Jack

Ahaha, thank you for asking this. And to be honest, you’re right—often, people with literary degrees don’t end up utilizing it later on. Nevertheless, I have a few points to make. Firstly, having a degree, in general, is a massive step up. My dad owns a business, and he says when he hires people, the fact that they even have a degree (any type) is crucial to him.

Secondly, a literature degree will help you learn to write well. I am often shocked when I realize the number of adults who don’t know how to write properly, whether that be an email, a memo, a report, or anything of that matter. Knowing how to write with proper grammar and writing well is a skill significantly lacking in our current generation. Being able to write and read well already sets you apart from the crowd.

Thirdly, I have always wanted to be a writer. Ever since I was a child, I wrote stories and poems. I know I risk a lot by striving to be a writer (an often failing job), but it’s also all I want to do. Nevertheless, I had to be realistic. In other words, I found a job as an editor for a business that pays very well and has full benefits. On the side, I can work on my writing, and one day, hopefully, my creative writing will surpass my business writing, and then I can make a career out of my dream.

The career of an artist is never certain. And that is why I feel it is so thrilling. The opportunity to become successful is only ever a small chance away. I don’t think I would ever want to be a journalist. Nevertheless, if I needed to be a journalist until I could fulfill my true dreams, then I would. All I know is that I genuinely enjoyed getting my literature degree. I was able to study what I was passionate about, and for me, that was the ultimate game changer.

I hope this helped. Do you have any more specific questions? Are you interested in one literary field in particular?

Hi there. You seem very sweet and genuine. Thank you for reaching out to me.

I have read Kafka’s Metamorphosis, yes. Well, you’re pretty spot on so far—the book is very strange. But in a way, it is meant to be peculiar. I believe that the original language of the book is German. Hence, I have also read a translation.

I would like to say one thing first: even as a literature major, I don’t enjoy every classic I read. There is nothing wrong with not liking or finding a classic confusing or uninteresting. It’s best to have explanations to back up your views, but it’s not harmful overall. If anything, (as R. W. Emerson would say), it’s good to differ from the crowd and establish your own thoughts.

I would love to help you, but first I have two questions:

1. Do you want me to make a post explaining how I read and analyze literature? (It may take me a while to put the post together, but I will do it if you’d like me to.)

2. What are your thoughts on the book so far? I do not want to put ideas into your head—I want to hear your thoughts. I don’t think that most books have only one meaning or interpretation. The fluidity of meaning in literature is beautiful. If two people read the same book and have two vastly different takeaways, then that just means that the message is broad and widely applicable.

So please, if you’d like, tell me what you think the book is about so far. Then, I will offer my interpretation. :) Dms or another anon post is fine with me! Or you can comment too, if you feel comfortable.

That’s an excellent question. I have two answers to this, and I’ll explain why. I read one book, and it was fantastic all around but also absolutely devastating. I would never recommend that anyone read it, but it's worth the pain if you choose to: A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. It is so beautiful yet incredibly tragic. Read at your own risk.

And just a book I would not recommend in general is Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. I really don’t like this book and writing style with a passion. (Even my professors know that I hate this book). I understand that the story is a good allegory, but as a story itself, I find it ridiculous. (I mean, the protagonist Christian is locked up in castle doubting for a few horrible days of torture and then he suddenly remembers he has a key in his pocket and the line reads something like, “and then they escaped!”, then the story moves on. Like okay, the big build up for what??? And John Bunyan cannot write a poem to save his life I’m sorry.)

My favorite book is a big basic to be honest. I read The Secret History by Donna Tartt ~5 years ago, but I think about it everyday. The language is so delicate and eloquent, the characters are round and well developed, and the story itself just bleeds dark academia—which is all I crave. The book has gotten so popular, but I truly admire the creativity, symbolism, and outright irony in it. It’s a great read, especially for a literature student.

Thank you for your questions :) What about you?