How can it be that so many people can enjoy and even relate to the same story and yet come from very different times, places, positions and backrounds?
Regardless of our social position, global location, or decade of the century we were born into, it is our basic human emotions that unite us upon a story. It is whether or not the author was able to elicit a specific emotion from the reader that makes us connect, or disconnect, from the story. Two readers from vastly different backgrounds can enjoy and relate to the same story easily if the author can connect in the aforementioned way. I cant detail the entire spectrum of human emotions, yet as humans, we all experience them. Connecting to these emotions, drawing off of these emotions is how I believe we can enjoy and relate to the same story.
I believe when one reads a story, we look for our connection to that story. We all may not fight battles with guns and on a battle field; but we all still have our own battles to fight. I think about all the times I have read a book and felt I could relate to a fictional character; it could be because of having similarities or it could come from the pure fact that I was looking to relate to the character or situation to gain understanding. We all bring ourselves, backgrounds, and ‘baggage’ to the table, into our social groups, classrooms and everywhere we go. These qualities play into the facts of life, they make our culture what it is, and such qualities are the ones which will dictate our paths. But to get to the point, I think we can all relate because we all live life, we may have our different views, qualities and aspects, but they are a part of this life none-the-same and will always be that way.
Great points! My husband and I just discussed the waterbuffalo scene (I won't spoil it for you). I found it to be the most disturbing and one of the most realistic scenes. He, on the other hand, did not. Those of you that know my husband, Gary (he is on our Blog), know that he is a Vietnam vet and as a result of his direct experience with the war, he has a very different perspective on that scene. Yet, through discussion, we found that we thought similarly about the feelings of the soldier who was responding to the precipitating event.
This has always been odd to me. I am always curious as to why someone recommends a book to me, or to someone else. Or even, why I do it myself. How do we really know what someone else will enjoy. Its like asking your server at a restaurant; what's good? Our tastes and views on what's good cannot and will not be the same, sometimes, yes, every time- never. Also, as stated in this blog....we bring experience, good or bad, and this baggage has a great impact on how we will view, enjoy, and process.
I kind of feel as if we can easily relate to anything if we actually think about it. History seems to repeat itself, we all have the same emotions, and we all have tragedies and triumphs in our life, no matter what culture or time we live in. I feel if the author can relate to our emotions and relate a story to our life most likely we will enjoy the story.
If a story is written good, anyone can enjoy it, regardless your race, ethnicity, etc. This kind of goes along with the last question. When someone reads a book they relate things in their life and experiences with what they are reading. They may view the book differently than I viewed it but that doesn't mean I enjoyed it less than the other person.
The bottom line is, people read the same book for different reasons. Everyone takes something away from a story. Even if a person has never fought in a war, a book about war can still be fascinating. I read books on war to get a better understanding of historical events. On the other hand, my Great Grandpa who was in Vietnam, might read this book to see if he can relate to anything TO writes.
Regardless of our social position, global location, or decade of the century we were born into, it is our basic human emotions that unite us upon a story. It is whether or not the author was able to elicit a specific emotion from the reader that makes us connect, or disconnect, from the story. Two readers from vastly different backgrounds can enjoy and relate to the same story easily if the author can connect in the aforementioned way. I cant detail the entire spectrum of human emotions, yet as humans, we all experience them. Connecting to these emotions, drawing off of these emotions is how I believe we can enjoy and relate to the same story.
ReplyDeleteI believe when one reads a story, we look for our connection to that story. We all may not fight battles with guns and on a battle field; but we all still have our own battles to fight. I think about all the times I have read a book and felt I could relate to a fictional character; it could be because of having similarities or it could come from the pure fact that I was looking to relate to the character or situation to gain understanding. We all bring ourselves, backgrounds, and ‘baggage’ to the table, into our social groups, classrooms and everywhere we go. These qualities play into the facts of life, they make our culture what it is, and such qualities are the ones which will dictate our paths. But to get to the point, I think we can all relate because we all live life, we may have our different views, qualities and aspects, but they are a part of this life none-the-same and will always be that way.
ReplyDeleteGreat points! My husband and I just discussed the waterbuffalo scene (I won't spoil it for you). I found it to be the most disturbing and one of the most realistic scenes. He, on the other hand, did not. Those of you that know my husband, Gary (he is on our Blog), know that he is a Vietnam vet and as a result of his direct experience with the war, he has a very different perspective on that scene. Yet, through discussion, we found that we thought similarly about the feelings of the soldier who was responding to the precipitating event.
ReplyDeleteThis has always been odd to me. I am always curious as to why someone recommends a book to me, or to someone else. Or even, why I do it myself. How do we really know what someone else will enjoy. Its like asking your server at a restaurant; what's good? Our tastes and views on what's good cannot and will not be the same, sometimes, yes, every time- never.
ReplyDeleteAlso, as stated in this blog....we bring experience, good or bad, and this baggage has a great impact on how we will view, enjoy, and process.
I kind of feel as if we can easily relate to anything if we actually think about it. History seems to repeat itself, we all have the same emotions, and we all have tragedies and triumphs in our life, no matter what culture or time we live in. I feel if the author can relate to our emotions and relate a story to our life most likely we will enjoy the story.
ReplyDeleteIf a story is written good, anyone can enjoy it, regardless your race, ethnicity, etc. This kind of goes along with the last question. When someone reads a book they relate things in their life and experiences with what they are reading. They may view the book differently than I viewed it but that doesn't mean I enjoyed it less than the other person.
ReplyDeleteThe bottom line is, people read the same book for different reasons. Everyone takes something away from a story. Even if a person has never fought in a war, a book about war can still be fascinating. I read books on war to get a better understanding of historical events. On the other hand, my Great Grandpa who was in Vietnam, might read this book to see if he can relate to anything TO writes.
ReplyDelete