HOW TO READ A BOOK - The Start of a Book
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Published 2023-08-08
In this video we will take a look at multiple examples of how atmosphere, tone, and interest are generated in the opening paragraphs of a book, from a master of the art, Charles Dickens.
Be sure to make the time to watch all of the video. There are seven classic book excerpts that we will examine. The more frequently you do this exercise yourself, the more familiar and aware you will start becoming at really analysing classic literature in a way that brings delight.
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All Comments (21)
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Perfect introduction to textual analysis. Many more, please.
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At 77 I’m still learning thanks to you.
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I wish you were my English teacher in school
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Thank you for leading me away from scrolling and bingeing back to my true love, reading. I’ve had the book Circe on my shelf for over a year and picked it up the other day after watching one of your videos, set a timer for one hour, and sat down to read it. You cannot imagine (or maybe you can) the pure joy I felt at burning past my one hour goal as I remembered how satisfying it is to absorb new ideas and turns of phrase that I underlined with pure delight. Every day since has been punctuated by this awakened passion. Liked. Subscribed. Bell rung!
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I hope you make more content like this. This is how you get 💫reading afterglow💫
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That Bleak House passage felt like pure misery. I've struggled with reading Dickens. But there are passages like this that just get to me. I wish I had the gift for writing like that! Just a few lines and he's painted a whole world. You can see and feel and smell and taste it all. It really is extraordinary.
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Thank you so much, Tristan, for sharing your talent with us. This is exactly what I was looking for. You are the best!
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This has instantly become one of my favourite educational channels!
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When I clicked on this video, I never thought that it would be this interesting! Thank you so much for this video. It was so very delightful to see you analyse the openings 😊
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oh, I can tell I'm going to love this video! I'm saving it so that I can listen to it at work today :) (already hit like though, because i know its going be a good one )
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This is a great video and a treat (and will be useful, as I examine another author to determine how he begins his books). Thank you for posting this. I would love to see more of these How to Read a Book analysis videos.
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Once again, you’re amazing!
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This was a lovely video. That Dombey & Son opening reminded me why Dickens is one of my favourites.
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Good evening, I will definitely use some of your tips with my students on my next lesson on Dickens...and they will also appreciate a pure musical English accent. (I am an Italian teacher of English language and literature, I just stumbled upon your amazing channel).
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A lozenge is a motif used in architectural ornamentation, usually diamond or rhombus shaped... also medieval heraldry such as a shield, or the shape of the shield itself. I'm enjoying your intro--Dickens is so dense, packed with interesting things!
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I absolutely love this line by line analysis. I have read a few of Dickens' novels so far (but only one recently) and never got so much out of the opening lines. I'm looking forward to re-reading soon!
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This was really interesting, I have David Copperfield, which I first read as a kid, I was given a copy a few years ago. I have just started war and peace again, so I think I'll read 10 pages of that in the day, and do DC as bedtime reading. You have made me want to read the other Dickens novels, Thanks.
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Thanks Tristan. I was never taught this and for me it is life changing.
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So helpful!! You are an excellent teacher!
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Thanks Tristan! Wonderful!
