Denys Thomson (1907-1988) was a prolific writer, a scholar in the field of art, literature and literary theory. He has written books, articles and reviews on English language and literature. His major works are:
1.
Reading and
Discrimination (1934)
2.
The Uses of
Poetry
3.
What to read in
English literature
4.
Discrimination
and Popular Culture (Pelican)
5.
Directions
Teaching English
Thomson's ‘Reading and Discrimination’ explores the
importance of developing critical reading skills and the ability to distinguish
between good and bad literature. He emphasizes that reading should not be a
passive activity but an active engagement that involves thought, analysis, and
judgment. He has discussed following ideas in the book.
1.
Importance of
Critical Reading
2.
Combating Mass
Media
3.
Influence of
Popular Literature
4.
Role of
Education
5.
Balanced
Approach to Reading
1. Importance of Critical Reading:
Thomson argues that modern readers often consume
literature without questioning its quality or depth. He insists that readers
should develop a sense of discrimination—the ability to separate valuable
literature from superficial or misleading content.
Example:
A reader who enjoys both classic literature and
popular fiction should be able to recognize why ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane
Austen is a well-crafted novel with deep character development, while a
mass-market romance novel might rely on clichés and predictable plots.
2. Combating Mass Media Influence:
A large part of the book is concerned with the
negative influence of mass media. Thompson wanted to give people the tools to
defend themselves from the manipulations of advertising, newspapers, and other
forms of mass communication.
By showing examples of good and bad writing, and by
analysing the techniques used in persuasive writing, he gave his readers the
ability to see through the manipulations of the mass media.
Thus, Thompson was much concerned about the effects
of mass media, which he believed often promoted superficiality and manipulated
public opinion. He highlighted how advertisers and propagandists use language
to appeal to emotions and create desires. He suggests the readers toanalyze an
advertisement that uses emotionally charged words or celebrity endorsements to
promote a product.
Example:
“Thumbs Up!!! Taste the thunder!!!”
3. The Influence of Popular Literature
Thomson points out that people often read books
that are widely popular without considering their literary merit. He warns
against the uncritical acceptance of such literature and suggests that
popularity does not always equate to quality.
Example:
A best-selling thriller might be entertaining, but
it may lack the depth and artistic craftsmanship of a literary classic like ‘Crime
and Punishment’ by Dostoevsky.
4. The Role of Education in Developing Taste
He believed that education plays a crucial role in
shaping one's ability to discriminate between different kinds of literature.
Schools and universities should teach students not only to read but to analyze,
critique, and appreciate literature.
Example:
A student studying poetry should be able to
recognize the complexity of T.S. Eliot’s ‘The Waste Land’ compared to the
simplicity of a nursery rhyme.
5. The Need for a Balanced Approach to Reading
Thomson does not advocate for rejecting all popular
literature. Instead, he suggests that readers should have a balanced reading
habit—engaging with both serious literature and lighter works but understanding
their differences.
Example:
A person may read both Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ for
its psychological depth and a detective novel for entertainment, but they
should be aware that the former has greater literary significance.
Relevance of Thomson’s Ideas Today
Thomson’s ideas are more relevant than ever in the
digital age, where readers are bombarded with vast amounts of information,
including books, articles, and social media content. The ability to
discriminate between meaningful and trivial content is crucial in developing a
well-informed and thoughtful society.
Modern Example:
In the era of fake news and misinformation, people
must critically evaluate what they read online, just as they should
differentiate between great literature and mediocre writing.
Conclusion:
Denys Thomson’s "Reading and
Discrimination" is a powerful critical document that encourages readers to
think critically about their reading choices. By developing discrimination,
readers can appreciate great literature, resist the influence of low-quality
writing, and become more insightful individuals. Hence, the work remains a
timeless call for intelligent and conscious reading.
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