Dear Literary Ladies,

How much do you want your stories and novels to be analyzed, rather than enjoyed for their own sake? Sometimes the over-analysis that students have to do destroys the pleasure of reading.

On the other hand, delving into deeper meanings and insights can expand the experience of reading. Where does a reader find the balance?

Last fall I received a letter from a student who said she would be “graciously appreciative” if would tell her “just what enlightenment” I expected her to get from each of my stories. I suspect she had a paper to write. Read More→