Developing Critical Thinking Skills through Reading - Part 1

Gaining Wisdom through Reading

When you read, say, a prose, is it a superficial read or do you go beyond the superficial meaning found therein and ask yourself, "What does the author really mean in writing this piece?"  One might even ask, "Are there multiple meanings here that even the author did not envisage?"  One perspective of literary appreciation, which is found in the Reader Response mode of literary analysis, transfers ownership of completed works into the hands of the reader.  Once an author creates a piece, the work of art is out of his or her grasp.  The work becomes the property of the reader, leading him or her to an interactive endeavour through which multiple meanings, and even emotional ties, are created.

Such an interaction with a well-written work of literature can lead to the development of critical thinking skills. Let us now look at an extract from Washington Irving's The Country Church.

I have been rather minute in drawing the pictures of these two families, because I considered them specimens of what is often to be met with in this country - the unpretending great, and the arrogant little.  I have no respect for titled rank, unless it be accompanied with true nobility of soul; but I have remarked in all countries where artificial distinctions exist, that the very highest classes are always the most courteous and unassuming.  Those who are well assured of their own standing are least apt to trespass on that of others; whereas nothing is so offensive as the aspirings of vulgarity, which thinks to elevate itself by humiliating its neigbour.

Irving paints a contrast between two social classes: the aristocrats and those who scaled the social ladder through newfound wealth.  He expresses strong feelings for or against each of these groups.  Some possible questions one could ask are:

      What are these contrasting opinions? 
      He was an American, and so how would this have an impact on his views on the English countryside?  Would it be different if the author was an Englishman?

      Are there other possible perspectives?  Do you agree with Irving? What would be your reasons for agreeing or disagreeing with him?
      Strong words are used to express strong views.  What is the role of the use of language here in:

o   persuading the reader to accept the author's viewpoints?

o   the graphic representations of the two groups?  What was the purpose? Was the purpose achieved?

o   allowing us to see that the author is himself opinionated and makes generalised observations?

Indeed, in comprehending, different devices, such as contextual clues, use of language and use of prior knowledge, come in handy to help us better understand the text.  In the next blog post, the questions mentioned above will be explored so as to appreciate the given extract even more.