"we do not read novels for improvement or instruction"
2007-01-14 10:40:05 · 7 answers · asked by akyl_riza 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
It is difficult to say without knowing the full context, but I would say it means we don't really read novels to learn from them ... maybe it suggests we read novels for enjoyment.
2007-01-14 10:44:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our desire to read a novel is usually just for enjoyment. However, in doing so we usually end up improving and / or instructing ourselves by reading other peoples stories and seeing another point of view.
2007-01-14 20:23:23 · answer #2 · answered by zigfan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES made this statement. He is saying we read only to be amused. Most people do not agree with this.
Oliver Wendell Holmes once proclaimed, "we do not read novels for improvement or instruction," however there are many individuals who would disagree with Holmes' inference. There is a great deal of literature that offers much more than amusement for its audience. In fact, insight and wisdom is often gained from reading, which can be applied to most all of our lives in some way. The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel as well as Keeping Faith by Frank and John Schaeffer significantly opposes Holmes conception.
2007-01-14 19:18:08 · answer #3 · answered by quietgirla 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It implies we read them for other reasons than to educate or improve ourselves: entertainment, enjoyment, inspiration, affirmation, stimulation, curiosity, sensationalism, escapism...Incidentally, while that might be mostly true, the reason we like certain certain novel can be that it's discretely and subtlety informational/instructional as well
2007-01-14 18:50:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When we read novels, it is for enjoyment, not to improve our minds or to absorb factual information.
2007-01-14 18:45:59 · answer #5 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Novels are simply for entertainment.
-MM
2007-01-14 19:25:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That you should read books to enjoy them, not because you have to
2007-01-14 18:47:23 · answer #7 · answered by xxolilmisspaige 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋