Exploring Character Motivations Through Literature Analysis

In this week’s episode, Scott and Karl discuss all things related to reading. Before opening a book, it’s crucial to define your “why” and then your “how.” If you are reading for entertainment, your methods will differ than if you’re reading for enlightenment.

Here at Online Great Books, the first book our members read in the program is How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler. Adler has four basic questions a reader should have in active reading: What is this book about was a whole? What is being said in detail, and why? Is the book true, in whole or part? What of it? This method of investigation is our gold reading standard as we encounter Great Books authors from Aristotle to Shakespeare.

But instead of letting Adlerian perfection be the enemy of the good, Scott advises, “Be patient with yourself, allow yourself to be eclectic in your reading style, and let the text be the measure of how well you’re reading.” In this episode, Scott and Karl discuss tools, timing, and note-taking methods as you take on your Great Books list.

True to form, Karl takes notes on things that bother him in the text. What do you take notes on? Tune in and let us know your thoughts!