Reading's Dual Power: Delight and Depth in the National Year of Reading
In response to Charlotte Higgins' article on the National Year of Reading, which highlights that books can be both joyful and deeply troubling, readers and academics have shared insights on the multifaceted role of reading in our lives. The discussion underscores that while pleasure is a crucial entry point, reading's true value lies in its ability to expand our emotional and intellectual horizons.
The Essential Role of Pleasure in Reading
Henrietta Dombey, Professor Emerita in Primary Literacy at the University of Brighton, emphasizes that delight must come first in fostering a love for reading. She notes that early experiences, such as being read aloud to as a child, instill the idea that reading opens up a box of delights. Memorable phrases from children's literature, like Maurice Sendak's Rolled their terrible eyes or Dr. Seuss's Green eggs and ham, captivate young minds and create lasting impressions.
Once children experience this deep pleasure, their reading diet can be expanded to include tales of sorrow, fear, longing, and triumph. Dombey argues that reading should not stop at entertainment; it can help us share sorrow, endure pain, and understand ourselves and others, making us less self-centred and more human.
Beyond Pleasure: Reading as a Tool for Exploration
Reading also serves as a means to satisfy curiosity and explore the world. As highlighted in the article, it allows us to find out what we're all made of, how many polar bears are left, where your grandparents came from. This informational aspect enriches our knowledge and connects us to broader societal and environmental issues.
Dombey warns against decrying reading for pleasure but insists on ensuring it doesn't end there. By embracing both the joys and challenges of literature, readers can become less isolated and more understanding of others' concerns.
Art's Broader Purpose in Reading and Beyond
Sandra Dudley from Halesowen, West Midlands, agrees with Higgins' perspective, linking reading to the broader purpose of art. She contends that art, including literature, poetry, and theatre, aims to console, persuade, encourage, confront, provoke, amaze, challenge, soothe, and amuse. This makes art a profoundly versatile and deeply political form of communication, echoing the dual nature of reading as both pleasurable and thought-provoking.
Engaging Young Readers with Classic Tales
Joan Lewis of Saint-Étienne-de-Gourgas, France, addresses how to engage young readers by pointing to children's classics. She notes that while modern stories may be overly sweet and protective, classics like Where the Wild Things Are, Heidi, and Charlotte's Web incorporate elements of pain and challenge, such as Max being sent to bed without supper or Wilbur facing danger.
By exposing children to these stories, they learn that reading offers more than mere entertainment—it provides cathartic experiences and life lessons. Lewis suggests that this approach helps young readers cotton on to the deeper benefits of reading for themselves.
The Cathartic Mix of Joy and Pain
The responses collectively highlight that joy and pain are intrinsically mixed in reading, much like in other art forms such as Mahler's cathartic music. This blend is essential for a rich reading experience that goes beyond surface-level enjoyment.
In summary, the National Year of Reading should celebrate not only the joy of books but also their capacity to trouble, teach, and transform. By balancing pleasure with profound exploration, reading can become a powerful tool for personal growth and societal understanding.
