Honestly try to eval uate how you respond to literature right now. In this chapter Birenbaum lays out some very instructive tips for writing and thinking about literature. The first requirement of good reading is shrewd observation. . . . This is a crucial step. Read carefully and observe the details that the author uses to tell his or her story.
Tone is a very significant aspect of a literary work.
Learn these and begin to practice them consciously in your writings. Throughout the all-important first chapter, Birenbaum introduces major concepts in literary studies which I will expect you to understand. For instance, be familiar with the meaning of terms like paraphrase, summary , and explication . Generally speaking, the words in bold type should become a part of your literary vocabulary. Of the many useful ideas Birenbaum posits, his explanation of interpretation is particularly relevant.