67 pages • 2 hours read
Thomas C. FosterHow to Read Poetry Like a Professor: A Quippy and Sonorous Guide to Verse
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In How to Read Poetry Like a Professor, Thomas C. Foster aims to dismantle the notion that poetry is deliberately obscure by providing readers with strategies for understanding its form, imagery, and hidden meanings. He emphasizes reading all words, considering sentences over line breaks, and appreciating sound and rhythm. Foster discusses meter, poetic forms, and the influence of language history, stressing the importance of both creativity in writing and active reader participation in interpreting poetry.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
How to Read Poetry Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster receives mixed reviews. Readers appreciate Foster's accessible and engaging style, which demystifies poetry for beginners. However, some critics find the analysis overly simplistic for more advanced readers. The book is praised for its insightful guidance but may not offer the depth sought by poetry experts.
Who Should Read How to Read Poetry Like a Professor?
A reader who enjoys How to Read Poetry Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster is likely an avid literature enthusiast or student seeking to deepen their understanding of poetry. Comparable to those who appreciate How to Read Literature Like a Professor or The Poetry Home Repair Manual, this reader values insightful analysis and appreciates accessible yet academic discussions.