What are a few common mistakes while reading books?

Answer 1

I personally think that common mistakes made not only by students but by teachers is that there is only one way to interpret what the book is saying. I think of Katherine Anne Porters book, "Ship of Fools." In this story, the main characters are characterized as of course being quite foolish and making foolish decisions. There is a point later in the story that they almost get to a point of seeing their foolishness and are almost able to make rational decisions and changes. The story ends with them going back to their foolish behavior and hence the title "Ship of Fools." But what if the characters aren't as foolish as depicted and the behavior "once a fool, always a fool," is not exactly a truism. In real life people do make foolish decisions/have foolish ways of going about doing something or thinking something. However, that does not mean that their ways or decisions cannot change. In "Ship of Fools" these people have refused to change after coming to the precipice of it. Having come to the precipice of it, despite having adapted back to their old habits, that each of the characters has the potential for change- it just didn't happen then- in the book that is but in real life it could as often does.

Some might disagree with how I have interpreted this book, or what I think about it. However, having applied what I felt I learned from it to my life, I would say that even though that might not be the point to the book, it is still relevant. Relevant from the point of view that reflecting on the book and my experiences in life, that change does happen and that viewpoints do evolve from the foolish to the wise. Thus, my argument is what you take away from the book, whether or not it was the intended and well agreed upon point, is what is the most important. Also, if you are not understanding something you think the author is saying, be open to storing it in your brain for a future time. Life experience is key sometimes to understanding other people's point of view. :) hope this answer helped