How to Read Novels like a Professor: A Jaunty Exploration of the World's Favorite Literary Form

Foster observes that the stream-of-consciousness narrative technique is important “because everyone after (the modernist writers)” (170) uses this literary style to some extent. What recent novels use the technique? Discuss how it is used and include examples.

What do you think Roland Barthes meant when he said that the author is “dead”? Write a brief essay that agrees or disagrees with Barthes, citing online research and including examples from Foster’s guide.

According to Foster, “Here’s the Law of Narrative Unreliability: Stop believing the narrator when you see the word ‘I.’ Yes, even if it’s the first word in the novel. He’s toast. Given the game away” (57). Choosing a novel with a first-person narrator, examine the truth of Foster’s law about unreliability. Use textual evidence to illustrate.