Everyday Canvas

On Creative Reading

Prompt: "There is creative reading as well as creative writing."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Define creative reading from your personal point of view?

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Well, in the first place, most of us read creatively without realizing it. For example, when we first read Jane Eyre, didn't we form a picture in our minds about what she looked like and who she was? Then, didn't we fall for Rochester or wonder what Jane saw in this weird man? And didn't we resent Mrs. Fairfax and didn't we picture in our minds what Thornfield Hall looked like?

Yet, in the back of my mind, something tells me that being overly creative could be an insult to the author of the piece. How many writers are there among us who wouldn't resent the very many ways creative reading could distort their works?

My Jane Eyre example, for instance, still stays loyal enough to the author's point. As it could be considered "close reading" meaning, analyzing the nuances of word choices, literary devices, and uncovering the layers of meaning. Also readers may be making connections between the text and reacting to the events in the story by drawing parallels to their own lives.

Then, there's such a thing as interpreting the text in original ways, maybe by considering multiple perspectives and plot possibilities. Creative readers can also play with different ways of creating in different areas, such as other characters, events, themes, locations, and alternating scenarios and endings. This, I think is taking creative reading too far, as if re-writing and distorting the original story.

On the other hand, I have no objection to creative responses. It is okay to write a poem wondering about Mrs. Fairfax for example. Maybe even exploring new perspectives to write about, such as making Rochester a womanizer in a totally different story and hopefully by changing all the names. These types of reactions could mold readers into writers to unlock their insights, which in turn, could enrich their lives.


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