I somewhat agree, but not fully. I certainly think we can enjoy literature without over-dissecting it. Even as an English Teacher, it's not like I'm thinking about the layers of symbolism as I lay in bed reading at night.
However, I think new meaning can be uncovered through deep analysis, and there is beauty in this too. When teaching, I often describe this process in terms of ice cream sundaes (or other delicious, layered foods - nachos, trifle, lasagna, etc.). Sure, we could just enjoy the "top layer," but the deeper we dig, the more we get to taste, and the best stiff is often at the bottom.
I somewhat agree, but not fully. I certainly think we can enjoy literature without over-dissecting it. Even as an English Teacher, it's not like I'm thinking about the layers of symbolism as I lay in bed reading at night.
However, I think new meaning can be uncovered through deep analysis, and there is beauty in this too. When teaching, I often describe this process in terms of ice cream sundaes (or other delicious, layered foods - nachos, trifle, lasagna, etc.). Sure, we could just enjoy the "top layer," but the deeper we dig, the more we get to taste, and the best stiff is often at the bottom.