain symbols mean certain things? Well, I take it back, but not really because I am going to spend the rest of the book doing the exact same things I did in the beginning. Aren't you excited for more?” In reality this book hasn't been the most horrid thing I have ever read, I save that title for the Book of Mormon. No really, I just find the placement and context of Chapter Twelve to be odd, and hilarious in many ways. I do feel that the structure of this book is rather unconvincing, as Foster comes across as somewhat indecisive in his approach to his audience. More than that though, the book has reminded me of a good deal of literary information that I do think many readers may tend to forget or take for granted. And the narration is fairly interesting too. All in all, I find myself in a sort of purgatory between rage and respect.