Read with Passion, Not Critique

Academic approaches to literature often create a divide between ordinary readers and professional critics, promoting a mindset that diminishes the joy of reading. Critics emphasize analytical techniques that can lead to a loss of passion as readers are instructed to dissect texts instead of enjoying them. Both high school and university settings focus on training students to become critics rather than cultivating a love for reading. This trend results in a significant disconnect, where many readers struggle with higher-level literature, fearing their inadequacy and overthinking their reading experience. To reconnect with literature, it's essential for readers to trust their instincts and judgments, prioritizing a personal attachment to the text rather than a purely critical perspective.