The Modern Scholar Audiobook By Professor Michael D.C. Drout cover art

The Modern Scholar

A Way With Words, Part II: Approaches to Literature

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The Modern Scholar

By: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
Narrated by: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
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In A Way with Words: Writing, Rhetoric, and the Art of Persuasion, widely published professor Michael D.C. Drout embarked on a thought-provoking investigation into the role of rhetoric in our world. Now, in A Way with Words II: Approaches to Literature, the renowned literary scholar leads a series of lectures that focus on the big questions of literature. Is literature a kind of lie? Can fiction ever be "realistic"? Why do we read? What should we read? Professor Drout provides insight into these and other provocative questions, including those related to the role of the text, author, and audience in the reading process. Throughout, Professor Drout introduces the major schools of literary and critical thought and employs illuminating examples from the world's most important literary works. Literature contributes to our understanding of what it means to be human in a myriad of complex ways, and for all those who appreciate the role of literature in our lives, this course proves a wonderful exploration of one of humankind's most cherished pursuits.Download the accompanying reference guide.©2007 Michael D.C. Drout (P)2007 Recorded Books, LLC World
Comprehensive Literature Analysis • Insightful Literary Relationships • Excellent Voice • Powerful Literary Examples

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First, I want to say that Prof. Drout has the best voice and personality for audio books. He is energetic, funny, and his enthusiasm for the subject is contagious. I really wanted to like Part II of this series (I loved Part I.). Unfortunately, it wasn't quite what I expected.

Contrary to Part One, I found Part Two to be boring overall and I zoned out frequently. I did pick up some interesting information, and I even laughed a few times; however his constant use of unexplained terminology was frustrating and annoying. But, his great voice (I can't emphasize this enough) and personality kept me listening.

If you have ever taken college level courses on this topic (and enjoyed it), I would definitely recommend this purchase. However, if you are not familiar with the terms used in this area of study, you may be a little confused (and bored) at times. He explains some terms, but takes for granted that you understand others.

Last, I want to mention that I did like that he made references to Part One of the series. It helped to reinforce previous topics, and made everything feel cohesive.

I look forward to listening to Part III.

Good, but...

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The Way with Words series is great! This one is my least favorite of the series but still worth the listen.

I love Professor Drout!

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Professor Droit has a good voice, an excellent style and an enjoyable sense of humor. He shares illuminating examples for the points he makes. The chapter on the literary canon was one of my favorites. His comments about Hemingway, Shakespeare, and Zora Neale Hurston were particularly interesting.

Terrific Course

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I have to agree with Jackson; not sure what that other reviewer is referring to.

These series of books have increased my awareness of literary constructs and rhetoric ten fold. Many favorite parts, but the chapters about Freud were captivating.

Drout is great

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Professor Drout brings meaning to the beauty, purpose, and power of literature with countless examples from some of the most famous authors and poets from the earliest works to the contemporary. These lectures were tremendously informative for me as an English and American Lit teacher, and they introduced me to various works which not only helped me understand how powerful literature can be, but will help me pose better questions, lead discussions, and analyze both prose and poetry with the goal of modeling my love of literature to inspire my students to become lifelong readers.

A fun and fascinating commentary about this thing we call literature!

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