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Reading Fiction
Human beings have always told stories, from the ancient epics of Greece to the modern manga of Japan. Stories entertain us and teach us and move us. They help us understand how life works and how people do, too.
In school you may read some challenging stories, novels, and plays—what tend to be called “literature.” Sometimes, they require you to slow down and pay special attention, but if you do, you’ll fall in love with these stories also.
This chapter teaches strategies you can use before, during, and after reading challenging literature. It also defines many of the key terms for analyzing fiction. Soon, you’ll not just know about characters, plots, settings, and point of view but use them to discuss fiction with friends. You might even write your own stories!